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Stability Ball Preacher Curl

Intermediate
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An isolation bicep curl using a stability ball to mimic preacher bench setup, targeting biceps for hypertrophy and strength while requiring core stability to prevent momentum.

About Exercise

Equipment

Stability Ball, Dumbbells

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Biceps

Secondary Muscles

Forearms, Abs, Lower Back

Accessory Muscles

Glutes

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Biceps

10/10

Long Head, Short Head

Forearms

5/10

Flexors

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis

Lower Back

3/10

Erector Spinae

Glutes

2/10

Glute Max

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Position a stability ball on the floor. Kneel behind it, lean forward to rest your chest on the ball, extend legs back, and grasp dumbbells with underhand grip, arms draped over the ball.

  1. Brace your core to stabilize body on the ball.
  2. Bend elbows to curl dumbbells toward shoulders, keeping upper arms fixed.
  3. Squeeze biceps at the top of the curl.
  4. Hold briefly in contracted position.
  5. Slowly extend arms to lower dumbbells, resisting gravity.
  6. Maintain straight body line throughout.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Upper arms stay on ball
  • Squeeze biceps hard
  • Core tight, no wobble
  • Elbows fixed, no swing

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the weights, exhale as you curl them up while bracing your core.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Start with arms nearly extended but elbows unlocked; curl until forearms nearly touch biceps, then lower controlled without shoulder movement.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use appropriately sized ball for your height
  • Start with light weights to build stability
  • Avoid if lower back or shoulder pain present
  • Keep movements controlled to prevent rolling

Spotting

Spotting not required; partner can assist by stabilizing ball if needed during heavy sets.

Common Mistakes

  • Swinging with momentum
  • Allowing shoulders to rise
  • Failing to engage core
  • Locking elbows at bottom

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Lower back instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate wrist extension
  • Shoulder flexion range

Build Up First

  • Master basic standing bicep curl
  • Core bracing proficiency

Also known as

Swiss Ball Preacher Curl, Exercise Ball Bicep Curl, Stability Ball Dumbbell Preacher Curl

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