Difficulty level: Intermediate
Target Muscle: Chest
Equipment: Landmine
Instructions for proper form
1. Start in a tall kneeling position with your knees hip-width apart and your hips aligned over your knees. Hold the landmine barbell with both hands in a neutral grip, positioning it at chest level. 2. Engage your core, keep your back straight, and your shoulders down and back. 3. As you exhale, press the barbell forward and slightly upward in a controlled manner, fully extending your arms while maintaining the neutral grip. 4. Hold for a moment at the end of the movement, then slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position while inhaling. 5. Repeat the movement for the desired number of repetitions, ensuring you maintain control throughout.
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Allowing the back to arch excessively, leading to potential strain. 2. Letting the shoulders rise towards the ears instead of keeping them down and stable. 3. Using momentum to push the bar instead of relying on muscle strength. 4. Failing to engage the core, leading to instability.
Benefits
Specific benefits of the exercise
The Landmine V Grip Tall Kneeling Chest Press targets the pectoralis major effectively while minimizing shoulder strain. This exercise also enhances core stability due to the tall kneeling position, engaging various stabilizing muscles through the trunk.
Expected results and timeframe
With consistent practice (2-3 times a week), you may expect to see improvements in chest strength and muscle development within 4-6 weeks, along with enhanced core stability and upper body endurance..
Who this exercise is best for
This exercise is ideal for individuals looking to build upper body strength, specifically chest development. It is also suitable for athletes and fitness enthusiasts focused on enhancing chest muscle engagement while minimizing shoulder stress.
Scientific studies supporting its effectiveness
Research indicates that landmine exercises, including the Landmine V Grip Tall Kneeling Chest Press, activate the pectoral muscles effectively with reduced risk of shoulder injury due to the unique pushing angle and stabilization requirement (Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2016).
Variations
Beginner modifications
For beginners, perform the exercise with lighter weights or use a resistance band anchored to a stable point to practice the pressing motion without excessive resistance. Additionally, try performing the exercise from a seated position to lower the difficulty level.
Advanced progressions
For advanced progression, increase the weight of the landmine or incorporate a more explosive press (e.g., landmine chest press throw) into your routine. You can also perform the exercise with a single arm for additional core engagement and unilateral strength development.
Integrations
Complementary exercises
Complement this exercise with push-ups, incline dumbbell presses, and tricep dips to create a balanced upper body workout targeting the chest, shoulders, and triceps.
Super set recommendations
For super set options, pair the Landmine V Grip Tall Kneeling Chest Press with bent-over rows or lat pulldowns to combine pushing and pulling movements effectively.
Sample workout routines
An example workout routine could be: 1. Landmine V Grip Tall Kneeling Chest Press – 3 sets of 10-12 reps 2. Push-Ups – 3 sets of 10-15 reps 3. Bent-Over Dumbbell Rows – 3 sets of 8-10 reps 4. Plank Hold – 2 sets of 30 seconds.
Exercise combinations
Combine this exercise with vertical pulling movements like pull-ups or chin-ups, allowing for a comprehensive upper body workout that engages both push and pull muscle groups effectively.
Best time to do this exercise in your workout
The best time to incorporate the Landmine V Grip Tall Kneeling Chest Press is during the upper body strength segment of your workout, typically after a proper warm-up and prior to any isolation exercises targeting the chest or shoulders.