Waist Exercise · Barbell

Landmine 180 form demonstration - targeted for Abs Waist workouts

Landmine 180

The landmine 180 rotates a barbell loaded in a landmine attachment from one side of the body to the other, training rotational power through the core rather than the slow, controlled rotation of something like a cable woodchop. The weight's arc creates real momentum that the obliques have to control on both the swing and the catch, which makes stopping the weight cleanly as important as generating it.

Go to the movement steps
Category
Waist
Equipment
Barbell
Target
Abs

Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the Landmine 180

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the barbell with both hands in front of your chest.
  2. Bend your knees slightly and rotate your torso to the right, swinging the barbell down toward your right hip.
  3. At the bottom of the movement, quickly reverse direction and rotate your torso to the left, swinging the barbell up and across your body toward your left shoulder.
  4. Continue this twisting motion, alternating sides, for the desired number of repetitions.

Quick Exercise Facts

Movement Type Movement reference
Equipment Barbell
Main Muscle Abs
Supporting Muscles Quadriceps

Practice and progression

Choose a short set of controlled repetitions or a manageable hold, following this movement's setup. End the set when you lose the demonstrated position. Build control before increasing repetitions, duration or resistance; holds, carries and moving drills need different prescriptions.

Technique & Form Tips

Focus on trunk flexion, rotation, or anti-movement stability as required by your specific variation. Maintain the suggested pelvic and spinal orientation to keep tension focused on the abdominal area throughout each repetition or hold.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Copying the wrong trunk action: Follow the demonstrated movement. A held plank, rotation and crunch require different actions rather than the same repeated trunk curl.
  • Lower back arching: Keep the spine controlled to prevent the lower back from hyperextending under the load.
  • Excessive speed: Perform movements with deliberate control rather than relying on rapid, bouncing motions.

How to Breathe During This Exercise

Maintain a steady breathing rhythm during the effort.

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Comfort and Control

Choose a load and range you can control. Stop if the movement causes pain. If discomfort persists, stop and ask a qualified professional about an appropriate exercise and range.

General guidance: Mayo Clinic on weight-training technique. Follow the specific movement steps above for this variation.

Muscles Worked

The Landmine 180 mainly targets your Abs, with your Obliques helping support the movement, along with your Quadriceps.

More Waist Exercises

More Abs Exercises

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have barbell? These target the same abs with different equipment.

FAQ

What muscles does the Landmine 180 work?
The Landmine 180 mainly works your abs. It also helps strengthen your obliques and quadriceps. Using good, smooth form makes sure you work the right muscles and avoid unnecessary strain on your joints.
What equipment do I need for the Landmine 180?
You do the Landmine 180 with a barbell. Make sure your equipment is set up safely before starting. If you work out at home or have limited gear, check out our alternative exercises below.
What form mistake should I watch for on the Landmine 180?
One mistake to watch for is copying the wrong trunk action: Follow the demonstrated movement. A held plank, rotation and crunch require different actions rather than the same repeated trunk curl.. Use a comfortable range and a controlled return; reduce the load if you cannot maintain the demonstrated setup.
How many sets and reps should I perform on the Landmine 180?
Use a short set of controlled repetitions, or a manageable hold when the movement is static. Stop when you cannot maintain the demonstrated position. Build control before adding duration, repetitions or resistance; the appropriate amount depends on the exercise and your experience.
What's a good alternative to the Landmine 180?
The Arms Overhead Full Sit-Up (male) trains your abs with body weight and a similar movement pattern. Review its form guide before substituting it, since setup and range of motion can differ.
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