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Resistance Band Standing Wood Chop

Intermediate
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A rotational resistance band exercise that targets obliques and core to build rotational strength and stability; enhances functional power for sports like golf or tennis.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Obliques, Abs

Secondary Muscles

Glutes, Quads

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Conditioning
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Obliques

10/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Abs

8/10

Transverse Abdominis, Rectus Abdominis

Shoulders

7/10

Anterior Delts, Medial Delts

Lats

6/10

Glutes

5/10

Glute Max

Quads

4/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Anchor resistance band high to a sturdy point. Stand sideways, feet shoulder-width, grasp band with both hands extended toward anchor.

  1. Engage core and bend knees slightly.
  2. Rotate torso and hips away from anchor, pulling band diagonally across body to opposite hip.
  3. Keep arms straight but not locked, drive from core.
  4. Pivot back foot naturally.
  5. Slowly return to start, resisting band's pull.
  6. Switch sides after reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Drive from core
  • Rotate hips with torso
  • Keep arms extended
  • Maintain neutral spine
  • Resist on return

Breathing

Inhale during return to start; exhale forcefully during the chop.

Tempo

2-0-2

Range of Motion

From hands above near shoulder to opposite hip, full torso rotation without spine twist beyond neutral.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Secure anchor firmly
  • Inspect band for damage
  • Start with light resistance
  • Avoid if acute back injury
  • Consult professional for bone loss issues

Spotting

No spotter needed; use stable anchor and control movement.

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum instead of control
  • Rounding back during rotation
  • Fixed hips, no torso turn
  • Arms pulling instead of core leading
  • Snapping band back quickly

When to Avoid

  • Acute back pain
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Recent spinal injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip rotation
  • Shoulder flexion to 180 degrees
  • Thoracic spine mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic core bracing
  • Familiarity with rotational patterns

Also known as

Banded Standing Wood Chopper, Resistance Band Rotational Chop, Standing Band Woodcutter

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