Exercise guide
Landmine Kneeling Single Arm Shoulder Press
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Shoulders
- Upper arms
- Waist
This unilateral press targets the anterior and medial deltoids while engaging the upper chest and core for stability. The landmine's fixed arc provides a more shoulder-friendly pressing path compared to a vertical overhead press.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Place one end of the barbell in a landmine attachment or a corner and load the desired weight.
- 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 tuck your pelvis to maintain a neutral spine with a slight forward lean.
How to do it
- Exhale as you press the barbell upward and slightly forward in a natural arc until your arm is fully extended.
- Inhale as you slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position at your shoulder under control.
- Maintain a steady tempo, taking approximately 2 seconds to lower the weight.
- Complete all repetitions on one side before switching your leg and arm positioning.
Form checklist
- Keep the elbow tucked at a 45-degree angle rather than flaring it out to the side.
- Squeeze the glute of the kneeling leg to stabilize the pelvis and prevent lower back arching.
- Ensure the front foot is planted firmly to prevent the torso from rotating during the press.
- Keep your head in a neutral position, looking forward throughout the set.
Pro tips
- At the top of the movement, slightly lean your torso forward into the bar to maximize shoulder flexion and peak contraction.
- Focus on 'pushing the floor away' with your kneeling knee to create a rigid pillar of support for the press.
Make it harder
- Transition to a tall kneeling position (both knees down) to significantly increase the demand on core stability.
- Incorporate a 2-second pause at the top of each rep to increase time under tension and shoulder stability.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the landmine kneeling single arm shoulder press work?
- The landmine kneeling single arm shoulder press primarily targets the deltoids, and also works the abs and serratus anterior as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the landmine kneeling single arm shoulder press?
- The landmine kneeling single arm shoulder press uses barbell.
- Is the landmine kneeling single arm shoulder press good for beginners?
- The landmine kneeling single 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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