Landmine Windshield Wipers

Landmine Windshield Wipers trains controlled trunk rotation or lateral flexion without using momentum.

Primary muscle
Abs

Primary musclesInternal and external obliques

Secondary musclesTransverse abdominis, Rectus abdominis, Erector spinae, Gluteal muscles

Equipment
Landmine
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How to perform Landmine Windshield Wipers

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

  1. For Landmine Windshield Wipers, stand or kneel with the bar end held in both hands above the chest, ribs stacked, and enough space for the bar to travel side to side.

  2. Brace before moving so the rotation or side bend comes from the rib cage and abdomen rather than the knees or lower back.

  3. Rotate or bend through a smooth range while the hips and knees remain aligned with the setup.

  4. Reach the finish without bouncing, pulling with the neck, or letting the resistance drag you farther.

  5. Reverse the same path under control. Repeat without changing the established position.

Common Landmine Windshield Wipers mistakes

Twisting through the knees

Keep the knees aligned; if the hips turn with the rib cage, pivot the feet instead of twisting through planted knees.

Using momentum

Move through a smooth trunk range rather than throwing the arms or load from side to side.

Forcing end range

Stop before the resistance drags the ribs away from a stable pelvis.

Losing height or posture

Keep the shoulders and pelvis supported throughout both directions.

When to modify or choose another exercise

  • Twisting through the knees: Keep the knees aligned; if the hips turn with the rib cage, pivot the feet instead of twisting through planted knees.
  • Forcing end range: Stop before the resistance drags the ribs away from a stable pelvis.
  • Stop when the exercise produces sharp, catching, radiating, or increasing joint pain rather than the expected muscular effort.
  • Alternative Pallof press: Train the trunk to resist rotation before producing a larger rotational range.

How to use Landmine Windshield Wipers in a training program

01

Where it fits in a session

Place Landmine Windshield Wipers after the main compound lifts, in a focused core block, or beside an exercise that does not require a fresh trunk.

02

How often to use it

Use two to four times per week while accounting for trunk work already supplied by squats, hinges, carries, and overhead lifting.

Starting rep ranges by goal

GoalSetsReps or timeRestEffort and execution
Control / technique2–35–8 reps45–75 secStop well before position changes
Strength / endurance2–48–15 reps60–90 secStop while 1–3 good-form reps are still possible

Pairing and sequencing

  • Use Landmine Windshield Wipers after Barbell Back Squats or Deadlifts when the main strength work is complete.
  • Pair it with Dead Bug or Cable Pallof Press to train the core through complementary movement patterns.

Regressions and progressions for Landmine Windshield Wipers

Start with an easier option

Pallof press

Train the trunk to resist rotation before producing a larger rotational range.

Supported short-range rotation

Use a stable seat or stance and a small range to learn control.

Progress when form is repeatable

Paused Landmine Windshield Wipers

Pause at the end of the controlled range without letting the resistance pull farther.

Half-kneeling cable rotation

Reduce lower-body contribution and increase trunk control with a kneeling base.

References
  1. American Council on ExerciseACE Exercise Library
  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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