All Exercises

Resistance Band Kneeling Woodchop

Engage your core and sculpt your obliques with the resistance band kneeling woodchop.

Intermediate
Compound
Pull
1 min per set30s rest

Description

A full body exercise that targets the core and improves flexibility. Performed in a kneeling position, you pull a resistance band diagonally across the body, mimicking a 'chopping' action.

How to Do Resistance Band Kneeling Woodchop

  1. 1
    Setup

    Anchor a resistance band securely at a high point (e.g., door frame) to your side. Kneel perpendicular to the anchor point, about 3-4 feet away, with your knees hip-width apart and hips directly over your knees.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Grasp the band handle with both hands, palms facing each other, extending your arms towards the anchor point so there is tension in the band. Your body should be slightly rotated towards the anchor.

  3. 3

    Inhale, then as you exhale, engage your core and initiate the "chopping" motion by pulling the band diagonally across your body towards the opposite hip. Keep your arms relatively straight with a slight bend in the elbows.

  4. 4

    Rotate your torso, keeping your hips stable, until your hands finish near your opposite hip or thigh, squeezing your obliques. Maintain a controlled movement throughout the chop.

  5. 5

    Inhale as you slowly and with control reverse the motion, allowing the band to pull your hands back to the starting position. Resist the band's pull to maintain core engagement.

Tips

  • Focus on initiating the movement from your core, specifically your obliques, rather than just pulling with your arms.
  • Keep your hips relatively stable throughout the movement to maximize the rotational challenge on your core muscles.
  • Control the eccentric (return) phase of the movement; don't let the band snap your arms back, as this builds strength and prevents injury.
  • Adjust your distance from the anchor point or use a different band to find the appropriate resistance level for a challenging yet controlled movement.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Using too much arm strength instead of core rotation: Focus on rotating your torso and squeezing your obliques, letting your arms act as levers.
  • ×Allowing hips to rotate excessively: Keep your hips stable and facing forward or slightly angled to ensure the rotation comes primarily from your waist and obliques.
  • ×Losing tension in the band: Ensure there is constant tension in the resistance band throughout the entire range of motion, even at the top of the movement.

Variations

Related Exercises

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