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Exercise 2297 · REF Gn5FwYT

Stability Ball Crunch (full Range Hands Behind Head) exercise animation

Stability Ball Crunch (full Range Hands Behind Head)

Category
Waist
Target
Abs

Crunching over a stability ball extends the range of motion well past what a floor crunch allows, since the ball lets the torso arch back before curling forward — that extra range is the whole reason to use the ball instead of the floor. Hands behind the head should support the neck lightly, not pull it forward; that's the most common way this exercise gets turned into a neck strain instead of an ab exercise. The unstable base also adds a mild core stabilization demand on top of the crunch itself.

How to Do the Stability Ball Crunch (full Range Hands Behind Head)

  1. Sit on the stability ball with your feet flat on the ground and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle.
  2. Place your hands behind your head with your elbows pointing outwards.
  3. Engaging your abs, slowly curl your upper body forward, bringing your chest towards your knees.
  4. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your upper body back to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

The Stability Ball Crunch (full Range Hands Behind Head) primarily targets the Abs, with Hip Flexors as the primary synergist muscle group.

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Equipment Alternatives

Don't have stability ball? These target the same abs with different equipment.

3/4 Sit-Up 3/4 Sit-Up Body Weight · Abs Assisted Hanging Knee Raise Assisted Hanging Knee Raise Assisted · Abs Assisted Motion Russian Twist Assisted Motion Russian Twist Medicine Ball · Abs Band Alternating V-Up Band Alternating V-Up Band · Abs

FAQ

What muscles does the Stability Ball Crunch (full Range Hands Behind Head) work?
The Stability Ball Crunch (full Range Hands Behind Head) primarily targets the abs, with the hip flexors as the main supporting muscle group.
What equipment do I need for the Stability Ball Crunch (full Range Hands Behind Head)?
The Stability Ball Crunch (full Range Hands Behind Head) is done with a stability ball.
What's a good alternative to the Stability Ball Crunch (full Range Hands Behind Head)?
If you don't have access to a stability ball, the 3/4 Sit-Up targets the same abs using body weight instead.