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Stability Ball Sprinters

Intermediate
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A dynamic core movement performed on a stability ball, involving alternating knee drives and rotational crunches. It targets the abs and obliques for improved stability and conditioning.

About Exercise

Equipment

Stability Ball, Body Weight

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Obliques

Secondary Muscles

Glutes

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Stability
Conditioning
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Functional Training
HIIT

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abs

9/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

8/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Hip Flexors

6/10

Iliopsoas

Glutes

3/10

Glute Max

Programming

Typical Rep Range

12-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-90 seconds • Rest shorter for conditioning sets.

How to Perform

Position your upper back on the center of a stability ball with feet flat, knees bent 90 degrees, and hips lifted slightly. Place hands lightly behind your head or ears.

  1. Engage your core to maintain a stable hip position on the ball.
  2. Crunch your torso upward while simultaneously driving one knee towards your chest.
  3. Twist your opposite elbow towards the raised knee.
  4. Smoothly return the torso and extend the leg back to the starting position.
  5. Immediately repeat the sequence, alternating to the opposite side.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Rotate the opposite shoulder.
  • Maintain hip elevation.
  • Drive the knee high.
  • Control the ball movement.

Breathing

Exhale forcefully as you crunch, twist, and drive the knee, inhaling as you return to the starting position.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

The torso rotates and flexes until the elbow approaches the opposite knee, while the hips remain elevated throughout.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Stop immediately if you experience sharp pain in the lower back or neck.
  • Ensure the stability ball is properly inflated and positioned securely.
  • Focus on controlled rotation through the torso, not just elbow movement.

Spotting

Not required; this is a bodyweight core exercise. Focus on maintaining control of the stability ball.

Common Mistakes

  • Dropping the hips too low.
  • Pulling on the neck excessively.
  • Using momentum instead of rotation.
  • Rushing the movement.

When to Avoid

  • Acute low back pain or injury.
  • Severe cervical spine issues.

Flexibility Needed

  • Good lumbar spine control.

Build Up First

  • Competency with stability ball crunches.

Also known as

Stability Ball Rotational Crunch, Ball Sprinter Sit-Up, Ball Crunch Twist

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