Mountain Climber vs Cable Woodchopper
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Mountain Climber more often — 1,794 sessions vs 184. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Mountain Climber and Cable Woodchopper and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Mountain Climber vs Cable Woodchopper: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Mountain Climber more often — 1,794 sessions compared to 184 for Cable Woodchopper.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Mountain Climber 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 Mountain Climber and Cable Woodchopper Differ
| What differs | Mountain Climber | Cable Woodchopper |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs, quads, and glutes | abs and quads |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,794 sessions | 184 sessions |
How to Do Mountain Climber
Mountain Climber Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Spread your arms shoulder-width apart and lie face down, lightly engaging your core to create a straight line with your body.
- 2. While keeping one foot off the ground, pull your knee towards your chest.
- 3. As you return the lifted foot to its original position, lift the opposite foot and pull its knee towards your chest, repeating the process.
Coach's Tips
- This exercise is done quickly to achieve the effects of aerobic exercise rather than slowly feeling the stimulation. Try to perform it at a slightly faster tempo than other exercises.
For a full Mountain Climber guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Mountain Climber 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, Mountain Climber or Cable Woodchopper?
Planfit users log Mountain Climber more often — 1,794 sessions against 184 for Cable Woodchopper. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Mountain Climber and Cable Woodchopper work the same muscles?
Not quite. Mountain Climber loads abs, quads, and glutes, and Cable Woodchopper loads abs and quads.
What equipment do Mountain Climber and Cable Woodchopper need?
Mountain Climber needs bodyweight only, and Cable Woodchopper needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Mountain Climber is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Woodchopper once your form holds up.
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