Reverse Plank vs Cable Woodchopper
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Reverse Plank is the easier place to start — difficulty 4 of 5 vs 5. Compare Core form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Reverse Plank and Cable Woodchopper and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Reverse Plank 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 103 for Reverse Plank.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Reverse 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 Reverse Plank and Cable Woodchopper Differ
| What differs | Reverse Plank | Cable Woodchopper |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs, triceps, and quads | abs and quads |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 103 sessions | 184 sessions |
How to Do Reverse Plank
Reverse Plank Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Sit with your knees straight and place your hands behind your shoulders, with your fingertips facing forward for support.
- 2. In that position, lift your hips so that your head, abdomen, and legs form a straight line.
- 3. Be careful not to tilt your head back and maintain tension in your whole body for the given time.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your shoulders and back straight while lifting your body, and engage your core.
For a full Reverse Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Reverse 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, Reverse Plank 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 Reverse Plank and Cable Woodchopper work the same muscles?
Not quite. Reverse Plank loads abs, triceps, and quads, and Cable Woodchopper loads abs and quads.
What equipment do Reverse Plank and Cable Woodchopper need?
Reverse Plank needs bodyweight only, and Cable Woodchopper needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Reverse Plank is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Woodchopper once your form holds up.
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