A crunch performed lying over a stability ball, allowing the spine to extend slightly before flexing. It increases range of motion for the rectus abdominis compared with a floor crunch.
Primary muscles
Secondary muscles
This information is general fitness guidance, not medical advice. Stop if you feel pain and consult a qualified professional.
Main muscles working (thicker lines)
Sit on a stability ball, walk your feet forward until your lower and mid back rest on the ball, feet flat and wide for balance, hands lightly by your ears.
Let your upper back drape slightly over the ball.
Brace and curl your ribs toward your pelvis, lifting your shoulders.
Pause briefly at the top without sitting fully upright.
Lower slowly back over the ball.
Breathing: Exhale as you crunch, inhale as you lower.
Keep the ball still
Wide feet for balance
Curl, don't sit up
Rolling the ball instead of flexing the spine
Pulling on the head
Feet too close together
Use a properly inflated ball on a non-slip surface.