Exercise guide
Resistance Band Kneeling High Low Anti Rotation Chop
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Back
- Shoulders
- Waist
This diagonal movement builds functional core strength and rotational power by challenging the obliques and deep stabilizers to control a high-to-low path. It integrates the upper body and core, forcing the pectorals and deltoids to work in coordination with the midsection.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Secondary
Equipment
Setup
- Anchor a resistance band to a high point on a power rack, well above head height.
- Assume a half-kneeling position perpendicular to the anchor, with the outside knee (furthest from the rack) up and the inside knee down.
- Grip the band with both hands, arms extended toward the anchor point, ensuring there is tension in the band.
- Engage your glutes and brace your core to create a stable, upright pillar from your head to your kneeling knee.
How to do it
- Exhale and pull the band diagonally across your body in a 'chopping' motion, moving from the high anchor toward your outside hip.
- Keep your arms mostly straight with a slight bend in the elbows, rotating your shoulders slightly while keeping your hips locked forward.
- Inhale and slowly reverse the movement, controlling the band's tension as you return to the high starting position over a 3-second count.
- Complete the set on one side, then switch your kneeling stance and repeat the movement in the opposite direction.
Form checklist
- Keep your hips and pelvis facing forward; do not allow them to rotate toward the rack.
- Maintain a 'tall spine' throughout the movement, avoiding any forward rounding or side-leaning.
- Ensure the movement is driven by the torso and shoulders, not just the arms.
- Keep your shoulders depressed and away from your ears to avoid neck strain.
Pro tips
- Think about 'pushing' with the inside hand and 'pulling' with the outside hand to maximize chest and shoulder engagement.
- Pause for one second at the bottom of the chop to emphasize the peak contraction of the obliques and serratus.
Make it harder
- Transition to a tall-kneeling position (both knees down) to narrow your base of support and increase the stability demand.
- Increase the tempo of the 'chop' phase while maintaining a very slow, controlled return to the start.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the resistance band kneeling high low anti rotation chop work?
- The resistance band kneeling high low anti rotation chop primarily targets the lats, obliques, and serratus anterior, and also works the abs, deltoids, erector spinae, and glutes as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the resistance band kneeling high low anti rotation chop?
- The resistance band kneeling high low anti rotation chop uses resistance band.
- Is the resistance band kneeling high low anti rotation chop good for beginners?
- The resistance band kneeling high low anti rotation chop is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.
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