Landmine Single-Arm Row

Landmine Single-Arm Row trains the lats and mid-back by drawing the elbow toward the torso while the torso remains controlled.

Primary muscle
Back

Primary musclesLatissimus dorsi, Rhomboids, Middle trapezius

Secondary musclesPosterior deltoids, Biceps brachii, Brachialis, Brachioradialis

Equipment
Landmine
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How to perform Landmine Single-Arm Row

Follow the sequence in order, paying attention to the starting position, movement path, and finish described in each step.

  1. For Landmine Single-Arm Row, support the non-working hand on a stable surface, square the shoulders and hips, and grasp the end of the landmine with the working arm long.

  2. Keep the ribs stacked and the shoulders level before initiating the pull from the upper back.

  3. Pull by driving the elbow toward or just past the torso while keeping the shoulders level.

  4. Pause when the shoulder blade has moved back without the trunk rotating or rocking.

  5. Return to the start under control and allow the arm to lengthen. Complete the planned repetitions evenly on both sides.

Common Landmine Single-Arm Row mistakes

Rocking the torso

Keep the established chest and pelvis position rather than leaning backward to move the handle.

Shoulder rolling forward

Allow a controlled reach, but do not let the shoulder collapse or twist at the end of the return.

Elbow path drifting

Drive the elbow toward the ribs instead of flaring it toward shoulder height.

Shortening the return

Let the arm lengthen under control so each repetition begins from the same position.

When to modify or choose another exercise

  • Rocking the torso: Keep the established chest and pelvis position rather than leaning backward to move the handle.
  • Elbow path drifting: Drive the elbow toward the ribs instead of flaring it toward shoulder height.
  • Stop when the exercise produces sharp, catching, radiating, or increasing joint pain rather than the expected muscular effort.
  • Alternative Two-Arm Landmine Row: Use both hands or a T-bar attachment to reduce the one-sided trunk demand.
  • For Landmine Single-Arm Row, compare sides with the same starting load and range; a persistent or painful asymmetry should be assessed rather than trained around blindly.

How to use Landmine Single-Arm Row in a training program

01

Where it fits in a session

Use Landmine Single-Arm Row early in a workout focused on back, or early in a full-body workout, when strength or technical progress is the priority; place it later when it supplies secondary volume.

02

How often to use it

Use one to three times per week as part of training the relevant muscle groups at least twice weekly; the same exercise does not need to appear in every session.

Starting rep ranges by goal

GoalSetsReps or timeRestEffort and execution
Strength2–43–6 per side2–4 minHeavy, usually 2–3 clean reps in reserve
Muscle growth2–46–12 per side90–180 secUsually 1–3 clean reps in reserve

Pairing and sequencing

  • Pair Landmine Single-Arm Row with Incline Dumbbell Chest Press or Close-Grip Bench Press for complementary pushing work.
  • Standing Face Pull can follow the main row sets when additional upper-back work is useful.

Regressions and progressions for Landmine Single-Arm Row

Start with an easier option

Two-Arm Landmine Row

Use both hands or a T-bar attachment to reduce the one-sided trunk demand.

Chest-Supported One-Arm Row

Support the torso on a bench while learning the elbow path.

Progress when form is repeatable

Paused Single-Arm Landmine Row

Pause with the elbow beside the torso without rotating the shoulders.

Heavier Single-Arm Landmine Row

Add the smallest plate only after both sides use the same range and trunk position.

References
  1. Mayo ClinicBent-over Row with Dumbbell
  2. Mayo ClinicWeight Training: Do's and Don'ts of Proper Technique
  3. American College of Sports MedicineACSM Resistance Training Guidelines Update
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