Landmine T-Bar Row

Landmine T-Bar 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
← Back to exercise library

How to perform Landmine T-Bar Row

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

  1. For Landmine T-Bar Row, hold a stable hip hinge, grasp the landmine handle securely, and begin with both arms long below the shoulders.

  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. Repeat without changing the established position.

Common Landmine T-Bar 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 Chest-supported row: Use a pad or incline bench to remove the need to hold a hip hinge while learning the pull.

How to use Landmine T-Bar Row in a training program

01

Where it fits in a session

Use Landmine T-Bar 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
Strength2–43–62–4 minHeavy, usually 2–3 clean reps in reserve
Muscle growth2–46–1290–180 secUsually 1–3 clean reps in reserve

Pairing and sequencing

  • Pair Landmine T-Bar 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 T-Bar Row

Start with an easier option

Chest-supported row

Use a pad or incline bench to remove the need to hold a hip hinge while learning the pull.

Seated Cable Row

Plant the feet and follow the cable path to make it easier to keep the body still.

Progress when form is repeatable

Paused Landmine T-Bar Row

Hold the elbow beside the torso for one to two seconds without twisting or shrugging.

Single-Arm or Offset Row

Use one arm or an uneven load only after the body stays still during two-arm rows.

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
Build with Traination

Create programs faster. Keep clients progressing.

Turn Landmine T-Bar Row and the rest of your exercise library into repeatable client programs.

Explore the workout builder

Founding Trainer beta

Help shape Traination before launch

Tell us about your coaching and what you need from your next workspace. We’ll review your application and email you when your access is ready.

Join the waitlist