Stability Ball Reverse Crunch

Level
beginner
Force
push
Mechanic
isolation
Equipment
exercise ball
Category
strength
Primary Muscles

A lower abdominal isolation exercise performed while lying back on a stability ball, emphasizing the lower rectus abdominis contraction.

Instructions

  1. Lie back on the stability ball with your mid-back supported
  2. Plant your feet firmly on the floor with knees bent
  3. Place your hands behind your head for support
  4. Engage your lower abdominals to lift your knees toward your chest
  5. Roll your pelvis upward, bringing your knees and chest closer
  6. Feel the contraction in your lower abs
  7. Lower back to the starting position with control
  8. Repeat for desired reps

Tips

  • Focus on the crunch in your lower abs rather than the movement
  • Move slowly and deliberately for maximum muscle activation
  • Avoid pulling on your head; let your abs drive the movement
  • Maintain contact between your back and the ball for support
  • Breathe out as you crunch and breathe in as you lower
  • The ball’s support allows greater range of motion compared to floor crunches
  • Keep your neck neutral to avoid strain; don’t pull your head forward

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 15 reps
Build muscle 3 18 reps
Build endurance 3 25 reps

Alternatives

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

beginner strength

Assisted Sit-Up (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about assisted sit-up (trx / suspension trainer)
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength

Crunch on Elbows (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about crunch on elbows (trx / suspension trainer)
intermediate strength

Crunch on Hands (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about crunch on hands (trx / suspension trainer)
intermediate strength

Crunch with Chest Taps (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about crunch with chest taps (trx / suspension trainer)
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength

Low Rollout (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about low rollout (trx / suspension trainer)
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength

Resisted Sit-Up (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about resisted sit-up (trx / suspension trainer)
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength