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Landmine Curtsy Lunge

Intermediate

Landmine curtsy lunge that targets glutes, quads, and hamstrings to build lower body strength, hip stability, and balance; emphasizes multi-planar movement for athletic performance.

About Exercise

Equipment

Barbell

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes, Quads

Secondary Muscles

Adductors, Abs, Obliques, Calves

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

Functional Training
Sports Performance

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Glutes

9/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Quads

8/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Hamstrings

7/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus

Adductors

5/10

Adductor Longus, Adductor Magnus

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

4/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Calves

3/10

Gastrocnemius, Soleus

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Secure one end of the barbell in a landmine attachment or corner. Stand facing the free end, grip it at chest level with both hands, feet shoulder-width apart, core engaged.

  1. Step back and diagonally across behind your front leg with the back foot.
  2. Bend both knees to lower hips until front thigh is parallel to floor.
  3. Keep front knee over toes and torso upright.
  4. Drive through front heel to extend hips and knees.
  5. Squeeze glutes to return to start position.
  6. Switch legs after reps or alternate.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Knees track over toes
  • Core tight, chest up
  • Drive through front heel
  • Slight crossover with back foot
  • Maintain balance, no lean

Breathing

Inhale as you lower into the lunge; exhale as you drive up and squeeze glutes.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Lower until front thigh is parallel to floor and back knee nearly touches ground; full hip and knee extension at top.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute knee, hip, or back pain present
  • Start with bodyweight to assess mobility
  • Keep movement controlled to reduce joint stress
  • Do not push through knee discomfort
  • Use light weight initially

Spotting

Spotting not typically required; use safeties on landmine if heavy loads are used.

Common Mistakes

  • Front knee caving inward
  • Leaning forward or rounding back
  • Stepping too far across midline
  • Rushing the descent
  • Poor core engagement leading to rotation

When to Avoid

  • Knee injuries or pain
  • Hip impingement
  • Lower back issues
  • Ankle instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip flexion and rotation
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for depth
  • Shoulder flexibility for hold

Build Up First

  • Proficiency in basic lunge
  • Hip hinge control
  • Single-leg balance

Also known as

Landmine Cross-Over Lunge, Barbell Curtsy Lunge

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