Stability Ball Incline Push-Up

Level
beginner
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
exercise ball
Category
strength

A beginner-friendly push-up variation with hands elevated on a stability ball, reducing load on the chest while maintaining pressing benefits.

Instructions

  1. Place your hands on the stability ball, slightly wider than shoulder-width
  2. Assume a plank position with feet on the ground
  3. Keep your body in a straight line from head to heels
  4. Lower your body by bending your elbows until your chest approaches the ball
  5. Push through your hands to return to the starting position
  6. Maintain a rigid plank throughout the movement
  7. 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

Alternatives

Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.

Clock Press (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

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Incline Press (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

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Oblique Atomic Push-Up (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

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