Stability Ball Sit-Up

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

An abdominal exercise performed on a stability ball where you crunch upward against the curved surface, which provides additional range of motion compared to floor crunches.

Instructions

  1. Sit on a stability ball with your feet flat on the floor, positioned hip-width apart.
  2. Lower yourself back so your back is supported by the ball, thighs parallel to the floor.
  3. Place your hands behind your head or across your chest for support.
  4. Engage your core and crunch upward, lifting your torso towards your knees.
  5. Avoid pulling on your neck; the movement should come from your abdominals.
  6. Lower back down in a controlled manner to the starting position.
  7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Tips

  • The curve of the ball provides a greater range of motion than floor crunches, increasing difficulty.
  • Keep your feet firmly planted to maintain stability on the ball.
  • Move slowly and controlled to maximize abdominal activation.
  • Don’t pull on your neck; let your abs do the work.
  • For added resistance, hold a light weight across your chest.

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
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
expert strength
intermediate strength
expert strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength