Exercises Shoulders Landmine Shoulder Press

Landmine Shoulder Press: Correct Form & Muscles Worked

Shoulders primary Barbell, Landmine Beginner Compound · Push

The single-arm landmine shoulder press is a unilateral overhead pressing variation using a landmine attachment. The angled press path is easier on the shoulders than straight overhead work, and the single-arm setup adds core anti-rotation demand.

Front Back
Shouldersprimary
Triceps, Coresecondary

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Landmine Shoulder Press Video Tutorial

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How to Do the Landmine Shoulder Press

  1. Set one end of a barbell in a landmine or corner. Load the free end. Stand facing the bar at a slight angle.
  2. Pick up the loaded end with one hand at shoulder height. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, slight stagger for balance.
  3. Brace your core hard — the single-arm load wants to twist you. Resist the rotation.
  4. Press the bar up and forward along the natural landmine arc. Extend your arm fully.
  5. Lower under control back to shoulder height. Complete all reps on one side then switch.

Landmine Shoulder Press Mistakes to Avoid

Not bracing against rotation — the unilateral load demands anti-rotation core strength. If your torso twists, brace harder or use less weight.
Standing too close or too far — experiment with distance to find the angle where the press feels natural on your shoulder.
Using the other arm to assist — keep the free hand at your side or on your hip. Don't push with the off hand.
Ignoring this variation — many lifters with shoulder pain can landmine press pain-free when overhead pressing hurts. It's a valuable tool.

Landmine Shoulder Press Muscles Worked

The single-arm landmine shoulder press targets the deltoids through an angled path that's friendlier on the shoulder joint. The core works hard to resist rotation from the unilateral load. Triceps assist with lockout.

Landmine Shoulder Press Alternatives

Landmine Press (Two-Arm)Want bilateral landmine pressing — both arms at once for more load
Dumbbell Shoulder PressWant standard overhead pressing with dumbbells
Overhead PressWant the barbell overhead compound for max strength
Pallof PressWant more anti-rotation core work with pressing

Landmine Shoulder Press Programming

Strength
3 × 6-8 per side
sets × reps
Rest 90 sec
Hypertrophy
3 × 8-12 per side
sets × reps
Rest 60 sec
Endurance
3 × 12-15 per side
sets × reps
Rest 45 sec

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Landmine Shoulder Press FAQ

Landmine shoulder press vs overhead press?
The landmine angle is easier on the shoulders and adds core anti-rotation work. The overhead press builds more raw overhead strength. Use the landmine if overhead pressing causes pain, or as a unilateral variation.
One arm or two arms for landmine shoulder press?
Single-arm is more common for shoulder pressing — it adds core work and addresses imbalances. Two-arm (row 27 style) is more chest/shoulder hybrid. Both are useful.
Is this good for bad shoulders?
Often the best option for people with shoulder impingement. The angled path avoids the problematic overhead position. Try it if standard pressing hurts.
How do I set up a landmine?
A landmine attachment fits in a power rack. Without one, wedge the barbell into a corner where two walls meet with a towel to protect the wall.