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Balance Trainer Push-Up

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Bodyweight push-up on an unstable balance trainer that targets chest, shoulders, and triceps while building core stability and balance for advanced upper body strength and proprioception.

About Exercise

Equipment

Balance Trainer

Difficulty

4/5 • Advanced

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest, Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Obliques, Lower Back, Glutes

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

Functional Training
Balance Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Chest

10/10

Mid Chest

Shoulders

8/10

Anterior Delts

Triceps

7/10

Lateral Head, Medial Head

Abs

6/10

Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

5/10

External Obliques

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Glutes

4/10

Glute Max

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Place balance trainer dome side up on floor. Position hands on dome slightly wider than shoulders and extend body into plank.

  1. Bend elbows at 45 degrees to lower chest toward dome.
  2. Keep body in straight line from head to heels.
  3. Brace core and glutes to maintain stability.
  4. Press through hands to extend elbows and return to plank.
  5. Pause briefly at top before next rep.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Body straight as plank
  • Elbows tucked 45 degrees
  • Core braced tight
  • Press evenly through hands

Breathing

Inhale as you lower; exhale as you push up while bracing core.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until chest nearly touches dome; fully extend arms at top without locking elbows.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Engage core to protect spine
  • Use neutral wrist position
  • Start with beginner variations if unstable

Spotting

Not required; self-spot with controlled form on unstable surface.

Common Mistakes

  • Hips sagging or rising
  • Elbows flaring wide
  • Wrist bending excessively

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder instability
  • Wrist pain
  • Acute lower back injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 160 degrees
  • Wrist extension to 70 degrees

Build Up First

  • Master standard push-up
  • Proficient plank hold

Also known as

BOSU Push Up, Bosu Ball Pushup, Instability Push Up

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