Exercise guide
Dumbbell Pullover Hip Extension On Exercise Ball
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Back
- Chest
- Shoulders
- Waist
This compound movement integrates a glute bridge with a pullover to challenge total-body stability, targeting the lats and chest while demanding high isometric engagement from the glutes and core.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Sit on the stability ball and walk your feet forward until your head, neck, and upper shoulders are comfortably supported by the ball.
- Hold a single dumbbell with both hands using a diamond grip (palms against the underside of the top plate) directly over your chest.
- Position your feet hip-width apart with knees bent at 90 degrees, lifting your hips until your torso is parallel to the floor.
How to do it
- Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell in a controlled arc behind your head until your upper arms are in line with your torso.
- Exhale as you pull the dumbbell back to the starting position over your chest, focusing on using your lats and chest to drive the movement.
- Maintain a rigid bridge throughout the movement, squeezing your glutes and hamstrings to keep your hips from sagging.
- Follow a controlled 2-1-2 tempo (2 seconds down, 1 second pause, 2 seconds up).
Form checklist
- Keep your core braced and ribs tucked to prevent excessive arching of the lower back.
- Maintain a slight, fixed bend in the elbows throughout the entire range of motion.
- Ensure your feet remain flat on the floor to provide a stable base.
- Keep your hips elevated and level with your knees and shoulders at all times.
Pro tips
- Think about 'pulling through the elbows' to maximize lat recruitment rather than just moving the weight with your hands.
- Focus on the deep stretch in your lats at the bottom of the movement while keeping your glutes squeezed to resist the weight's leverage.
Make it harder
- Narrow your stance to a single-leg bridge to significantly increase the rotational stability demand on your core.
- Pause for 3 seconds at the bottom of the pullover to increase time under tension in the lengthened position.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the dumbbell pullover hip extension on exercise ball work?
- The dumbbell pullover hip extension on exercise ball primarily targets the lats and pectorals, and also works the abs, deltoids, erector spinae, and serratus anterior as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the dumbbell pullover hip extension on exercise ball?
- The dumbbell pullover hip extension on exercise ball uses dumbbell.
- Is the dumbbell pullover hip extension on exercise ball good for beginners?
- The dumbbell pullover hip extension on exercise ball is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.