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Landmine Row

A bent-over row using a barbell anchored in a landmine, giving a stable arcing bar path that loads the lats and mid-back with less lower back strain than a free bar.

BackBarbellHorizontal pull
GoLightWeight medialandmine-row

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

Latissimus dorsiRhomboids

Secondary

Rear deltoidsBicepsSpinal erectorsCore

Equipment

Barbell

Pattern

Horizontal pull

Setup

  1. 01Anchor one end of a barbell in a landmine attachment or a corner.
  2. 02Load the free end and straddle the bar facing away from the anchor.
  3. 03Hinge at the hips to about 45 degrees with a flat back.
  4. 04Grip the bar behind the sleeve with both hands or attach a V-handle.

Execution

  1. 01Brace the trunk and let the bar hang at straight arms.
  2. 02Row the sleeve toward the lower chest, elbows driving up and back.
  3. 03Squeeze the shoulder blades together at the top.
  4. 04Lower along the bar's natural arc to full arm extension.

Checkpoints

  • -Hinge angle stays constant; the arms do the moving.
  • -Bar follows its arc without the lifter drifting forward or back.
  • -Elbows stay at a moderate angle, not pinned or flared.
  • -Plates stop just short of the chest at the top.

Common mistakes

  • -Standing up with the weight to shorten the range.
  • -Jerking the bar off the floor at the start of each rep.
  • -Standing too far from the sleeve and pulling at an awkward angle.
  • -Rounding the lower back as the load climbs.

Programming notes

  • -Use 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps as a barbell row alternative.
  • -The fixed arc suits lifters who lose position on free-bar rows.
  • -Plate diameter shortens the range at the top; add a V-handle for a deeper pull.

Related exercises

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