Knees to Elbow vs Cable Woodchopper
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Knees to Elbow is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 5. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Knees to Elbow and Cable Woodchopper and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Knees to Elbow vs Cable Woodchopper: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Knees to Elbow more often — 347 sessions compared to 184 for Cable Woodchopper.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Knees to Elbow 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 Knees to Elbow and Cable Woodchopper Differ
| What differs | Knees to Elbow | Cable Woodchopper |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs | abs and quads |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 347 sessions | 184 sessions |
How to Do Knees to Elbow
Knees to Elbow Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Place both hands behind your head and engage your core.
- 2. As you lift your upper body, touch one elbow to the opposite knee.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat the same on the other side.
Coach's Tips
- When raising your knees, engage your core and be careful not to twist your body excessively.
For a full Knees to Elbow guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Knees to Elbow 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, Knees to Elbow 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 Knees to Elbow and Cable Woodchopper work the same muscles?
Not quite. Knees to Elbow loads abs, and Cable Woodchopper loads abs and quads.
What equipment do Knees to Elbow and Cable Woodchopper need?
Knees to Elbow needs bodyweight only, and Cable Woodchopper needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Knees to Elbow is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Woodchopper once your form holds up.
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