Exercise guide
Exercise Ball Crunch
The Exercise Ball Crunch uses the curved surface of a stability ball to support the lower back while the torso curls. The abdominals move the ribs toward the pelvis as the feet and hips keep the ball from rolling. The ball may allow a larger starting stretch than a floor crunch.
Training context
Muscles worked by the Exercise Ball Crunch
The abdominals flex the torso while the lower body stabilizes the ball. Arm position changes difficulty, with the arms at the sides generally easier than crossing them over the chest or extending them farther away.
The hips should remain in the same position as the torso moves. Sliding backward over the ball changes the exercise and can reduce control.
Technique overview
Curl around the ball without moving the hips
Place the lower back against the ball and plant the feet firmly. Begin from a comfortable extended position, then curl the shoulders upward while keeping the hips still. Pause briefly and return slowly over the ball. Stop if the feet slide or the neck begins leading the movement.
Treat this as an overview and use a range, pace, and setup you can control.