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Stability Ball Atomic Push-Up

Intermediate
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A bodyweight push-up variation with feet on a stability ball and knee tuck that targets chest, shoulders, triceps, and core to build upper body strength, stability, and balance; commonly scaled by ball inflation or kneeling modifications.

About Exercise

Equipment

Stability Ball, Body Weight

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest, Shoulders, Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back, Glutes, Quads

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

Functional Training
Calisthenics

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Chest

9/10

Upper Chest, Lower Chest

Shoulders

8/10

Anterior Delts

Triceps

8/10

Abs

7/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

6/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Lower Back

5/10

Erector Spinae

Glutes

4/10

Glute Max

Quads

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Place hands on floor shoulder-width apart in high plank with shins on inflated stability ball, body straight from head to heels, core braced.

  1. Bend elbows to lower chest toward floor, keeping elbows at 45 degrees.
  2. Push through hands to extend arms and return to plank.
  3. Draw knees toward chest by rolling ball forward, contracting abs.
  4. Extend legs to roll ball back to plank position.
  5. Repeat sequence for reps.
  6. Maintain straight body line throughout.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep core tight
  • Elbows tucked
  • Body straight
  • Control ball roll
  • Breathe steadily

Breathing

Inhale during lowering and leg extension; exhale during pushing up and knee tuck.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

Lower chest to just above floor; tuck knees to touch elbows if possible, hips not sagging.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use properly sized and inflated ball
  • Master standard push-up first
  • Avoid if wrist or shoulder pain
  • Clear space around
  • Stop if balance lost

Spotting

Not required; perform in open space with mat for safety.

Common Mistakes

  • Sagging hips
  • Flaring elbows
  • Rushing movements
  • Arched back
  • Loose core

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder injury
  • Lower back pain
  • Wrist instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 160 degrees
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for plank

Build Up First

  • Proficient standard push-up
  • Stable plank hold
  • Basic core engagement

Also known as

Swiss Ball Atomic Pushup, Exercise Ball Atomic Push-Up, Stability Ball Pushup with Tuck

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