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Best Beginner Upper Body Workouts With Landmine

About

This routine utilizes landmines, a versatile piece of equipment involving a barbell anchored at one end, to enable unique exercise variations taking advantage of a dynamic movement arc.

Designed with beginners in mind, the exercises focus on simplicity, ease of use, and reduced injury risk, accommodating individuals with less than one year of training experience.

Key compound movements target upper body muscle groups, including the chest, back, shoulders, biceps, triceps, trapezius, abs, and forearms, complementing the strength-building process.

The provided routines include teaching lower initial weights to refine performance, while offering opportunities for challenge as you progress in your fitness journey.

The 7 Best Beginner Upper Body Exercises with Landmine

Ranked By

Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Landmine Press

    Landmine Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    206,388
    Shoulders Strength
    88 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Landmine Press is an exercise that strengthens your shoulders. By using a landmine, you can press the weight up and forward, which helps improve strength for sports and everyday activities.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with the barbell perpendicular to your body.
    2. Place your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the end of the barbell in front of your chest with both hands.
    3. Grip the bar with your palms facing each other and elbows close to your sides.
    4. Brace your core and press the bar upward and forward.
    5. Lower the bar back to the starting position and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 2. Landmine Row

    Landmine Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    593,522
    Back Strength
    90 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Landmine Row is a strength exercise that mainly works your back, shoulders, and biceps. It uses a landmine to create a unique movement, helping increase muscle mass and strength while varying your workout routine.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, straddling the barbell, and face away from the landmine anchor.
    2. Engage your core and keep your back straight.
    3. Bend your knees slightly, hinge at your hips, and grip the barbell near the base.
    4. Lift the barbell to knee height by extending your hips.
    5. Pull the barbell towards your lower ribcage or chest by bending your elbows.
    6. Lower the barbell back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 3. Single Arm Landmine Press

    Single Arm Landmine Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    143,234
    Shoulders Strength
    65 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Single Arm Landmine Press is an upper body exercise that targets your shoulders, triceps, and core using a landmine attachment. By pressing with one arm at a time, it helps improve strength, stability, and coordination, making it a great choice for beginners and athletes alike.

    How to do it

    1. Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold the end of the barbell in your right hand, just in front of your right shoulder.
    3. Keep your right forearm vertical and your elbow tucked to your side.
    4. Brace your core and push the barbell upward until your arm is fully extended.
    5. Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position and switch to your left arm.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 4. Single Arm Landmine Row

    Single Arm Landmine Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    247,726
    Back Strength
    80 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Single Arm Landmine Row is an exercise that targets your back muscles. By using one arm at a time, you can focus on building strength evenly and improving stability.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing away from the landmine anchor.
    2. Brace your core to maintain a neutral spine.
    3. Bend your knees slightly and hinge at your hips to reach for the barbell with your right hand.
    4. Lift the barbell to knee height by extending your hips.
    5. Pull the barbell towards your lower ribcage or until a plate touches your chest with your right elbow.
    6. Lower the barbell back to the starting position and repeat on the left side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 5. Landmine Press and Catch

    Landmine Press and Catch demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    11,061
    Shoulders Strength
    85 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Landmine Press and Catch is a shoulder exercise that helps improve strength by using one arm at a time. This movement adds instability, allowing you to address any strength imbalances between your left and right sides.

    How to do it

    1. Stand in front of the landmine with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    2. Hold the landmine with one hand over your shoulder.
    3. Push the weight up explosively with your shoulder and chest, allowing it to arc to your opposite hand.
    4. Let go of the landmine as it moves to your other hand.
    5. Catch the landmine with your opposite hand in front of you, controlling its descent to your shoulder.
    6. Keep your core tight and your chest up during the exercise.
  • 6. Meadow Landmine Row

    Meadow Landmine Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    41,297
    Back Strength
    75 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Meadow Landmine Row is a back exercise using a landmine attachment and dumbbell. It helps strengthen your upper back while allowing for independent movement of each side, ensuring balanced muscle development.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with one leg back, near the landmine.
    2. Lean forward and grab the landmine with your palm facing you, keeping your shoulder aligned over the end of it.
    3. Lift the landmine with your upper back, keeping your elbow out at a 45-degree angle.
    4. Hold the position for a moment at the top, then lower the weight back down.
    5. Keep your back straight, shoulders back, and core tight for stability.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 7. Landmine Core Rotation

    Landmine Core Rotation demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    117,152
    Abs Strength
    74 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Landmine
    Landmine

    The Landmine Core Rotation is an exercise that strengthens your entire core, especially the obliques. It involves rotating a barbell from side to side, which helps improve your stability and movement control.

    How to do it

    1. Secure one end of a barbell in a landmine attachment or a corner.
    2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and grab the barbell with both hands at chest height.
    3. Rotate your torso, swinging the bar to your left side while keeping your arms straight.
    4. Swing the bar back to your right side, alternating sides with each movement.
    5. Repeat until you've completed your desired number of repetitions.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Beginner Upper Body Workouts

Alternative Upper Body Workouts with Landmine

Alternative Beginner Workouts with Landmine