- Lie prone on a swiss ball with your feet hip width apart. You can place your feet against a wall for better stability. Clasp your hands behind your head with elbows pointing out.
- Engage your abs and raise your torso off the ball, hyperextending your spine.
- Return your torso to the ball to the starting position.
Swiss Ball Love 39-min Dumbbells Workout
39 min
·
9 exercises
We all love the Swiss Ball. Unlike a stable bench, a Swiss Ball provides comfortable instability, meaning your core muscles are engaged when performing every exercise.
Place your feet against the wall if necessary. Build yourself a tree-trunk-stable core.
0:45 rest
Find your comfortable weight (that burns at 10 reps). Don't forget your h2o!
0:45 rest
'Upper abs are unattractive' - Said no one, ever.
0:45 rest
Make sure to lift your butt off the ground forming a bridge. Use your core to maintain stability.
0:45 rest
Try not to over extend, don't allow your arms to drop below your shoulder line. Check out the instructions below!
0:45 rest
Aim for form here, use the ball as your aid and maintain a 3-second-up, 3-second-down rhythm.
0:45 rest
Use your abs to really pull those knees toward your chest! You're on your final 3 exercises now!
0:45 rest
Do not let your elbows fall below your shoulder line. Don't push with too much weight here.
0:45 rest
Show that ball some love! Each pass is one rep. You've nailed this workout!
About this workout
Swiss Ball Love 39-min Dumbbells Workout is a free 39 min workout plan with 9 illustrated exercises for your abs, arms, back and chest. Follow the workout online, save it to your WorkoutLabs Fit account or download it as a printable PDF.
Tap any exercise in the workout to see the muscles worked, clear exercise illustrations and step-by-step instructions. Each workout includes sets, reps, rest times and notes so you can follow the plan without guessing.
Workout details
- Duration: 39 min
- Exercises: 9
- Training focus: Abs, arms, back and chest
- Equipment: Full gym
- Level: Intermediate
- Format: Interactive workout and printable PDF
For more ready-made training plans, try WorkoutLabs Fit. You can follow visual workouts, build your own routines, manage your training calendar and track your progress. Sign up today to claim your free week.
Questions about this workout
What equipment do I need for this workout?
You'll need full gym for this workout. Tap any exercise to see form instructions and possible substitutions if a piece of equipment isn't available.
How long does the Swiss Ball Love 39-min Dumbbells Workout take?
The full workout takes about 39 minutes, covering 9 exercises with prescribed sets, reps and rest periods. Using the built-in timers and auto-advance keeps you on pace from start to finish.
Is this workout suitable for my fitness level?
This is an intermediate workout, best suited to people with some training experience. Beginners can still follow it by reducing the weight, doing fewer sets or resting longer between sets – each exercise includes illustrated form instructions.
What muscles does this workout target?
This routine primarily works your lower back, biceps, abs, hamstrings, chest, quadriceps. Tap any exercise in the workout to see a muscle diagram showing exactly which primary and secondary muscles it activates.
How often should I do this workout?
For get toned, lose fat, aim to do this workout 2–3 times per week with at least one rest day between sessions. Progress by gradually adding weight or reps, and pair it with workouts for other muscle groups during the week.
Can I download or save this workout?
Yes – you can download this workout as a free printable PDF using the download button, or save it to a free WorkoutLabs Fit account to follow it on your phone, customize the exercises and track your progress.
Swiss Ball Love 39-min Dumbbells Workout
39 min
·
9 exercises
We all love the Swiss Ball. Unlike a stable bench, a Swiss Ball provides comfortable instability, meaning your core muscles are engaged when performing every exercise.
Swiss Ball Back Extensions
Place your feet against the wall if necessary. Build yourself a tree-trunk-stable core.
Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back
Primary muscle group(s):
Lower Back
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings
- Lie face down on a hyper extension bench with your upper thighs and lower hips on the support pad. You must be able to bend at the waist freely.
- Lock your ankles under the footpads.
- Start with your body in a straight line head to toe.
- Place your arms across your chest, behind or at the side of your head.
- Slowly bend forward by relacing your, back and abdominal muscles.
- Continue as far as possible without rounding your back or raising your thighs from the support pad. You should feel a slight stretch in your hamstrings.Hold for a count of one.
- Return to the start position by contracting your back and abdominal muscles until your body is once again straight. Do not arch your back up at the end of the movement. Pause and repeat.
As your strength and flexibility increase, you can hold a weight plate against your chest for extra resistance.
