Ortiz describes the woodchopper or the woodchop as a dynamic full-body functional movement that mimics the functional motion of — you guessed it — chopping wood. "This exercise uses a cable machine, dumbbell, or kettlebell to create resistance while you rotate through your core, engaging multiple muscle groups," he says. "It builds rotational strength, improves balance, and increases core stability, which are all vital components for athletic performance and everyday activities."
Muscles worked: the woodchopper works your obliques through rotation, your legs and glutes to stabilize the movement, and the arms, shoulders, and back as they control the weight through the chopping motion.
- Start with your feet hip-width apart and one hold one dumbbell on your right shoulder with both hands.
- Turning through your right foot, rotate your body through the core and bring the dumbbell to your left hip.
- Return to the starting position.
- Repeat on the right side for 10 reps, then again on the left side for an additional 10 reps.
