Fit Tip of the Day: Wood Chop With Dumbbell

Posted on September 2, 2010 by Lolita Carrico

One move that works your abs, shoulders and legs — how awesome is that? This simple move mimics the action of chopping wood, only there’s no log required … and no ax. Thank goodness for that. I’m just not outdoorsy enough to actually attempt chopping wood. Instead, all you need is a five pound dumbbell and a little space on your living room floor. While you can do the move without a weight, the addition of the dumbbell makes this wood chop move more effective.

- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.

- Grasp a five-pound dumbbell with both hands. Hold the dumbbell down in front of you.

- Squat down and rotate the dumbbell down next to your right knee.

- Stand up and raise the dumbbell up toward your left shoulder (keeping your arms straight, but don’t lock your elbows).

- Repeat eight to 10 reps on each side.