Stability Ball Crunch

Technique

The stability ball crunch is a crunch done lying back over a large exercise ball, which lets the spine extend past flat at the bottom of each rep. That extra range stretches the abs before they contract, and the unstable surface makes the deep core work to keep you balanced.

Steps

1. Sit on a stability ball and walk your feet forward until your lower and mid back rest on the ball, feet flat and hip-width apart
2. Cross your arms on your chest or place your fingertips lightly behind your ears
3. Let your upper back drape over the ball, then curl your ribs toward your hips to lift your shoulders
4. Pause at the top and lower slowly back over the ball

Common mistakes

• Sitting too high on the ball so the movement becomes a sit-up
• Pulling on the head with the hands

Variations

• Weighted ball crunch holding a plate
• Oblique ball crunch with a twist

FAQ