ex_UYTVBH

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Waist · Dumbbell

Dumbbell Diagonal Chop

intermediatestrengthMale & female model

Dumbbell Diagonal Chop is an intermediate isolation strength exercise that works the abs (waist), with the shoulders assisting. It needs a dumbbell. A typical prescription is 3 sets of 10-15 reps, and it burns about 5.5 calories per minute.

Target: Abs
Body part: Waist
Equipment: Dumbbell
Category: Strength
Mechanic: Isolation
Force: Push
Sets × reps: 3 × 10-15
Calories / min: ≈ 5.5 kcal

Primary muscles

Obliques · External Oblique, Internal Oblique

Secondary muscles

Shoulders · Deltoids

How to do Dumbbell Diagonal Chop

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell with both hands extended opposite your chest.
Rotate your torso and lower the dumbbell diagonally across your body to the left side, extending your arms fully as you reach downward, while pivoting your feet towards your left side.
In a controlled motion, bring the dumbbell back up to the starting position, reversing the diagonal path.
Repeat the movement for the desired number of repetitions, then switch sides and repeat.

Form tips

Rotate your torso and pivot your feet to allow for a full range of motion.
Maintain a firm grip on the dumbbell to ensure control.
Perform the movement in a controlled manner to avoid swinging the dumbbell.

Dumbbell Diagonal Chop alternatives

Diagonal Chop Cable

Abs · beginner

Diagonal Chop Right

Abs · intermediate

Diagonal Chop Left

Abs · intermediate

Decline Levitating Sit Ups Bodyweight

Abs · intermediate

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Standing Cable Oblique Twist

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Raised Leg Crunch

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Reverse Crunch With Kick Out

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Lying Abs Resistance Band

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Bench Knee Tucks

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Landmine Oblique Twist

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Flutter Kicks

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Dumbbell Diagonal Chop FAQ

What muscles does Dumbbell Diagonal Chop work?

Dumbbell Diagonal Chop mainly works the abs in the waist (External Oblique and Internal Oblique). The shoulders work as secondary muscles.

What equipment do you need for Dumbbell Diagonal Chop?

You need a dumbbell.

How many sets and reps of Dumbbell Diagonal Chop should I do?

Start with 3 sets of 10-15 reps. Pick a load or variation where the last one or two reps are hard but your form stays clean.

Is Dumbbell Diagonal Chop good for beginners?

It's rated intermediate. Beginners can work up to it once they control simpler waist exercises.

How many calories does Dumbbell Diagonal Chop burn?

About 5.5 calories per minute for a person of around 70 kg, based on a MET value of 4.5. Ten minutes of work is roughly 55 calories; heavier people burn more.

What is a good alternative to Dumbbell Diagonal Chop?

Other exercises for the abs include Diagonal Chop Cable, Diagonal Chop Right, Diagonal Chop Left and Decline Levitating Sit Ups Bodyweight.

For developers

Use Dumbbell Diagonal Chop in your app

Get this exercise and 1,900+ others from the WorkoutX API: 720p MP4 animations at 30 fps without the watermark, male and female models, muscles, instructions and form tips in 7 languages.

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# One request returns the exercise and its 720p media links
curl "https://api.workoutxapp.com/v2/exercises/ex_UYTVBH" \
  -H "X-WorkoutX-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"

{
  "id": "ex_UYTVBH",
  "name": "Dumbbell Diagonal Chop",
  "model": "male",
  "counterpartId": "ex_ON5PGC",
  "target": "Abs",
  "equipment": "Dumbbell",
  "media": {
    "mp4": "https://…/ex_UYTVBH/mp4-720.mp4?…",
    "poster": "https://…/ex_UYTVBH/poster.jpg?…"
  }
}