10 Best Landmine 180's Alternatives for Twisting Core Strength

The Landmine 180's is done standing with a barbell. Ranked closest by our scoring: the Kettlebell Pass Between The Legs, the Kettlebell Figure 8 and the Landmine 180.

If your gym has no landmine attachment and the corner is already taken, you still have options. The Landmine 180's swings an anchored bar from shoulder height while you rotate your trunk and hips in a wide stance, and the nearest swap is the Kettlebell Pass Between The Legs, which trades that swing for a bent-over pass of a kettlebell between your legs. With no bar or kettlebell, the Plate Twist trains the same abs from a seated twist with one plate.

Updated Ranked by our 12-factor similarity model How it works

Original Exercise: Landmine 180's

Landmine 180's
Primary muscle
Abs
Equipment
Barbell
Difficulty
Intermediate
Type
Compound

Secondary muscles: Glutes, Lower Back, Shoulders

How to perform Landmine 180's
  1. Position a bar into a landmine or securely anchor it in a corner. Load the bar to an appropriate weight.
  2. Raise the bar from the floor, taking it to shoulder height with both hands with your arms extended in front of you. Adopt a wide stance. This will be your starting position.
  3. Perform the movement by rotating the trunk and hips as you swing the weight all the way down to one side. Keep your arms extended throughout the exercise.
  4. Reverse the motion to swing the weight all the way to the opposite side.
  5. Continue alternating the movement until the set is complete.
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Ranked Landmine 180's Alternatives

10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches the Landmine 180's on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Open "How to perform this exercise" on a card for the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page.

  1. Best match
    Kettlebell Pass Between The Legs

    1. Kettlebell Pass Between The Legs

    99% match
    • Abs
    • Kettlebell
    • Intermediate
    • Compound

    A good swap when you have a kettlebell to work with, and it still works the abs.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Place one kettlebell between your legs and take a comfortable stance. Bend over by pushing your butt out and keeping your back flat.
    2. Pick up a kettlebell and pass it to your other hand between your legs, in the fashion of a "W". Go back and forth for several repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Landmine 180's
  2. Kettlebell Figure 8Play demonstration

    2. Kettlebell Figure 8

    98% match
    • Abs
    • Kettlebell
    • Intermediate
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell in one hand.
    2. Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward at the hips, keeping your back straight.
    3. Pass the kettlebell between your legs, switching hands as it reaches the back of your legs.
    4. As the kettlebell comes forward, pass it to the other hand between your legs.
    5. Continue passing the kettlebell between your legs in a figure 8 motion.
    6. Maintain a steady pace and engage your core throughout the exercise.
    7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 to 5 sets of 5 to 8 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Landmine 180's
  3. Landmine 180Play demonstration

    3. Landmine 180

    93% match
    • Abs
    • Barbell
    • Intermediate
    • Compound

    It uses the same equipment and still works the abs.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the barbell with both hands in front of your chest.
    2. Bend your knees slightly and rotate your torso to the right, swinging the barbell down towards your right hip.
    3. As you reach the bottom of the movement, quickly reverse the motion and rotate your torso to the left, swinging the barbell up and across your body towards your left shoulder.
    4. Continue this twisting motion, alternating sides, for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 to 5 sets of 5 to 8 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Landmine 180's
  4. Barbell Side BentPlay demonstration

    4. Barbell Side Bent

    87% match
    • Abs
    • Barbell
    • Beginner
    • Compound

    Pick this when you want an easier version that still works the abs.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a barbell with both hands, palms facing down.
    2. Keep your back straight and core engaged throughout the exercise.
    3. Slowly bend your torso to the right side, lowering the barbell towards your right knee.
    4. Pause for a moment, then return to the starting position.
    5. Repeat the movement on the left side.
    6. Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Landmine 180's
  5. Assisted Motion Russian TwistPlay demonstration

    5. Assisted Motion Russian Twist

    86% match
    • Abs
    • Medicine-ball
    • Intermediate
    • Isolation

    A good swap when you have a medicine ball to work with, and it still works the abs.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Sit on the ground with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
    2. Hold the medicine ball with both hands in front of your chest.
    3. Lean back slightly, engaging your abs and keeping your back straight.
    4. Slowly twist your torso to the right, bringing the medicine ball towards the right side of your body.
    5. Pause for a moment, then twist your torso to the left, bringing the medicine ball towards the left side of your body.
    6. Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Body position: seated, not standing
  6. Plate Twist

    6. Plate Twist

    86% match
    • Abs
    • Other
    • Intermediate
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Lie down on the floor or an exercise mat with your legs fully extended and your upper body upright. Grab the plate by its sides with both hands out in front of your abdominals with your arms slightly bent.
    2. Slowly cross your legs near your ankles and lift them up off the ground. Your knees should also be bent slightly. Note: Move your upper body back slightly to help keep you balanced turning this exercise. This is the starting position.
    3. Move the plate to the left side and touch the floor with it. Breathe out as you perform that movement.
    4. Come back to the starting position as you breathe in and then repeat the movement but this time to the right side of the body. Tip: Use a slow controlled movement at all times. Jerking motions can injure the back.
    5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Landmine 180's
  7. Barbell Standing TwistPlay demonstration

    7. Barbell Standing Twist

    83% match
    • Abs
    • Barbell
    • Intermediate
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a barbell in front of your chest with both hands, palms facing down.
    2. Engage your core and keep your back straight throughout the exercise.
    3. Slowly twist your torso to the right, pivoting on your feet and hips, while keeping your lower body stable.
    4. Pause for a moment at the end of the twist, then slowly return to the starting position.
    5. Repeat the twist to the left side.
    6. Continue alternating twists for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Landmine 180's
  8. Weighted Russian Twist (Legs Up)Play demonstration

    8. Weighted Russian Twist (Legs Up)

    82% match
    • Abs
    • Weighted
    • Advanced
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Sit on the ground with your knees bent and feet lifted off the ground, keeping your legs together.
    2. Hold the weight with both hands in front of your chest, keeping your elbows slightly bent.
    3. Lean back slightly to engage your core muscles.
    4. Twist your torso to the right, bringing the weight towards the ground on your right side.
    5. Pause for a moment, then twist your torso to the left, bringing the weight towards the ground on your left side.
    6. Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Body position: seated, not standing
  9. Barbell Side Bend

    9. Barbell Side Bend

    82% match
    • Abs
    • Barbell
    • Intermediate
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Stand up straight while holding a barbell placed on the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck). Your feet should be shoulder width apart. This will be your starting position.
    2. While keeping your back straight and your head up, bend only at the waist to the right as far as possible. Breathe in as you bend to the side. Then hold for a second and come back up to the starting position as you exhale. Tip: Keep the rest of the body stationary.
    3. Now repeat the movement but bending to the left instead. Hold for a second and come back to the starting position.
    4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Landmine 180's
  10. Weighted Russian TwistPlay demonstration

    10. Weighted Russian Twist

    82% match
    • Abs
    • Weighted
    • Intermediate
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Sit on the ground with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
    2. Hold a weight or medicine ball with both hands in front of your chest.
    3. Lean back slightly, keeping your back straight and your core engaged.
    4. Slowly twist your torso to the right, bringing the weight or medicine ball towards the floor on your right side.
    5. Pause for a moment, then twist your torso to the left, bringing the weight or medicine ball towards the floor on your left side.
    6. Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: abs, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Landmine 180's
    • Body position: seated, not standing

Why You Might Need a Landmine 180's Alternative

A landmine bar takes up a corner or an attachment that might already be busy. The Landmine 180's also needs a wide stance and both hands locked onto the bar before you load any weight. These swaps trade the landmine for gear most gyms already have spare: a kettlebell, a medicine ball, a weight plate or a plain barbell. Three keep the bar and drop the landmine: the Barbell Standing Twist holds it in front of your chest, the Barbell Side Bent holds it in both hands, and the Barbell Side Bend rests it on the back of your shoulders. The load moves differently in each: a kettlebell passed low between your legs asks more of your grip than a plate turned side to side or a bar twisted across your chest. Pick the equipment you have today.

How to Choose the Right Landmine 180's Substitute

If a kettlebell is free, take the Kettlebell Pass Between The Legs first, bending over to pass the bell hand to hand between your legs. The Kettlebell Figure 8 uses that same kettlebell, so it swaps in easily. With only a medicine ball, the Weighted Russian Twist has you sit with knees bent, lean back and twist the ball toward the floor on each side; the Weighted Russian Twist (Legs Up) does the same with your feet lifted off the ground. To stay with a barbell, the Barbell Standing Twist pivots through your feet and hips with the bar at your chest, while the Barbell Side Bend bends only at the waist with the bar across your shoulders. The Landmine 180 is the same movement as the Landmine 180's under another name, not a separate option for a busy landmine.

Landmine 180's FAQ

Which swap keeps me on a barbell?

The Barbell Side Bent, the Barbell Standing Twist, the Barbell Side Bend and the Landmine 180 all use a bar. The Landmine 180 is the same movement under another name, so treat it as the same lift with a different label rather than a different exercise.

How do I make a swap harder once it feels easy?

Lift your feet. The Weighted Russian Twist keeps your feet flat on the floor, while the Weighted Russian Twist (Legs Up) has you twist with your knees bent and feet off the ground, so you balance on your seat through every rep. The Plate Twist also crosses your legs at the ankles and lifts them for the same reason.

Can I do the Landmine 180's at home?

Not with a landmine, since it needs a bar anchored in a landmine or a corner. The Kettlebell Pass Between The Legs and the Kettlebell Figure 8 both work with just a kettlebell and floor space, and the Plate Twist needs only one plate and a mat, so any of the three fits a home setup.

Is a seated twist a fair trade for a standing one?

It changes the setup more than the motion. The Assisted Motion Russian Twist has you sit with knees bent, lean back and turn a medicine ball from side to side, so your trunk still rotates, just without the hips pivoting in a wide stance.

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