Stability Ball Incline Push-Up
Level
beginner
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
exercise ball Category
strength Secondary Muscles
A beginner-friendly push-up variation with hands elevated on a stability ball, reducing load on the chest while maintaining pressing benefits.
Instructions
- Place your hands on the stability ball, slightly wider than shoulder-width
- Assume a plank position with feet on the ground
- Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels
- Lower your body by bending your elbows until your chest approaches the ball
- Push through your hands to return to the starting position
- Maintain a rigid plank throughout the movement
- Repeat for desired reps
Tips
- Keep your core engaged to maintain a straight body alignment
- Position your elbows at a 45-degree angle to your body
- Lower only as far as you can control while maintaining form
- The instability of the ball increases core engagement
- Breathe in as you lower and breathe out as you push up
- Avoid letting your hips sag or pike upward during the movement
- Maintain contact with the ball by finding your balance before starting
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 | 7 reps |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps |
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