The high-to-low woodchop is a rotational movement, so it engages your core by forcing it to resist the side-to-side motion, says Rachel MacPherson, ACE-certified personal trainer. "This helps strengthen and stiffen the side body and core." Keep this move steady and controlled, and avoid using momentum to swing the weight.
How to Strengthen Your Core With High-to-Low Woodchops:
- Stand with feet slightly wider than hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell or medicine ball in both hands. Twist upward to the right, bringing the weight above your head on a diagonal.
- Exhale and slice the weight diagonally across your body, ending with the weight outside of your left thigh. Pivot on your right foot, if needed, and focus on initiating the rotation in your torso.
- Lift the weight back up to the starting position with control. That's one rep.
