Side Plank vs Cable Woodchopper
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Side Plank more often — 897 sessions vs 184. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Side Plank and Cable Woodchopper and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Side Plank vs Cable Woodchopper: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Side Plank more often — 897 sessions compared to 184 for Cable Woodchopper.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Side 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 Side Plank and Cable Woodchopper Differ
| What differs | Side Plank | Cable Woodchopper |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and front delts | abs and quads |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 897 sessions | 184 sessions |
How to Do Side Plank
Side Plank Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Lie on your side and position your elbow under your shoulder.
- 2. Keep your legs together and engage your core and glutes to create a straight line from your head to your legs when viewed from above.
- 3. Maintain tension in your core for the given time and repeat the same on the opposite side.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When doing a side plank, make sure your body forms a straight line from your head to your toes, so that your lower back does not sag and your hips do not drop.
- 2. If you feel pain in the front of your shoulder or in your lower back, try lowering the difficulty by placing your knees on the floor.
For a full Side Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Side 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, Side Plank or Cable Woodchopper?
Planfit users log Side Plank more often — 897 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 Side Plank and Cable Woodchopper work the same muscles?
Not quite. Side Plank loads abs and front delts, and Cable Woodchopper loads abs and quads.
What equipment do Side Plank and Cable Woodchopper need?
Side Plank needs bodyweight only, and Cable Woodchopper needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Side Plank is the easier place to start. Move to Cable Woodchopper once your form holds up.
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