Stability Ball Back Extension
Level
intermediate
Force
push
Mechanic
isolation
Equipment
exercise ball Category
strength Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
A prone back extension performed while lying face-down over a stability ball, strengthening the posterior chain and improving spinal stability.
Instructions
- Position yourself face-down over the stability ball, with the ball under your hips
- Place your feet against a wall or have them anchored on the ground
- Cross your arms over your chest or place them behind your head
- Engage your core and press your hips into the ball for stability
- Lift your upper body by extending your back, creating a straight line from knees to head
- Hold at the top for a brief moment, squeezing your glutes and lower back
- Lower your body back down with control
- Repeat for desired reps
Tips
- Keep your neck neutral throughout the movement to avoid strain
- Move slowly and deliberately to maximize muscle engagement
- If holding your arms is too difficult, keep them at your sides for balance
- Ensure the ball doesn’t roll during the movement by maintaining good foot contact
- Breathe out as you extend and breathe in as you lower
- Avoid hyperextending your spine by limiting range of motion based on comfort
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 9 reps |
| Build muscle | 3 | 13 reps |
| Build endurance | 3 | 16 reps |
Alternatives
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