Stability Ball Rollout exercise demonstration image

Video Coming Soon

We're working on adding video demonstrations for this exercise.

Stability Ball Rollout

Intermediate
Home Friendly

A dynamic core exercise using a stability ball to move from a kneeling position to an extended plank. It powerfully trains the entire anterior core for anti-extension strength and hypertrophy.

About Exercise

Equipment

Stability Ball, Body Weight

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Hip Flexors

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Glutes

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Hypertrophy
Stability
Strength

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

Hip Flexors

8/10

Iliopsoas

Shoulders

5/10

Anterior Delts

Glutes

4/10

Glute Max

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

45-90 seconds • Use moderate rest for core strength work.

How to Perform

Kneel on the floor directly behind a stability ball, placing your hands shoulder-width apart on the top of the ball. Keep your back flat and your hips aligned over your knees at the start.

  1. Maintain a tight core and straight back as you slowly push the ball forward, extending your arms and hips.
  2. Roll out until your body reaches a full, straight plank position without letting your hips sag.
  3. Pause briefly at peak extension, ensuring maximum core tension.
  4. Actively squeeze your abs and hip flexors to initiate the pull back motion.
  5. Slowly return the ball and your body back to the starting position.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Hips stay level
  • Keep core rigid
  • Squeeze glutes
  • Slow and controlled
  • No sagging back

Breathing

Inhale deeply before rolling out and brace your core. Exhale forcefully as you contract your abs to pull the ball back to the start.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

Roll out until your torso is parallel to the floor, forming a straight line from head to knees, without losing lumbar stability.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Stop immediately if you feel pain in your lower back.
  • Only roll out as far as you can maintain a neutral, rigid spine.

Spotting

Not recommended; focus on controlling your range of motion instead.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching the lower back excessively
  • Losing control during the return phase
  • Rolling out too far too fast
  • Shrugging shoulders towards ears

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back pain
  • Severe shoulder instability

Build Up First

  • Basic plank competency
  • Ability to maintain neutral spine under load

Also known as

Stability Ball Ab Rollout, Kneeling Stability Ball Plank

Found this helpful?

Share your thoughts or help us improve this guide.

Hero Image

Master your movement.

Experience automatic exercise detection and rep counting - powered by the motion of your Apple Watch.

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of cookies.