Waist Exercise · Barbell

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Landmine 180

Category

Waist

Equipment

Barbell

Target

Abs

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Biomechanical cues verified by the PlanWorkouts Science Review Board under CSCS editorial oversight; see our editorial standards.

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.

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.

Biomechanical & Joint Load Cues

Trunk flexion, anti-extension, or anti-rotation targeting rectus abdominis and obliques. Requires posterior pelvic tilt to isolate abdominal fibers.

Common Mechanical Mistakes & Form Errors to Avoid

• Pulling on the Neck / Cervical Spine: Yanking the head forward with hands during crunches places excessive strain on cervical vertebrae without engaging the abs.
• Arching Lower Back Under Load: Allowing the lumbar spine to hyperextend during leg raises shifts work to the psoas hip flexors and pinches facet joints.
• Rushing Through Reps: Using fast bouncing tempo bypasses deep transverse abdominis engagement; slow reps with a full exhale build real core strength.

Proper Breathing Patterns & Core Engagement

Exhale completely during spinal flexion or maximal tension to maximize abdominal contraction; inhale on controlled return.

Injury Modification & Joint Safety

Individuals with lumbar disc herniations should prioritize isometric anti-extension (planks, dead bugs) over repetitive loaded spinal flexion. If joint irritation persists, immediately stop and substitute this movement with another exercise from the Waist exercises category.

Muscles Worked

The Landmine 180 primarily targets the Abs, with Obliques as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Quadriceps.

More Waist Exercises

3/4 Sit-Up Body Weight · Abs 45° Side Bend Body Weight · Abs Air Bike Body Weight · Abs Alternate Heel Touchers Body Weight · Abs Arm Slingers Hanging Bent Knee Legs Body Weight · Abs Arm Slingers Hanging Straight Legs Body Weight · Abs

More Abs Exercises

Arms Overhead Full Sit-Up (male) Body Weight · Abs Assisted Hanging Knee Raise Assisted · Abs Assisted Hanging Knee Raise With Throw Down Assisted · Abs Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Lateral Throw Down Assisted · Abs Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down Assisted · Abs Assisted Motion Russian Twist Medicine Ball · Abs

Equipment Alternatives

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

Arms Overhead Full Sit-Up (male) Body Weight · Abs Assisted Hanging Knee Raise Assisted · Abs Assisted Motion Russian Twist Medicine Ball · Abs Band Alternating V-Up Band · Abs

FAQ

What muscles does the Landmine 180 work?

The Landmine 180 primarily targets the abs as the primary agonist. Synergist assistance is provided by the obliques along with the quadriceps. Maintaining strict biomechanical alignment ensures maximal tension remains focused on the intended muscle fibers rather than shifting to surrounding stabilizer joints.

What equipment do I need for the Landmine 180?

The Landmine 180 is performed using a barbell. Ensure all equipment is securely positioned with collars or safety pins locked before loading working sets. If you train in a home gym or minimal setup, explore our equipment-free and resistance band alternatives below.

What is the most common form mistake on the Landmine 180?

The most frequent error is pulling on the neck / cervical spine: Yanking the head forward with hands during crunches places excessive strain on cervical vertebrae without engaging the abs.. Controlling the 2 to 3-second eccentric lowering phase ensures maximal hypertrophic stimulus while shielding connective tissue.

How many sets and reps should I perform on the Landmine 180?

For muscle growth and density, execute 3 to 4 working sets of 10 to 15 controlled repetitions with 60 seconds rest, emphasizing a deep stretch and deliberate peak contraction on every rep.

What's a good alternative to the Landmine 180?

If you don't have access to a barbell, the Arms Overhead Full Sit-Up (male) targets the same abs using body weight instead. This alternative replicates the same joint angle and movement plane while allowing you to train effectively with different available gear. You can also substitute it seamlessly in our free Workout Plan Builder.