Exercise technique

barbell landmine squat

The barbell landmine squat is a compound lower-body exercise performed with one end of a barbell fixed in a landmine and the lifter holding a handle on the loaded end at the chest or shoulders. The lifter squats down and stands up while the bar moves in a short arc, heavily loading the quadriceps and glutes while the deltoids and trunk stabilize the weight.

How do you perform this exercise?

  1. Set a barbell in a landmine (one end anchored on the floor in a sleeve or corner) and load the free end with a plate.
  2. Attach a neutral-grip or V-handle to the loaded end of the bar if shown, and stand facing the anchor with feet about shoulder-width apart.
  3. Hold the handle at upper chest or front-shoulder height with your elbows tucked and torso tall.
  4. Brace your core, sit back and bend your knees to lower into a controlled squat, keeping the bar traveling in its natural forward arc from the pivot.
  5. Descend until your thighs are roughly parallel to the floor or as deep as you can control, then drive through mid-foot and heels to stand back up.
  6. Stay balanced over your feet, fully extend the hips and knees at the top, and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Which other muscles are involved?

Glutes, Hamstrings, Delts, Core.

How do you log your sets?

How do you track progressive overload?

Source: ExerciseDB catalogue and demonstration. Related movements are options to compare, not equivalent loads or a prescribed progression.

Alternatives to explore

STARK is a strength training tracker for iPhone and Apple Watch. Log sets, repetitions and weights, then follow your progress. Core features are free. Explore STARK’s features