Stability Ball Plank

The Stability Ball Plank is an intermediate isometric core exercise that intensifies standard planking by introducing an unstable surface under your forearms. It primarily targets the deep transverse abdominis and shoulder stabilizers while challenging balance and full-body tension.

Exercise movement reviewed by:Marie Braga, PT, DPT, CSCS
How Iridium Helps

Stability exercises place a high demand on your central nervous system; the app analyzes your Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and sleep data to ensure you have the neural recovery needed for this balance-intensive movement. By tracking the exact duration and RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) of each set, the AI learns your endurance threshold and adjusts time targets to prevent form breakdown and lower back strain.

Form Cues

Do
  • Press your forearms firmly into the ball to protract your shoulder blades
  • Squeeze your glutes and quads to create full-body tension
  • Keep your elbows positioned directly under your shoulders
  • Draw your navel in toward your spine to brace the core
Don't
  • Don't let your hips sag toward the floor
  • Don't hike your hips up into a pike position
  • Don't rest your chest against the ball
  • Don't let your shoulders shrug up toward your ears

Common Mistakes

  • Lumbar hyperextension (swayback)
  • Holding breath due to tension
  • Looking forward instead of down
  • Interlocking fingers tightly

Muscles Worked

This exercise deeply engages the transverse abdominis and rectus abdominis, forcing them to work harder to stabilize the torso against the moving ball. It also heavily recruits the anterior deltoids and serratus anterior for shoulder girdle stability, while the glutes and erector spinae work isometrically to maintain a neutral spine.

Primary

General Core

Secondary

Anterior DeltoidErector Spinae

Get Personalized Coaching for Stability Ball Plank

Don't guess your way through weights or workouts. Download Iridium for automatic, AI-powered coaching that adapts to your recovery and goals.

Coming SoonLearn More