Landmine Cossack Squat (Barbell)
A lateral squat variation using a landmine barbell that emphasizes adductor strength and mobility while maintaining hip stability and lower body balance.
Instructions
- Load one end of the barbell into a landmine attachment.
- Stand facing the barbell with feet wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Grip the end of the barbell at chest height with both hands.
- Keep your torso upright and shift your weight entirely to one leg.
- Lower your hips toward the side that is weighted, keeping that leg bent and the other leg straight.
- Push through the heel of the weighted leg to return to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of reps, then switch sides.
- Alternate sides for a complete set.
Tips
- Maintain an upright torso throughout to maximize adductor engagement.
- Move with control to protect your knee joints and develop stability.
- The landmine angle makes this variation more accessible than free-weight versions.
- Stretch your inner thighs between sets to improve mobility.
- Focus on keeping your weight through the heel of the loaded leg.
- This exercise works great as a warm-up or accessory for leg day.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | |||
| Gain strength | 5 | 5 reps | 32.5 kg | 22.5 kg |
| Build muscle | 5 | 8 reps | 30 kg | 20 kg |
| Build endurance | 5 | 10 reps | 22.5 kg | 15 kg |
Alternatives
Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.
Lateral Lunge (Dumbbell)
Learn more about lateral lunge (dumbbell) intermediate strength