Landmine Press

A pressing arc between horizontal and overhead, which suits shoulders that do not like a straight vertical press. Sets of 8-12 per side with a braced trunk.

DIFFICULTY
Intermediate
EQUIPMENT
Landmine · Barbell
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Deltoids · Chest
ALSO WORKS
Triceps · Serratus Anterior · Obliques
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01Anchor one end of the barbell in a landmine sleeve or a corner.
  2. 02Take a half-kneeling or standing stance facing the anchor.
  3. 03Hold the sleeve end at the front of the shoulder with the elbow tucked.
  4. 04Brace the trunk and press the bar up and forward along its natural arc.
  5. 05Return the bar to the shoulder under control without letting the ribs flare.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Ribs down as you press.
  2. 02Follow the bar, do not fight it.
  3. 03Finish with the arm long, not locked.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Leaning away from the bar to press — the obliques take the load rather than the shoulder.
  2. 02Flaring the ribs at lockout — the lumbar spine extends instead of the shoulder finishing the press.
  3. 03Rushing the return — the eccentric is where the shoulder builds control, and it gets skipped first.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

Want a program built around you?

BOOK YOUR ASSESSMENT →