Primary
Core
Secondary
Shoulders, Hip flexors
Equipment
Stability Ball
Difficulty
Intermediate
Type
Pull
Want this exercise programmed into a full plan?
MySetPlan shows you when to use Stability Ball Pike, how many sets and reps to do, what to pair it with, and how to progress next week.
2-minute quiz · No credit card required
NASM-CPT, CSCS certified trainers. Every guide is built from peer-reviewed research and real coaching experience.
Stability ball pikes are an advanced core exercise where you pike your hips up while balancing with shins on a ball. This combines hip flexor strength with intense anti-extension core demand. The unstable surface adds coordination challenge.
When to use it
Use for advanced core work for optimal results.
Who it's for
Intermediate to advanced for optimal results.
Start in a plank with shins on the ball. Keep arms straight and pike your hips toward the ceiling by pulling your feet toward your hands. Your body forms an inverted V at the top. Lower with control back to plank position. Keep legs straight throughout.
Also targets: Shoulders, hip flexors
See where Stability Ball Pike fits in your weekly plan
We slot it into the right day with sets, reps, and progression you can follow.
Start in plank with shins on stability ball.
Keep arms straight and core engaged.
Pike your hips up toward the ceiling.
Roll the ball toward your hands.
Lower back to plank position.
Keep legs straight throughout.
Very challenging exercise.
Keep core tight for optimal results.
Don't bend knees for optimal results.
Control the descent.
Use stability ball pikes when you have mastered basic planks and want advanced core work. They are excellent preparation for handstand training and gymnastics. Progress to this from stability ball knee tucks.
Bending knees - this is a common issue that reduces exercise effectiveness.
Letting your knees collapse inward during the Stability Ball Pike puts dangerous rotational force on your knee ligaments. Push your knees out over your toes throughout the movement.
Not going high enough.
On pulling movements like the Stability Ball Pike, this mistake typically means your arms are doing work that should come from your Rectus abdominis. Initiate every rep by engaging your Rectus abdominis first, then let your arms follow.
Losing balance due to lack of stability or focus.
On pulling movements like the Stability Ball Pike, this mistake typically means your arms are doing work that should come from your Rectus abdominis. Initiate every rep by engaging your Rectus abdominis first, then let your arms follow.
Intermediate to advanced for optimal results.
Lower reps with heavier weight builds raw strength. Your muscles and nervous system adapt to handle more load over time. This range is best for strength-focused goals.
This rep range keeps your muscles under tension long enough to trigger growth. Most people see the best muscle-building results in this zone. It balances strength and muscle size.
Higher reps with lighter weight builds muscular endurance and improves conditioning. This range is good for joint health and building work capacity.
General guideline: 3 sets of 8-12 reps. Rest 60s.
MySetPlan places Stability Ball Pike inside a complete workout — with the right sets, reps, rest periods, and a progression you can follow week to week.
Sample workout
MySetPlan guides you set by set, times your rest, lets you swap if equipment is busy, and tells you what to do next.
Try Gym Mode FreeMySetPlan picks the right exercises for your goals — like the Stability Ball Pike — and builds them into a monthly program. Every set, every rep, planned out.
Take the Free Quiz2-minute quiz · No charge for 7 days
Stability Ball Pike
Demo coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions About the Stability Ball Pike
The Stability Ball Pike primarily targets the Rectus abdominis, Hip flexors, making it an effective exercise for core development. Secondary muscles worked during the Stability Ball Pike include Shoulders, providing additional training stimulus. Stabilizer muscles engaged include Core stabilizers.
The Stability Ball Pike is rated as intermediate difficulty, meaning it requires some training experience. Intermediate to advanced for optimal results. Focus on proper technique and consider starting with easier variations.
For the Stability Ball Pike, the recommended approach depends on your goals. 3 sets of 8-12 reps. Rest 60s. For strength, use 6-8 reps. For muscle growth, perform 8-12 reps. For endurance, complete 12-15 reps.
The Stability Ball Pike typically requires a stability ball, which most home gyms don't have. For a home-friendly alternative targeting the same muscles, check the variations section above.
Good alternatives to the Stability Ball Pike include: Ab Wheel Rollout, Plank. These exercises target similar muscle groups as the Stability Ball Pike and can be used as substitutes based on your equipment availability, gym setup, or training preferences.