WOOD CHOP

This exercise has been adapted for strength-training purposes from the physical therapy world. It uses an upper-body diagonal pattern that is functional for real-life activities. It mimics the ancient chore of chopping wood, something that a 21st-century woman doesn't often have the opportunity to do. But if she did, she would have great abs from pulling the heavy weight down across her body.

1. Stand in between two pulley stacks, closer to the right stack. Make sure the right arm is parallel with the stack and the legs are shoulder-width apart.
2. Position a rope attachment at the top of the stack. Grab the rope from the top position with both hands.
3. Keep the arms extended and overhead, and use the midsection to pull diagonally down on the cable, across the body to the left foot. The movement simulates chopping wood, hence the name.
4. Switch and perform the exercise on the other side after each set.