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Abs, Calves, Lower Back
- Place a loaded barbell in front of you. Position your feet wider than shoulder width. Have your toes pointing out away from the body. Tighten the core and straighten the lower back.
- Bend at the knees, lowering your hips down above parallel. Take hold of the barbell with an overhand grip at shoulder width. Focusing the tension in your hamstrings, pull the barbell up. Be sure to keep the barbell close to your body.
- Drive your hips forward at the top of the movement. Slowly reverse the movement and lower the barbell while maintaining a flat back.
Swiss Ball Bicep Curls
Find your comfortable weight (that burns at 10 reps). Don't forget your h2o!
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Abs, Forearms
- Holding a pair of dumbbells, carefully sit down on a Swiss ball. Make sure that you are positioned in the middle of the ball and that you are balanced.
- Starting with the dumbbells lowered near the floor, put a slight bend in the elbows and maintain throughout. Keep your upper arms at your sides. Begin by lifting the dumbbells up and towards your chest. The tension should be exclusively in the biceps.
- Pause at the top and slowly lower. Again, do not lock out your elbows. Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Abs, Forearms
- Set up a cable station with a straight bar attachment connected to the low pulley.
- Stand close to the station, feet shoulder width apart either side of the pulley.
- Grip the bar with a shoulder width underhand grip.
- Keep your elbows close to your sides.
- Curls your arms upward from the elbows in a smooth arc.
- Continue until your forearms are vertical with your palms facing your shoulders. Hold for a count of one while flexing your biceps.
- Lower the bar back to the starting position in a smooth motion.
- Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Abs, Forearms
- Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
- Let your arms hang by your side with your palms facing in to the side of your body.
- Keep your elbows close to your sides.
- Curl the dumbbells up towards your shoulders. Do not swing your hips to get the weight moving.
- Continue raising the dumbbells until they are level with your shoulders with your palms facing in. Your forearm should be in a vertical position.
- Squeeze or flex your bicep and hold for a count of one.
- Slowly lower the dumbbells to the starting position.
- Repeat.
You can also perform this exercise by alternating between left and right arms or one arm at a time.
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
- Begin the movement by stepping on to a resistance band with your feet at shoulder-width, toes pointed slightly out.
- Holding the handles of the band in each hand, tighten your abdominals and straighten your lower back. Keep your chest up and gaze forward.
- Using an underhand grip or hammer fist grip, slowly pull the band towards your shoulders. Keep your upper arm in place, moving only your forearms.
- Once you reach the top of the movement, pause, and slowly lower the band to the starting position. Do not lock out your elbows.
Primary muscle group(s):
Biceps
Secondary:
Forearms
- Holding a water bottle in each hand, stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
- Let your arms hang by your side with your palms facing in to the side of your body.
- Keep your elbows close to your sides.
- Curl the water bottles up towards your shoulders. Do not swing your hips to get the weight moving.
- Continue raising the water bottles until they are level with your shoulders with your palms facing in. Your forearm should be in a vertical position.
- Squeeze or flex your bicep and hold for a count of one.
- Slowly lower the water bottles to the starting position.
Swiss Ball Crunches
'Upper abs are unattractive' - Said no one, ever.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
- Sit on an exercise ball, your feet flat on the floor.
- Roll the bottom half of your glutes off the ball by walking your feet away from the ball. Your lower back should be positioned at the top centre of the ball.
- Place your hands loosely behind or on the sides on the sides of your head, but don’t use your them to pull yourself up. Doing so can cause neck injuries.
- Curl your upper body forward rolling your shoulders forward and down towards your hips.
- Continue curling forward as far as comfortable. Hold and squeeze your abdominal muscles for a count of one.
- Return to the starting position and pause, then repeat.
For added resistance,you can hold a weight plate to your chest.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
- Lie flat on your back with your feet flat on the ground, with your knees bent at 90 degrees. Alternatively, you can place your feet up on a bench a few inches apart with your toes turned inwards and touching.
- Place your hands lightly on either side of your head.
- Keep your elbows in so that they are parallel to your body.
- Push your back down flat into the floor to isolate your abdominal muscles.
- Gently curl your shoulders forward and up off the floor.
- Continue to push down into the floor with your lower back.
- Raise your shoulders about four to six inches only.
- Hold and squeeze your abdominal muscles for a count of one.
- Return to the start position in a smooth movement.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
- Lie on your back. Bring your knees up to a 90-degree angle. Shins should be parallel to the floor. Place your hands behind your head and bring your shoulders off the ground.
- Exhale and contract your abdominals. Bring your head towards your knees while moving your knees toward your chest.
