Cable Side Bend vs Cable Woodchopper
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Cable Side Bend and Cable Woodchopper are close in use — 184 vs 138 sessions logged. What separates them is Core loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Cable Side Bend and Cable Woodchopper and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Cable Side Bend vs Cable Woodchopper: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Cable Woodchopper more often — 184 sessions compared to 138 for Cable Side Bend.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Cable Side Bend and Cable Woodchopper differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Cable Side Bend and Cable Woodchopper Differ
| What differs | Cable Side Bend | Cable Woodchopper |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs and quads |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 138 sessions | 184 sessions |
How to Do Cable Side Bend
Cable Side Bend Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Bend your upper body down in the opposite direction of the cable.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Don't bend your waist excessively; move only within a natural range.
- 2. Avoid lifting weights that are too heavy and maintain your balance to prevent your body from tilting.
For a full Cable Side Bend guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Side Bend exercise guide.
How to Do Cable Woodchopper
Cable Woodchopper Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Pull diagonally downwards as if chopping a tree from top to bottom.
- 2. Rotate the pelvis and upper body together, and slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Don't just twist your waist; rotate with your core and hips.
- 2. Proceed with a manageable weight that you can control without momentum.
For a full Cable Woodchopper guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Cable Woodchopper exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Cable Side Bend or Cable Woodchopper?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Core, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Cable Side Bend and Cable Woodchopper work the same muscles?
Not quite. Cable Side Bend loads abs, and Cable Woodchopper loads abs and quads.
What equipment do Cable Side Bend and Cable Woodchopper need?
Cable Side Bend needs a machine, and Cable Woodchopper needs a machine.
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