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Stability Ball Bicycle Crunch

Intermediate
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Stability ball bicycle crunch targets obliques and rectus abdominis for core strength and stability; instability boosts activation, coordination, and balance over floor versions.

About Exercise

Equipment

Stability Ball

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Obliques

Secondary Muscles

Hip Flexors, Lower Back

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Stability
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abs

9/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

8/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Hip Flexors

4/10

Iliopsoas

Lower Back

3/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Sit on stability ball and walk feet forward until upper back and shoulder blades rest on the ball with knees bent at 90 degrees and feet flat hip-width apart. Place hands lightly behind head with elbows flared.

  1. Engage core by drawing navel to spine.
  2. Exhale and crunch forward while twisting torso to bring left elbow toward right knee and right knee toward chest.
  3. Hold contraction briefly, then inhale and return to start controlled.
  4. Repeat on opposite side, bringing right elbow to left knee and left knee to chest.
  5. Alternate sides in a smooth pedaling motion.
  6. Maintain control without momentum.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Core tight throughout
  • Twist from obliques
  • Elbow to knee touch
  • Slow controlled reps
  • No neck pull
  • Feet grounded stable

Breathing

Inhale as you return to start; exhale during the crunch and twist while bracing core.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Lift shoulder blades off ball to full trunk flexion with elbow nearing opposite knee; legs alternate knee-to-chest without full extension.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Choose ball size for 90-degree hip and knee angles
  • Avoid if acute low back pain
  • Keep core engaged to protect spine
  • Perform on stable surface
  • Don't overextend spine

Spotting

Not required; solo exercise with low risk if form maintained.

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum for speed
  • Pulling on neck
  • Arching lower back
  • Uneven alternating sides
  • Lifting hips off ball

When to Avoid

  • Acute low back pain
  • Recent abdominal surgery
  • Shoulder instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate thoracic rotation
  • Hip flexion mobility

Build Up First

  • Master basic floor bicycle crunch
  • Familiarity with stability ball balance

Also known as

Swiss Ball Bicycle Crunch, Exercise Ball Bicycle Crunch, Bicycle Crunch on Stability Ball

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