- Pause and return to the starting position.
Swiss Ball Hamstring Leg Curl
Make sure to lift your butt off the ground forming a bridge. Use your core to maintain stability.
Primary muscle group(s):
Hamstrings
Secondary:
Abs, Glutes & Hip Flexors
- Lie with your back flat on an exercise mat and your feet resting on top of a Swiss ball.
- Use your feet to roll the ball away from you until your legs are fully extended and your ankles are on top of the ball. This is the start position.
- Keep your shoulders flat on the ground and press down with your feet to raise your hips off the floor.
- Bend your knees, so that the ball is pulled towards you and continue as far as is comfortable. Hold for a count of one.
- Return to the starting position by extending your legs until they are straight.
- Repeat.
Primary muscle group(s):
Glutes & Hip Flexors, Hamstrings, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Abs, Calves
- Lie on the ground with a TRX Suspension Strap at your feet. Lift both your feet into the strap, making sure they are secure. Tighten your core and place your hands at your sides.
- Drive your hips up while maintaining a straight line with your body. Curl your feet in, moving them towards your butt. Maintain balance with your hands on the ground.
- Once your feet reach your butt, slowly extend your feet back to the starting position. Do not allow your hips to drop. Contract the core during the entire movement.
Swiss Ball Dumbbell Chest Flyes
Try not to over extend, don't allow your arms to drop below your shoulder line. Check out the instructions below!
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs, Chest
Secondary:
Shoulders, Triceps
- Sit on a Swiss Ball while holding a pair of dumbbells. Slowly, walk your feet forward, rolling yourself down the Swiss Ball. Lean back and keep the dumbbells at your chest.
- Once your shoulders are supporting you on the ball, engage your hips, driving them up. Your feet shoulder be outside of shoulder-width. Engage your core throughout the exercise.
- Push the dumbbells above your chest. Slowly, spread your arms to the sides, opening up the chest. Pause when the dumbbells are at parallel with the ground. Return to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Abs, Shoulders, Triceps
- Holding a pair of dumbbells, sit on a flat bench and slowly lower yourself back.
- Keep a tight core as you push the dumbbells above your chest. The dumbbells will be facing one another and held together.
- With a slight bend in the elbow, open up your chest and slowly lower the dumbbells to the sides.
- When the dumbbells are parallel with the ground, pause, and return to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Shoulders, Triceps
- Sit on a pec deck machine with your back flat against the back rest.
- Grip the handles and make sure your arms are parallel to the floor. If not parallel,adjust the seat or handles accordingly. This is the start position.
- Exhale and slowly push the handles together squeezing your chest to the middle as you do so. Hold for a count of one.
- Inhale as you return to the starting position in a controlled movement.
- Repeat.
This exercise can be performed using an exercise band or pulleys. There are a variety of different machines with different placement of your forearms. With these, place your forearms on the pad, with your elbow bent to 90 degrees. Perform the exercise by squeezing your elbows together.
Primary muscle group(s):
Chest
Secondary:
Abs, Shoulders, Triceps
- Stand between two cable stations with the dumbbell grip handles attached to the high pulleys on each side of you.
- Hold the handles with an overhand grip. Your arms should be outstretched.
- Bend your knees and hips slightly so that you are leaning forward, but not too far.
- Bend your elbows slightly and rotate your shoulders in towards the centre of your chest a little. Your elbows should be slightly behind you.
- Use a hugging motion, keeping your elbows in a fixed, bent position to bring the grip attachments together in front of your chest.
- Slowly return to the starting position until you feel a slight stretch in your chest muscles.
- Repeat.
Swiss Ball Squats
Aim for form here, use the ball as your aid and maintain a 3-second-up, 3-second-down rhythm.
Primary muscle group(s):
Hamstrings, Quadriceps
Secondary:
Calves, Glutes & Hip Flexors
- Take a stability ball and place it against the wall. Position yourself against it so that the ball is contoured to the arch of your back.
- Place your feet at shoulder-width with your toes pointed slightly out. Brace your core and keep your chest up.
- Bend first at the knees then at the hips. Lower yourself until your thighs are parallel with the floor. Allow the stability ball to guide you but do not put all of your weight against it. Return to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Quadriceps
Secondary:
Abs, Hamstrings
- Place your feet at shoulder width apart while keeping your chest up and your abdominals braced.
- Begin the movement by swinging your arms up towards your shoulders. At the same time, bend at the knees and drive your hips back like you’re sitting in a chair.
