Balance Trainer Stability Ball Knee Tucks exercise demonstration image

Video Coming Soon

We're working on adding video demonstrations for this exercise.

Balance Trainer Stability Ball Knee Tucks

Advanced
Home Friendly

This dynamic plank variation uses a stability ball and balance trainer to challenge the core and hip flexors, building anti-extension strength and stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Stability Ball, Balance Trainer, Body Weight

Difficulty

4/5 • Advanced

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Hip Flexors

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Glutes

Popularity Score

3

Goals

Stability
Hypertrophy
Endurance

Training Style

Calisthenics
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abs

10/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Hip Flexors

8/10

Iliopsoas

Shoulders

5/10

Anterior Delts

Glutes

3/10

Glute Max

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds • Shorter rest periods are common for core endurance work.

How to Perform

Place the balance trainer dome-side up on the floor. Get into a high plank position with hands gripping the sides of the balance trainer and shins placed on top of the stability ball.

  1. Brace your core tightly and maintain a straight line from head to heels.
  2. Flex your hips and knees simultaneously to roll the stability ball toward your chest.
  3. Contract the abs fully as the knees tuck beneath your torso.
  4. Slowly extend the legs back out, controlling the stability ball to return to the starting plank position.
  5. Keep the lower back stable and avoid letting the hips sag.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Pull knees to chest.
  • Stable hips.
  • Maintain spinal neutral.
  • Slow, controlled return.
  • Squeeze the abs hard.

Breathing

Exhale forcefully as you tuck the knees toward the chest, and inhale slowly as you return the legs to the extended plank position.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Start in a solid plank with fully extended legs and end when the knees are pulled close to the chest, flexing the hips significantly.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure the stability ball is properly inflated and positioned.
  • This exercise requires high core stabilization; discontinue if lower back pain occurs.
  • Use caution as stability tools increase fall risk.

Spotting

Not recommended; the exercise is self-limiting. Focus on stability and control instead of external load.

Common Mistakes

  • Piking the hips excessively during the tuck.
  • Allowing the lower back to sag in the plank.
  • Moving the ball too quickly or uncontrolled.
  • Losing tension in the shoulders.

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back pain or disc issues.
  • Unstable or recently injured shoulders.
  • Severe wrist pain or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Flexibility Needed

  • Good shoulder flexion and stability.

Build Up First

  • Ability to maintain a stable high plank for 60 seconds.
  • Competency with standard Stability Ball Knee Tucks.

Also known as

Stability Ball Knee Tucks, Plank Tucks

Found this helpful?

Share your thoughts or help us improve this guide.

Hero Image

Master your movement.

Experience automatic exercise detection and rep counting - powered by the motion of your Apple Watch.

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of cookies.