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Stability Ball Abdominal Twist

Intermediate
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This core isolation exercise uses a stability ball to perform a twisting crunch, targeting the obliques and abs for improved rotational stability and hypertrophy.

About Exercise

Equipment

Stability Ball

Difficulty

2/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Obliques, Abs

Secondary Muscles

Hip Flexors

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Hypertrophy
Stability
Endurance

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Obliques

9/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Abs

8/10

Rectus Abdominis

Hip Flexors

3/10

Iliopsoas

Programming

Typical Rep Range

12-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-90 seconds • Keep rest periods short for endurance focus.

How to Perform

Lie supine on the stability ball with the ball supporting your mid-to-upper back. Plant your feet shoulder-width apart on the floor, bend your knees 90 degrees, and place hands lightly behind your head.

  1. Brace your core and initiate the movement by crunching up and twisting your torso.
  2. Bring your right elbow toward your left knee, aiming to lift your right shoulder blade off the ball.
  3. Pause briefly at the peak of the contraction, squeezing the oblique muscles.
  4. Slowly return to the starting position, maintaining tension on the core.
  5. Alternate sides, twisting the left elbow toward the right knee for the next repetition.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Control the descent.
  • Twist through the ribcage.
  • Maintain neck position.
  • Elbow to opposite knee.

Breathing

Exhale forcefully as you twist and crunch up, and inhale as you slowly return to the starting position.

Tempo

2-0-1

Range of Motion

Twist the torso fully until the elbow is near the opposite knee, ensuring the upper back is slightly lifted from the ball.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid this exercise if you experience acute lower back or neck pain.
  • Perform the movement slowly and controlled to maximize core activation.

Spotting

Not recommended. This is a bodyweight core isolation exercise.

Common Mistakes

  • Pulling excessively on the head or neck.
  • Using momentum instead of core control.
  • Twisting only the shoulders, not the trunk.

When to Avoid

  • Severe spinal rotation limitations or instability.
  • Advanced pregnancy.

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate spinal flexion and rotation mobility.

Build Up First

  • Basic stability ball crunch competency.

Also known as

Stability Ball Twist Crunch, Swiss Ball Twist

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