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Dumbbell Tricep Extension on Stability Ball

Intermediate
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Dumbbell tricep extension on a stability ball isolates the triceps while demanding core stability; builds arm strength and hypertrophy with added balance challenge.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells, Stability Ball

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Obliques, Shoulders

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Triceps

10/10

Long Head, Lateral Head, Medial Head

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

4/10

External Obliques

Shoulders

3/10

Anterior Delts

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Sit on stability ball with dumbbells in hands, roll back until upper back rests on ball in bridge position with feet flat and hips lifted.

  1. Extend arms overhead with palms facing in.
  2. Inhale and bend elbows to lower dumbbells toward head.
  3. Keep upper arms stationary perpendicular to floor.
  4. Exhale and extend elbows to raise dumbbells back up.
  5. Maintain slight bend at top without locking elbows.
  6. Repeat while bracing core for stability.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows tight to head
  • Core braced throughout
  • Upper arms fixed
  • Control the descent
  • Squeeze at top

Breathing

Inhale during lowering phase; exhale as you extend and squeeze triceps.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower dumbbells until forearms parallel to floor for triceps stretch; extend until arms nearly straight without elbow lockout.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start with light weight to master balance
  • Engage core to protect back
  • Avoid if lower back issues present
  • Use proper ball size for height
  • Controlled entry and exit from position

Spotting

Spot by assisting with dumbbells during lowering if heavy; not typically needed for light isolation work.

Common Mistakes

  • Flaring elbows outward
  • Arching lower back
  • Using momentum to lift
  • Locking elbows fully
  • Poor ball stability

When to Avoid

  • Acute elbow pain
  • Lower back instability
  • Shoulder impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion above 150 degrees
  • Wrist extension flexibility

Build Up First

  • Master basic tricep extension form
  • Core stability competency

Also known as

Stability Ball Skullcrusher, Swiss Ball Tricep Extension, Ball Dumbbell Overhead Extension

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