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Dumbbell Chest Supported Row on Stability Ball

Intermediate
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A horizontal pull using dumbbells while prone on a stability ball that targets lats, traps, and rear delts to build upper back strength and posture; enhances core stability through instability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells, Stability Ball

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Lats, Traps

Secondary Muscles

Biceps, Forearms

Accessory Muscles

Lower Back, Abs

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training
Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Lats

9/10

Teres Major

Traps

8/10

Upper Traps, Mid Traps, Lower Traps

Shoulders

7/10

Rear Delts

Biceps

5/10

Long Head, Short Head

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Lower Back

2/10

Erector Spinae

Abs

2/10

Rectus Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Position stability ball on floor. Lean prone with chest and stomach supported, legs extended back with toes tucked, feet hip-width apart. Hold dumbbells with neutral grip, arms hanging down.

  1. Engage core to stabilize on ball.
  2. Squeeze shoulder blades and pull elbows back toward ceiling.
  3. Draw dumbbells to lower ribcage, keeping elbows close to body.
  4. Pause briefly at top to contract back.
  5. Lower dumbbells slowly to full arm extension.
  6. Maintain neutral spine throughout.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Squeeze blades together
  • Elbows back not up
  • Keep core tight
  • Neutral spine always
  • Controlled descent

Breathing

Exhale during the pull and inhale as you lower the dumbbells.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Start with arms fully extended hanging down; pull until elbows align with torso and dumbbells reach lower ribcage; lower to full extension without shoulder shrug.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute lower back pain
  • Use light weights to master stability
  • Ensure ball is properly inflated
  • Stop if dizziness or pain occurs
  • Maintain head in line with spine

Spotting

No spotter needed; perform solo with focus on form. Use lighter weights if balance is challenging.

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum to swing weights
  • Arching or rounding back
  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Flared elbows too wide
  • Losing balance on ball

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Lower back injury
  • Balance issues

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder flexion
  • Hip extension range

Build Up First

  • Basic rowing form
  • Core stability competency

Also known as

Stability Ball Dumbbell Row, Prone Dumbbell Row on Ball, Chest Supported Ball Row

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