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Stability Ball Bear Plank Tuck

Intermediate
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A dynamic core exercise using a stability ball where the user starts in a plank and tucks the knees toward the chest. It targets the abs and hip flexors to build core strength and stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Stability Ball, Body Weight

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Hip Flexors

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Glutes

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Stability
Hypertrophy
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

Abs

10/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Hip Flexors

9/10

Iliopsoas

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts

Glutes

4/10

Glute Max

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Place the shins on top of a stability ball and assume a high plank position with hands directly under the shoulders. Ensure the body forms a straight line from head to hips, engaging the core.

  1. Brace the core, maintain tension in the shoulders, and keep the hips flat.
  2. Slowly roll the ball toward your chest by flexing the hips and knees.
  3. Bring the knees in as far as comfortable without letting your lower back round excessively.
  4. Pause briefly when the core is maximally contracted.
  5. Slowly extend the legs and roll the ball back out to the starting plank position.
  6. Maintain core tension throughout the entire rolling motion.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Hips stay flat
  • Control the ball
  • Shoulders over wrists
  • Squeeze the abs

Breathing

Inhale during the extension (eccentric) phase; exhale forcefully as you tuck the knees toward the chest (concentric).

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Start in a stable high plank with legs straight; finish with knees near the chest while maintaining a flat, stable torso.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Maintain shoulder stability throughout the movement to avoid injury.
  • If lower back pain occurs, reduce the range of motion or substitute the exercise.
  • Ensure the stability ball is properly inflated and positioned.

Spotting

Not recommended; focus on maintaining control and using a reduced range of motion if necessary.

Common Mistakes

  • Letting the hips sag toward the floor.
  • Excessive rounding of the upper back.
  • Rolling out too far and losing control.
  • Using momentum instead of core control.

When to Avoid

  • Acute low back pain
  • Severe shoulder instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate wrist extension

Build Up First

  • Ability to hold a stable high plank for 30 seconds

Also known as

Ball Knee Tuck Plank, Stability Ball Ab Roll-in, Stability Ball Plank Roll-in

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