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Stability Ball Plank

Intermediate
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A core strengthening exercise performed by holding a plank position with the forearms placed on a stability ball, primarily targeting the abs and stability. Used to improve trunk stiffness and anti-extension strength.

About Exercise

Equipment

Stability Ball, Body Weight

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back, Shoulders, Glutes

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Stability
Endurance
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Functional Training
Balance 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

Lower Back

5/10

Erector Spinae

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts

Glutes

3/10

Glute Max

Programming

Typical Rep Range

1-1 reps

Rest Between Sets

45-90 seconds • Rest long enough to fully recover core tension for the next hold.

How to Perform

Place your forearms on the center of the stability ball, shoulder-width apart. Extend your legs straight behind you, resting on your toes, positioning your body in a straight line from head to heels.

  1. Engage your core and glutes to prevent your hips from sagging or rising too high.
  2. Maintain a neutral spine and neck alignment throughout the hold.
  3. Press your forearms down slightly into the ball for stability.
  4. Hold the plank position for the prescribed duration.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Maintain level hips
  • Brace your entire core
  • Squeeze glutes tight
  • Keep neck neutral
  • Drive elbows down

Breathing

Take slow, shallow breaths and maintain consistent bracing of the abdominal muscles throughout the hold.

Range of Motion

Maintain a static position where the body forms a perfectly straight line from the ears, shoulders, hips, and knees down to the ankles.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • If you experience lower back pain, stop the exercise immediately.
  • Ensure the stability ball is properly inflated and stable.
  • Avoid excessive rotation or movement of the ball.

Spotting

Not recommended. This is a stability exercise; focus on controlling the movement and reducing the duration if form breaks down.

Common Mistakes

  • Allowing hips to sag below the body line
  • Hips too high/pike position
  • Looking up or dropping the head
  • Losing core tension and stability

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injuries
  • Severe shoulder instability

Build Up First

  • Ability to perform a standard bodyweight plank with proper form

Also known as

Exercise Ball Plank, Swiss Ball Plank, Forward Stability Ball Plank

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