Plank vs Cable Woodchopper
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 sessions vs 184. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Plank and Cable Woodchopper and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Plank vs Cable Woodchopper: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 sessions compared to 184 for Cable Woodchopper.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Plank 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 Plank and Cable Woodchopper Differ
| What differs | Plank | Cable Woodchopper |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs 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 | 9,776 sessions | 184 sessions |
How to Do Plank
Plank Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Spread your arms shoulder-width apart and support your body on the balls of your feet while lying face down with your knees straight.
- 2. Raise your hips to ensure your body forms a straight line from head to toe.
- 3. Perform the movement by pulling your belly button up to prevent your lower back from sagging.
Coach's Tips
- To avoid hunching your back, keep your body in a straight line and engage your core while holding the position.
For a full Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plank 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, Plank or Cable Woodchopper?
Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 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 Plank and Cable Woodchopper work the same muscles?
Not quite. Plank loads abs and glutes, and Cable Woodchopper loads abs and quads.
What equipment do Plank and Cable Woodchopper need?
Plank needs bodyweight only, and Cable Woodchopper needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Plank is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Woodchopper once your form holds up.
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