Exercise guide
Landmine Kneeling One Arm Shoulder Press
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Back
- Lower legs
- Shoulders
- Upper legs
- Waist
This unilateral press builds shoulder strength while demanding significant core stability to resist rotation. The angled path of the landmine provides a joint-friendly alternative to vertical pressing that emphasizes the serratus anterior and upper chest.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Place the barbell in a landmine attachment and assume a half-kneeling position with the knee down on the same side as the pressing arm.
- Hold the end of the barbell at shoulder height with a neutral grip (palm facing in).
- Engage your core and glutes to create a stable base, leaning slightly forward into the bar.
How to do it
- Exhale as you press the bar upward and forward in a natural arc until your arm is fully extended.
- Pause for a second at the top, allowing your shoulder blade to move naturally with the bar.
- Inhale as you lower the weight under control back to the starting position at your shoulder.
- Complete all reps on one side before switching your kneeling leg and arm.
Form checklist
- Keep your torso upright and avoid leaning back or twisting away from the bar.
- Ensure your elbow stays tucked at a roughly 45-degree angle rather than flaring out.
- Maintain a braced core to prevent your lower back from arching.
- Keep your wrist straight and aligned with your forearm throughout the press.
Pro tips
- Think about 'reaching' at the top of the movement to fully engage the serratus anterior.
- Squeeze the glute of the kneeling leg as hard as possible to lock your pelvis in place.
- Maintain a slight forward lean to better align the line of force with your shoulder mechanics.
Make it harder
- Transition to a tall kneeling position (both knees down) to remove the stability provided by the lead leg.
- Incorporate a 'dead stop' at the bottom of each rep, letting the bar rest briefly to eliminate momentum.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the landmine kneeling one arm shoulder press work?
- The landmine kneeling one arm shoulder press primarily targets the deltoids, and also works the adductors, erector spinae, glutes, lats, quadriceps, and rhomboids as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the landmine kneeling one arm shoulder press?
- The landmine kneeling one arm shoulder press uses cable.
- Is the landmine kneeling one arm shoulder press good for beginners?
- The landmine kneeling one arm shoulder 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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