Weighted Overhead Crunch (on Stability Ball) - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Weighted Overhead Crunch (on Stability Ball)

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Weighted Overhead Crunch (on Stability Ball).

MediumAbs

About this exercise

The Weighted Overhead Crunch on a stability ball combines the instability of the ball with a weight plate held overhead, maximizing abdominal stretch and contraction through a greater range of motion than a floor crunch. It primarily targets the rectus abdominis, with additional engagement of the obliques and deep core stabilizers. The overhead position increases the load arm, intensifying the challenge.

How to Perform

  • Sit on the stability ball and walk your feet forward until your lower back is supported by the ball
  • Hold a weight plate with both hands and extend your arms overhead, biceps near your ears
  • Allow your upper back to arch slightly over the ball to achieve a full abdominal stretch
  • Exhale and crunch your torso upward, bringing your shoulders toward your hips while keeping the arms extended overhead
  • Squeeze the abs at the top of the movement
  • Slowly lower back down over the ball to the starting stretched position
  • Repeat for the desired number of repetitions

Muscle Activation

Primary
Abs
Secondary
Obliques

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Weighted Overhead Crunch (on Stability Ball)

The Weighted Overhead Crunch (on Stability Ball) is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.