Exercise guide
Bench Dip On Stability Ball
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Upper arms
- Waist
A challenging variation of the standard dip that utilizes a stability ball to increase triceps activation and core engagement through instability. It effectively targets the triceps, anterior deltoids, and upper pectorals while improving shoulder stability.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Sit on the stability ball and place your palms on the surface next to your hips, fingers facing forward.
- Walk your feet forward until your glutes are clear of the ball and your weight is supported by your hands and feet.
- Position your feet hip-width apart with knees bent at 90 degrees for initial stability.
- Ensure your shoulders are rolled back and your chest is open in the starting position.
How to do it
- Inhale and slowly lower your hips toward the floor by bending your elbows until they reach approximately a 90-degree angle.
- Keep your torso upright and your back grazing the edge of the ball to maintain a vertical movement path.
- Exhale and drive through the heels of your hands to push back up to the starting position, fully extending the arms.
- Maintain a controlled tempo, taking two seconds to lower and one second to push back up.
Form checklist
- Keep elbows pointing directly behind you rather than flaring out to the sides.
- Maintain a tight core to prevent the stability ball from rolling or wobbling.
- Keep your shoulders down and away from your ears to avoid shrugging.
- Ensure your back stays close to the ball throughout the entire range of motion.
Pro tips
- Focus on 'crushing' the ball beneath your palms to increase tension in the triceps and chest.
- Pause for a split second at the top of the movement to maximize the peak contraction of the triceps.
Make it harder
- Extend your legs straight out in front of you with only your heels touching the floor to increase the load on your arms.
- Place your feet on an elevated surface or a second stability ball to significantly increase the balance requirement and resistance.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the bench dip on stability ball work?
- The bench dip on stability ball primarily targets the triceps, and also works the abs, obliques, and serratus anterior as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the bench dip on stability ball?
- The bench dip on stability ball uses stability ball.
- Is the bench dip on stability ball good for beginners?
- The bench dip on stability ball is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.