Exercise guide
Landmine Single Arm Shoulder Press Squat
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Lower legs
- Shoulders
- Upper legs
- Waist
This full-body compound movement combines a squat with a unilateral overhead press, challenging core stability and explosive power. It effectively integrates lower-body drive with upper-body strength, making it excellent for functional hypertrophy and athletic performance.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Secure one end of a barbell in a landmine attachment or a corner.
- Stand facing the landmine with feet shoulder-width apart and a slight stagger if preferred for balance.
- Clean the weighted end of the bar to shoulder height, holding it with one hand using a neutral grip (palm facing in).
- Position the elbow slightly tucked in front of the ribs and brace your core.
How to do it
- Inhale and lower into a squat by hingeing at the hips and bending the knees until thighs are at least parallel to the floor.
- Drive through your heels to stand up explosively, using the momentum from your legs to assist the press.
- Exhale as you press the barbell upward and slightly forward until your arm is fully locked out at the top.
- Lower the barbell back to shoulder height with control (2-second eccentric) while simultaneously preparing for the next squat.
Form checklist
- Keep your chest lifted and avoid leaning forward into the barbell.
- Prevent the weight from pulling your torso into a side-bend; keep your shoulders and hips square.
- Ensure your knees track in line with your toes throughout the squat phase.
- Maintain a neutral spine and avoid arching your lower back at the top of the press.
Pro tips
- Focus on the 'kinetic chain'—transfer energy from your feet through your braced core and into the palm of your hand.
- Squeeze the glute on the working side at the top of the movement to create a more stable base for the press.
- Keep your non-working arm out to the side or tucked across your chest to help maintain balance.
Make it harder
- Add a 2-second pause at the bottom of the squat to remove the stretch-reflex and force more leg drive.
- Perform the movement with a 'tempo' focus, taking 3-4 seconds to lower into the squat and 3-4 seconds to lower the weight from the press.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the landmine single arm shoulder press squat work?
- The landmine single arm shoulder press squat primarily targets the deltoids, glutes, and quadriceps, and also works the abs, erector spinae, obliques, and triceps as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the landmine single arm shoulder press squat?
- The landmine single arm shoulder press squat uses landmine.
- Is the landmine single arm shoulder press squat good for beginners?
- The landmine single arm shoulder press squat is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.
Related exercises
- Barbell Clean And JerkAdvanced · deltoids, erector spinae, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and trapezius
- Barbell Clean And PressAdvanced · deltoids, erector spinae, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and triceps
- Barbell Hang Snatch Below The KneesAdvanced · deltoids, erector spinae, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and trapezius
- Barbell SnatchAdvanced · adductors, calves, deltoids, erector spinae, glutes, hamstrings, lats, and quadriceps