Top 10 Landmine Exercises for Enhancing Functional Strength

Landmine exercises are an exceptional method for building functional strength, seamlessly integrating into both personal workouts and structured training sessions. At our studio, which prioritizes functional training, the landmine attachment—also known as a T-Bar—serves as a versatile tool that benefits both our clients and our own fitness routines. Below, we explore the ten best landmine exercises, detailing their benefits and providing guidance on proper execution to help you maximize your training effectiveness.

Landmine Hack Squat

The Landmine Hack Squat is an outstanding exercise for targeting the quadriceps through their entire range of motion. This movement not only builds quad strength but also enhances support around the knee joints, contributing to overall leg stability. To perform this exercise, attach an Olympic-sized plate to one end of a barbell and rest it on one shoulder, positioning it on your upper traps. Facing away from the barbell, lean against the plate and take a few small steps forward. As you squat down, maintain your heels firmly on the ground and lean against the pivot point, adjusting your stance as necessary for comfort. To optimize your technique, consider using a squat pad for shoulder comfort, ensure a stable and non-slippery floor, keep your upper back and head pressed against the plate, and avoid excessive tailbone movement at the squat's lowest point.

Landmine Single Leg Romanian Deadlift (RDL)

Focusing on the hamstrings and hip stability, the Landmine Single Leg Romanian Deadlift is pivotal for developing balanced lower body strength. This exercise also promotes hamstring flexibility by allowing a significant stretch, which enhances overall mobility. To execute the Landmine RDL, hold the bar with the opposite hand of your standing leg while maintaining a neutral spine. Hinge at the hips, lifting the back leg as you lower your torso until your hamstring is fully stretched. Key technique tips include keeping the standing leg’s knee slightly bent, pointing the trailing foot downward to prevent hips from shifting sideways, and allowing the hamstring stretch to dictate your range of motion rather than forcing a deeper stretch.

Landmine Front Squat

The Landmine Front Squat is a comprehensive leg exercise that also engages the mid-back, providing additional support and strength. This exercise is particularly beneficial for those with good ankle mobility, although adjustments can be made for varying flexibility levels. To perform the Landmine Front Squat, face the barbell and grip the end with both hands, keeping your palms pressed together and the bar aligned between your collarbones. Lean forward against the bar and squat down, ensuring your heels remain on the ground and your upper back does not round. Focus on allowing the barbell to pivot rather than move straight up and down and keep your knees aligned with your toes, pointing outward to maintain proper form.

Landmine Deadlift

Targeting the lower back, hamstrings, and glutes, the Landmine Deadlift emphasizes the hip hinge movement, which reduces stress on the lower back by keeping the weight closer to your center of gravity. To perform this exercise, stand facing the barbell with the tongues of your shoes aligned with the bar’s end. Hinge at the hips with a slight bend in your knees to reach the bar, ensuring your back remains straight. Lift the bar by extending your hips and knees while maintaining straight arms throughout the movement. Using chalk can help prevent the bar from slipping, and driving through the balls of your feet while engaging your glutes ensures all lower body muscles work harmoniously.

Landmine Strict Press

The Landmine Strict Press primarily targets the anterior deltoids and is an excellent unilateral press variation that helps balance strength between sides. This exercise is also gentler on the shoulders, making it ideal for individuals with minor shoulder issues. You can perform the Landmine Strict Press either standing or in a half-kneeling position. When kneeling, press with the arm corresponding to the kneeling leg. Hold the bar with a slight forward lean, press it upward until your bicep aligns with your temple, and then lower it back down with control. To maintain proper form, avoid overarching your lower back by leaning forward and ensure your shoulders and hips remain square to the front to prevent unwanted body rotation.

Landmine Meadows Row

Named after the late John Meadows, the Landmine Meadows Row is a single-arm bent-over row that effectively targets the rhomboids, lats, and rear delts. To perform this exercise, stand side-on to the barbell end and grasp it with one hand. Hinge at the hips with a slight knee bend to prevent lower back rounding, and pull the bar upward and backward, leading the movement with your elbow. Supporting your lower back by resting your free hand on your knee and focusing on pulling with your elbow rather than your hand can enhance muscle engagement and prevent injury.

Landmine Kneeling Chest Press

The Landmine Kneeling Chest Press targets the upper chest and shoulders, enhancing upper body pressing strength. To execute this exercise, kneel on both knees facing the bar and grip the bar near the base of your neck with your palms pressed together. Engage your glutes to avoid arching your lower back, then press the bar upward and forward until your elbows are fully extended before lowering it back with control. Using a cushioned mat can provide knee comfort, and a slight forward lean allows for a more natural pressing motion. If the starting position is challenging, elevating the weight on a box can make the exercise more accessible.

Landmine Row

Also known as the T-Bar row, the Landmine Row is a staple exercise for back development within functional training programs. Utilizing a landmine handle allows for a wider, more comfortable grip and an improved range of motion. To perform the Landmine Row, straddle the bar facing away from the attachment, lift the weight a few inches off the floor, and stabilize your position. Pull your elbows upward and backward while keeping your lower back straight throughout the movement. Wearing a weightlifting belt can provide additional lower back support, and maintaining a horizontal stance with a slight knee bend ensures proper form and maximizes upper back engagement.

Landmine Twists

Landmine Twists are an excellent core exercise that emphasizes the obliques and enhances rotational strength, which is beneficial for various sports and functional movements. To perform Landmine Twists, stand facing the bar and hold it with both hands, arms extended. Lower the bar to one side while keeping your arms straight and your chest facing the bar, allowing the far side foot's heel to pivot and lift slightly off the ground. Then, rotate the bar to the opposite side, following the same path. Aim for 10-12 reps per side across 3-4 sets. Focus on rotating your torso fully while minimizing shoulder involvement and use lighter weights to maintain strict form.

Landmine Lunge to Press

The Landmine Lunge to Press is a dynamic, full-body exercise that combines a lower body lunge with an upper body press, engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This exercise enhances core stability and has significant carryover benefits for sports such as rugby, football, and martial arts. To perform the Landmine Lunge to Press, face the barbell holding it with one hand while leaning slightly forward. Step back with the same leg, lowering your knee close to the floor into a lunge, then return to the starting position and use the momentum to perform a single-arm press. Maintaining a forward lean throughout the movement and fluidly integrating the lunge with the press ensures effective execution. Starting with your weaker or less coordinated side can help promote balanced development and prevent muscular imbalances.

Incorporating these ten landmine exercises into your training regimen can significantly enhance your functional strength, stability, and overall athletic performance. Whether your focus is on developing lower body power, increasing upper body strength, or engaging in full-body movements, the landmine attachment offers versatile and effective options to help you achieve your fitness goals. Embrace these exercises to add variety and depth to your workouts, promoting a well-rounded and resilient physique.