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Dumbbell Chest Fly on Stability Ball

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Dumbbell Chest Fly on Stability Ball.

MediumMiddle chest

About this exercise

The Dumbbell Fly on Exercise Ball is a chest isolation exercise performed lying on a stability ball, with the ball supporting the upper back and shoulders. The unstable surface engages the core and stabilizer muscles more than a flat bench while allowing a full pectoral stretch.

How to Perform

  • Sit on an exercise ball with a dumbbell in each hand resting on your thighs
  • Walk your feet forward and roll down until the ball supports your upper back and shoulders, with your hips raised and body parallel to the floor
  • Press both dumbbells up above your chest with a slight bend in the elbows, palms facing each other
  • Brace your core and keep your hips level throughout the exercise
  • Lower the dumbbells out to the sides in a wide arc, feeling the chest stretch at the bottom
  • Stop when your elbows are at or slightly below shoulder level
  • Squeeze the chest and bring the dumbbells back together in the same arc to the starting position

Muscle Activation

Primary
Middle chest
Secondary
BicepsFront shouldersUpper chest

About the Dumbbell Chest Fly on Stability Ball

The Dumbbell Chest Fly 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.