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Stability Ball Crunch

Beginner
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The Stability Ball Crunch is an isolation movement using an unstable surface to target the abs and hip flexors. This variation increases range of motion and core stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Stability Ball, Body Weight

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs

Secondary Muscles

Obliques

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Hypertrophy
Stability
Endurance

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abs

10/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Hip Flexors

7/10

Iliopsoas

Obliques

4/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

12-25 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-90 seconds • Shorter rest for abdominal endurance training.

How to Perform

Sit on the stability ball and walk your feet forward until the ball supports your lower back and hips, with knees bent at 90 degrees and feet flat. Place hands lightly behind your head or crossed over your chest.

  1. Engage your core and exhale as you slowly curl your shoulders and upper back off the ball.
  2. Flex your rib cage toward your hips, ensuring the movement originates from the spine.
  3. Pause briefly at the peak contraction while maintaining constant core tension.
  4. Inhale and slowly return your upper back to the starting position on the ball, maintaining control.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Ribs down to hips
  • Maintain lower body stability
  • Avoid pulling the neck
  • Squeeze the abs fully

Breathing

Exhale forcefully as you crunch up and contract the abs; inhale slowly as you return to the starting position.

Tempo

2-0-1

Range of Motion

The movement initiates by lifting the shoulder blades clear of the ball, stopping before the lower back position changes significantly.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Individuals with acute low back pain should perform this exercise with caution or modify it.
  • Do not use excessive speed, as this reduces core muscle engagement.

Spotting

Not recommended or needed for this bodyweight movement.

Common Mistakes

  • Pulling the head forward with the hands.
  • Using momentum or moving too quickly.
  • Performing excessive range of motion, relying only on hip flexors.

When to Avoid

  • Acute low back pain
  • Recent abdominal or spinal surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate spinal flexion ability

Build Up First

  • Basic core bracing competency

Also known as

Swiss Ball Crunch, Ball Crunch, Abdominal Crunch on Ball, Exercise Ball Crunch

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