How-to Strengthen Trunk rotation

Trunk rotation is an essential movement pattern that is often undertrained in the gym. The major muscles involved in trunk rotation are the obliques, but it's important to focus on the movement as a whole rather than specific muscles. Rotation is a regular movement in daily life and maintaining good spinal mobility is crucial for overall spinal and back health.

The Cable Wood Chop is an effective exercise for improving trunk rotation and the health of your spine.

To perform the exercise, you will need a cable cross machine.

Begin by facing sideways to the cable column and taking a stable stance wider than shoulder width. Grasp the handle with the hand furthest from the cable column and place the other hand over it.

Start with 70% of your weight on the leg closest to the cable.

Draw your belly button inward toward your spine and initiate the movement by bending your legs, pushing away from the weight stack, and rotating your trunk away from the cable column while simultaneously pulling the handle downward across your body.

The movement ends when your hands are just outside of your knee.

Inhale as your arms go up and exhale through pursed lips as you bring your arms down across your body.

Repeat on each side.

Ask your trainer to incorporate trunk rotation exercises like the Cable Wood Chop into your training routine for improved functional movement.