Resistance Band Seated Wood Chop exercise demonstration image

Video Coming Soon

We're working on adding video demonstrations for this exercise.

Resistance Band Seated Wood Chop

Beginner
Home Friendly

A seated rotational core exercise using a resistance band that targets obliques and abs to build rotational strength and stability; ideal for functional training and core conditioning.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Obliques

Secondary Muscles

Lats, Shoulders

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

Yes

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Obliques

10/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Abs

7/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Lats

5/10

Teres Major

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Secure a resistance band to an anchor at chest height. Sit sideways on a bench or ball with tall posture, gripping the band with both hands extended toward the anchor.

  1. Rotate your torso away from the anchor while pulling the band diagonally across your body.
  2. Extend arms fully toward your opposite hip, keeping elbows slightly bent.
  3. Contract obliques at the end position.
  4. Inhale and reverse the motion, resisting the band's pull back to start.
  5. Maintain neutral spine throughout.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Initiate from core
  • Eyes follow hands
  • Keep arms straight
  • Brace core tight
  • Neutral spine always

Breathing

Exhale during the chopping rotation; inhale as you return to the starting position while bracing your core.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Rotate torso from full extension toward anchor to full rotation with hands near opposite hip, keeping spine neutral.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute lower back pain
  • Use appropriate band resistance
  • Secure anchor firmly
  • Stop if spinal discomfort occurs

Spotting

Not typically required; self-spot by controlling band tension.

Common Mistakes

  • Using arms only instead of torso
  • Rounding the back
  • Letting band snap back
  • Excessive momentum

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Recent spinal surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate spinal rotation
  • Hip mobility for seated stability

Build Up First

  • Basic core bracing
  • Familiarity with band tension

Also known as

Banded Seated Woodchopper, Seated Band Rotation Chop, Resistance Band Torso Twist

Found this helpful?

Share your thoughts or help us improve this guide.

Hero Image

Master your movement.

Experience automatic exercise detection and rep counting - powered by the motion of your Apple Watch.

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of cookies.