Exercise guide
Landmine Single Arm Press
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Shoulders
- Upper arms
- Waist
The landmine single arm press is a functional unilateral movement that builds shoulder strength and stability while heavily engaging the obliques to resist rotation. Its diagonal pressing path is often more comfortable for the shoulder joint than a traditional vertical overhead press.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Place one end of a barbell in a landmine attachment or a secure corner.
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart or in a staggered stance with the foot opposite the pressing arm forward.
- Grip the end of the barbell sleeve with one hand at shoulder height, keeping your elbow tucked slightly in front of your ribs.
- Lean slightly forward into the bar so your body forms a straight line from your head to your rear heel.
How to do it
- Exhale and press the barbell upward and forward in a diagonal arc until your arm is fully extended.
- At the peak of the movement, allow your shoulder blade to move naturally by reaching slightly forward.
- Inhale as you slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position at shoulder height, maintaining tension.
- Maintain a controlled 2-1-2 tempo (two seconds up, one second pause, two seconds down).
Form checklist
- Keep your core braced and hips square to prevent the torso from rotating toward the bar.
- Avoid arching your lower back as you reach the top of the press.
- Keep your elbow at a 45-degree angle to your body rather than flaring it out to the side.
- Ensure your weight remains balanced on the mid-foot and does not shift entirely to your toes.
Pro tips
- Squeeze the glute on the same side as the pressing arm to create a 'column of stability' through your midsection.
- Think about pushing your body away from the bar rather than just pushing the bar away from you to increase serratus anterior activation.
Make it harder
- Perform the movement from a half-kneeling position (down on the knee of the pressing side) to remove leg drive and increase core demand.
- Add a 'squat-to-press' component by performing a goblet squat before each pressing repetition.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the landmine single arm press work?
- The landmine single arm press primarily targets the deltoids, pectorals, and triceps, and also works the abs, obliques, rotator cuff, and serratus anterior as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the landmine single arm press?
- The landmine single arm press uses cable.
- Is the landmine single arm press good for beginners?
- The landmine single arm press is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.
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