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Stability Ball Deadbug

Beginner
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A core stability exercise using a stability ball squeezed between hands and knees, targeting the abs and obliques to build anti-extension strength and coordination.

About Exercise

Equipment

Stability Ball

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back, Glutes, Hip Flexors

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Stability
Endurance
Rehab

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abs

9/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

7/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Lower Back

5/10

Erector Spinae

Glutes

4/10

Glute Max

Hip Flexors

4/10

Iliopsoas

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Lie supine on the floor with knees and hips bent at 90 degrees. Squeeze a stability ball firmly between your hands and knees, pressing your lower back into the floor.

  1. Inhale and brace your core to keep your lower back flat against the floor.
  2. Simultaneously extend your right arm overhead and straighten your left leg toward the floor.
  3. Maintain pressure on the ball with your left hand and right knee.
  4. Pause briefly at the point of greatest extension without arching your back.
  5. Return the arm and leg to the starting position while exhaling.
  6. Repeat the movement with the left arm and right leg.
  7. Continue alternating sides for the prescribed reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Ribs down
  • Crush the ball
  • Back flat
  • Move slowly

Breathing

Inhale to brace before moving; exhale as you return limbs to the center.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Extend limbs as far as possible while maintaining a flat lower back; stop if the spine begins to arch.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Stop if you feel pain in the lower back
  • Ensure the ball is the correct size for your height

Spotting

No spotting required.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back
  • Releasing tension on the ball
  • Moving too fast
  • Holding breath

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back pain
  • Recent abdominal surgery
  • Shoulder instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Hip flexion to 90 degrees
  • Shoulder flexion to 180 degrees
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for leg extension

Build Up First

  • Basic core bracing
  • Neutral spine awareness
  • Controlled breathing during movement

Also known as

Swiss Ball Deadbug, Physioball Deadbug, Exercise Ball Deadbug, Weighted Deadbug Squeeze

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