- Once your upper thighs are parallel with the ground, pause, then drive your hips forward to return to the starting position.
Swiss Ball Knee Tuck to Chest
Use your abs to really pull those knees toward your chest! You're on your final 3 exercises now!
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Calves, Glutes & Hip Flexors, Quadriceps
- Position yourself on all fours with your torso on a swiss ball and hands and feet on the floor. Stretch your legs back and keep your hands under your shoulders.
- Engage your abs and slowly walk your hands forward until your feet lift off the floor. Carry on walking out until your quads or knees rest on the ball in a plank position.
- Slowly bend your knees in towards your chest allowing the ball to roll forward. Tuck your knees under your torso as your hips lift towards the ceiling.
- Slowly straighten your legs and roll the ball out to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs, Chest, Shoulders
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors
- Bring yourself to the ground and enter an elevated push-up position with your hands below your shoulders and your feet directly behind you. Carefully, insert one foot at a time into hanging TRX bands.
- Maintaining a tight core, slowly lower yourself while keeping your balance. Once your upper arms are parallel with the floor, pause, and return to the starting position.
- Bring your knees in towards your elbows, feeling the contraction in your abdominals. Slowly extend your feet back into the starting position. That is one repetition.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs, Glutes & Hip Flexors
Secondary:
Calves, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Shoulders
- Lie face down on a padded surface. Place your hands beneath your shoulders and make sure your feet are extended straight behind you. Push yourself up into a classical Push-Up position. Keep your hips are slightly elevated. Tighten your core.
- Keeping your gaze straight, push off the ground with your feet. Bending your knees, allow your feet to come up near your hands.
- Immediately, push off the ground again with your feet, extending your legs straight behind you once again to the starting position.
Swiss Ball Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Do not let your elbows fall below your shoulder line. Don't push with too much weight here.
Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Abs
- Holding a pair of dumbbells, carefully sit and find your balance on a stability ball.
- Sit up straight and keep your core tight as you lift the dumbbells up to shoulder height. The dumbbells should be horizontal and your palms should be facing forward.
- Slowly push the dumbbells overhead without locking out your elbow.
- Pause and return to the starting position.
Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Abs, Triceps, Upper Back & Lower Traps
- Sit on a military press bench or bench that has a back support, holding a dumbbell in each hand with an overhand grip.
- Place the dumbbells on top of your thighs with your palms facing down.
- Raise the dumbbells to your shoulders.
- Rotate your wrists so that the palms of your hands are facing away from you. This is the start position.
- As you exhale, push the dumbbells up and over your head by extending your arms until the dumbbells touch at the top of the movement.
- Pause for a count of one.
- Slowly return to the start position inhaling as you do so.
- Repeat.
This exercise can be performed standing or sitting on flat bench. For people with lower back problems, the version described is better.
Primary muscle group(s):
Shoulders
Secondary:
Biceps, Forearms, Triceps
- Keep a tight core and flat back as you remain seated in the shoulder press machine.
- Look straight ahead as you hold on to the handles.
- Slowly, press the handles up above your head.
- Do not lock out your elbow.
- Slowly, bring the handles back down but do not let the weight stack touch.
- Repeat the movement.
Swiss Ball Hand Off
Show that ball some love! Each pass is one rep. You've nailed this workout!
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors
- Sitting on the ground, begin by placing a Swiss Ball between your feet. Lie back and extend your arms overhead.
- Contract your abdominals and your hip flexors, simultaneously bringing your upper and lower body together. Carefully pass the Swiss Ball to yourself and lower back to the starting position.
- Repeat the contraction and place the Swiss Ball between your feet again. Slowly descend to the starting position, alternating the back and forth motion.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors
- Lie face up on with a medicine ball between your hands and your arms extended behind you. Keep your arms and legs straight and then raise your feet an inch off the floor.
- Raise your torso and legs up at the same time and touch the medicine call to your feet. Hold for a moment.
- Lower down to starting position with arms and ball behind your head.
Primary muscle group(s):
Abs
Secondary:
Glutes & Hip Flexors
- Lie flat on an exercise mat, extending your arms straight back behind your head.
- Fully extend your legs also. This is the start position.
- Bend at your waist and at the same time, raise your legs and arms to meet in a closed jackknife position. Exhale as you do this.
- At this point, your legs should remain fully extended at between 35-45 degrees from the floor.
- Your arms should be fully extended, parallel to your legs.
- Your upper body should be raised off the floor.
- Return to the start position by lowering your arms and legs back to the floor, exhaling as you do so.
- Repeat.
Workout done!
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