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Stability Ball Pike Push-Up

Intermediate
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Stability ball pike push-up that targets shoulders, chest, and core to build upper body strength, stability, and coordination; uses unstable foot position for added challenge.

About Exercise

Equipment

Stability Ball

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders, Chest

Secondary Muscles

Hip Flexors, Obliques

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

Calisthenics
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Shoulders

9/10

Anterior Delts, Medial Delts

Chest

8/10

Mid Chest, Upper Chest

Abs

7/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Triceps

6/10

Hip Flexors

5/10

Iliopsoas

Obliques

4/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Position hands on floor shoulder-width apart under shoulders in high plank with shins on stability ball, body straight from head to heels.

  1. Engage core and lift hips to ceiling, rolling ball forward to form inverted V with straight legs.
  2. From pike, bend elbows to lower head toward floor in front of hands, keeping elbows at 45 degrees.
  3. Push through hands to extend arms and return to pike position.
  4. Lower hips controlled, rolling ball back to plank with straight body.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Core tight
  • Neutral spine
  • Elbows tucked
  • Controlled roll

Breathing

Inhale as you lower into push-up and return to plank; exhale as you pike and push up.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Pike until hips reach ceiling with body in V-shape; lower until head nearly touches floor in push-up, maintaining neutral spine.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use appropriately sized ball
  • Stop if sharp pain occurs
  • Master planks first

Spotting

Not typically needed; focus on self-control and use wall for support if balance falters.

Common Mistakes

  • Sagging hips
  • Jerky movements
  • Arched back
  • Uneven ball position

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Lower back pain
  • Wrist issues

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion beyond 90 degrees
  • Hip flexion for pike

Build Up First

  • Proficient in planks and push-ups
  • Balance on stability ball

Also known as

Swiss Ball Pike Push-Up, Exercise Ball Pike Push-Up, Ball Pike Push-Up

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