Illustrated guide to the Stability Ball Incline Pushup exercise

Stability Ball Incline Pushup

Push-up with hands on a stability ball — adds instability to the standard push-up.

Level: Intermediate

Primary: Chest

Secondary: Shoulder Triceps

Movement: Compound

Tags: Balance / Stability Push

Type: Functional Fitness (Obstacle & Hybrid) Light Activity

Equipment: Stability Ball

Sports: Football Gymnastics MMA Wrestling

Target muscles

The chest, shoulders, and triceps drive the push-up. The trunk and stabilizers fire harder than standard push-ups thanks to the unstable surface.

How to perform

Setup

Place hands on the stability ball. Extend the body into a push-up position with feet on the floor.

Execution

Lower the chest toward the ball. Push back up. Keep the core tight and body in a straight line.

Common mistakes

  • Letting the ball roll.
  • Sagging hips.
  • Going too soon if push-ups aren't strong.
  • Cutting the range.
  • Soft trunk.

Progressions and regressions

Regress to standard push-ups. To progress, work for time, alternate-arm variants.

Programming notes

Push-up variant. 3 sets of 6-10 reps, twice a week.

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