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Dumbbell Preacher Curl on Stability Ball

Intermediate
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An isolation exercise using dumbbells on a stability ball to target the biceps for hypertrophy, emphasizing strict form and adding core stability due to the unstable support.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells, Stability Ball

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Biceps

Secondary Muscles

Forearms

Accessory Muscles

Abs, Lower Back, Glutes, Shoulders

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Biceps

10/10

Long Head, Short Head, Brachialis

Forearms

4/10

Flexors

Abs

2/10

Rectus Abdominis

Lower Back

2/10

Erector Spinae

Glutes

2/10

Glute Max

Shoulders

2/10

Anterior Delts

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Position a stability ball on the floor and kneel or extend legs behind it. Drape your chest and upper arms over the ball, holding dumbbells with underhand grip and arms extended down.

  1. Engage core to stabilize torso.
  2. Keep upper arms fixed on the ball.
  3. Bend elbows to curl dumbbells toward shoulders.
  4. Squeeze biceps at the top.
  5. Slowly lower dumbbells to full extension.
  6. Maintain slight elbow bend to avoid lockout.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows glued to ball
  • Squeeze biceps hard
  • Control the descent
  • Core tight
  • Wrists straight

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the weights and exhale forcefully as you curl up.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Start with arms fully extended but elbows slightly bent, curl until forearms nearly vertical, lower to full stretch without locking elbows.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start with light weights due to instability
  • Avoid if you have elbow or shoulder issues
  • Use appropriate ball size for height
  • Keep core engaged to protect lower back
  • Consult professional for injuries

Spotting

Not typically required; use lighter weights or safeties if needed for heavier loads.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging body for momentum
  • Locking elbows at bottom
  • Arching back
  • Lifting elbows off ball
  • Using too much weight

When to Avoid

  • Acute elbow pain
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Lower back instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate wrist flexibility
  • Shoulder flexion range

Build Up First

  • Master basic bicep curl form
  • Core stability proficiency

Also known as

Stability Ball Dumbbell Preacher Curl, Swiss Ball Preacher Curl, Exercise Ball Bicep Curl

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