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Dumbbell Reverse Fly on Stability Ball

Intermediate
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An isolation exercise performed prone on a stability ball using dumbbells to target rear deltoids and upper back, building shoulder stability and posture while engaging core for balance.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells, Stability Ball

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders, Traps

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back, Abs, Obliques

Popularity Score

6

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

Shoulders

10/10

Rear Delts

Traps

8/10

Mid Traps

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Abs

3/10

Obliques

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Lie face down on a stability ball positioned under your hips and abdomen, with toes on the floor and knees slightly bent. Hold dumbbells in each hand hanging below shoulders, elbows slightly bent.

  1. Brace core to stabilize on the ball.
  2. Squeeze shoulder blades and lift dumbbells out to sides in a wide arc.
  3. Keep elbows bent and avoid momentum.
  4. Raise arms until parallel to back or slightly above.
  5. Hold briefly at top for contraction.
  6. Lower dumbbells slowly with control back to start.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Squeeze shoulder blades together
  • Lead with elbows, not hands
  • Keep neck neutral
  • Brace core for stability

Breathing

Exhale as you lift the dumbbells; inhale as you lower them. Brace core throughout.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

Start with arms hanging below shoulders; lift to arms parallel with back without exceeding shoulder height.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use light weights to maintain form
  • Ensure ball is properly inflated and undamaged
  • Stop if shoulder or back pain occurs
  • Position on non-slip surface

Spotting

Spotting not typically required; use light weights and focus on control for safety.

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum from torso
  • Rounding the back
  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Locking elbows out

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Lower back injuries
  • Balance issues

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder horizontal abduction
  • Thoracic spine mobility

Build Up First

  • Master basic reverse fly form
  • Core stability competency

Also known as

Stability Ball Rear Delt Fly, Prone Dumbbell Reverse Fly, Swiss Ball Reverse Fly

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