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Dumbbell Pullover on Stability Ball

Intermediate
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Dumbbell pullover on a stability ball that targets lats and chest while engaging core for stability; builds upper body strength, muscular definition, and shoulder mobility.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells, Stability Ball

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats, Chest

Secondary Muscles

Obliques, Triceps, Lower Back, Glutes

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
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

Lats

9/10

Teres Major

Chest

8/10

Mid Chest

Abs

7/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Shoulders

6/10

Rear Delts

Obliques

5/10

External Obliques

Triceps

4/10

Long Head

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Glutes

3/10

Glute Max

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds • Adjust based on intensity

How to Perform

Sit on stability ball with feet flat, hold dumbbell with both hands above chest, walk feet forward to support upper back on ball in bridge position with hips lifted.

  1. Extend arms straight above chest with slight elbow bend.
  2. Slowly lower dumbbell in arc behind head until stretch in chest and lats.
  3. Keep core engaged and back flat on ball.
  4. Pull dumbbell back over chest using lats and chest.
  5. Squeeze at top and repeat.
  6. Maintain bridge throughout.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Core tight
  • Slight elbow bend
  • Controlled arc motion
  • Hips elevated
  • Shoulders retracted

Breathing

Inhale during lowering phase, exhale as you pull the dumbbell back up; brace core continuously.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

Lower dumbbell until arms are near parallel to torso or slight stretch felt in chest and lats, without excessive lower back arch; return to arms perpendicular to body above chest.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start with light weight to master stability
  • Avoid if shoulder impingement present
  • Do not lower if it causes discomfort or back strain
  • Secure grip on dumbbell overhead
  • Engage core to protect spine

Spotting

Spotter can assist by supporting dumbbell during lowering if needed; not typically required but use safeties for heavy loads.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back
  • Using momentum
  • Locking elbows
  • Dropping hips
  • Overextending behind head

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder instability
  • Lower back pain
  • Recent shoulder injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion beyond 90 degrees
  • Thoracic extension

Build Up First

  • Basic core stability
  • Familiarity with pullover movement
  • Ability to maintain bridge on ball

Also known as

Stability Ball Dumbbell Pullover, Swiss Ball Pullover, Dumbbell Stability Ball Pullover

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