1. User-Friendliness
A few months after Ben Bruno moved to Los Angeles to train clients, I noticed how approaches shift depending on where you are. On the East Coast, people tend to be grittier, deal with tougher weather, and focus more on raw strength. In LA, folks often prioritize staying lean and fit over pushing max lifts. Ben realized he needed to adapt his approach to succeed in the new environment. Instead of making clients deadlift or squat a regular barbell, they’d look at him like he’d just announced something wild. Then he found that using a Landmine made things feel approachable and fun for clients. If the Landmine makes a movement less intimidating and more enjoyable, it’s worth leaning into. As my friend Kevin Mullins says, “exercises are expressions of movement patterns.” What matters is that people move and challenge their bodies to adapt.
2. Joint-Friendliness
Overhead mobility is often limited, so overhead pressing isn’t always the best option, at least right now, because many people don’t have the shoulder flexibility to do it safely without compensations. The Landmine Press stays out of the danger zone while still training the shoulders effectively, in a more joint-friendly way.
3. Space-Saving
My studio in Boston is about 500 square feet, so space is precious. I bought two Landmine attachments for a Rogue squat rack because they’re useful and don’t take up much room. A Landmine setup costs about $95, which is cheaper and smaller than a full shoulder-press machine. Sure, you can improvise a Landmine with a wall corner, but that can feel sketchy at times. I’m also excited to try the Gut Wrench from StrongerThanU, which lets you set up a Landmine anywhere in the gym—corner, middle, or even on the roof—opening up pressing, rowing, squatting, and other moves wherever you please.
4. It Appeals to Tougher Lifts Fans
Real talk: the Landmine appeals to a wide range of people, including hard-nose trainers and athletes who love practical, effective work.
5. Versatility
The Landmine can train every part of the body. Examples include:
– Upper body work (like Meadows’ Row)
– Lower body work (such as offset shoulder squats)
– Combos that train both upper and lower body (for example a deep squat with a 1-arm Landmine press)
– Various positions, from lying down (hollow position Landmine) to half-kneeling (half-kneeling sideways Landmine press) and even single-leg work (angled Landmine reverse lunge)
In short, it’s a versatile tool that can be used by beginners, regular gym-goers, athletes, or anyone looking for variety in training.
6. More Versatility
There’s more to it. The Landmine helps groove a hip hinge because the bar is effectively “locked” in place, making it easier for beginners to feel the hinge. You can also add rotation and multi-planar movement, and you don’t have to rely on traditional Olympic-style lifts to develop power. The Landmine is a versatile piece of equipment with a broad range of applications. For more ideas and programming, Meghan’s Ultimate Landmine Program is worth checking out. It’s on sale for a limited time. And yes, kettlebells can do many of these things too, but the Landmine adds unique angles and stability that can enhance training.
