Ballerina Side Bends

Instructions

1
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, arms at sides in neutral posture with core engaged and spine neutral
2
Raise both arms overhead with elbows slightly bent, preparing to perform a dynamic jumping motion while maintaining core tension throughout
3
Lower the body by bending at hips and knees simultaneously while bringing arms down and back, lengthening the abdominal muscles as torso flexes forward
4
Explosively drive through legs to jump vertically while simultaneously raising arms overhead, creating full body extension and contracting abdominals at peak of jump, then return to starting position

PRIMARY MUSCLESRectus Abdominis
SECONDARY MUSCLESObliques, Transverse Abdominis, Hip Flexors, Rectus Femoris
EQUIPMENTStability ball
DIFFICULTYIntermediate

Overview

The Ballerina Side Bends is an incredibly effective Stretching movement designed to fully engage the Rectus Abdominis. By utilizing Stability ball, this exercise emphasizes a deep stretch and a powerful contraction, making it a cornerstone for anyone looking to optimize their Waist development.

Benefits

  • Promotes balanced muscular development by effectively recruiting the Rectus Abdominis and associated synergists.
  • Acts as a highly scalable Stretching movement, perfect for both beginners and elite athletes.
  • Improves overall Waist stability and proprioception during heavy loads.
  • Reduces the likelihood of Waist injuries by reinforcing connective tissue strength.
  • Utilizes Stability ball to create sustained mechanical tension, forcing deep muscle adaptation.

Common Mistakes

  • Losing core tension, leading to poor spinal alignment and reduced power output.
  • Shrugging the shoulders or compensating with secondary muscles rather than isolating the Rectus Abdominis.
  • Rushing the repetition tempo instead of focusing on the mind-muscle connection with the Waist.

Pro Tips

To maximize the Ballerina Side Bends , actively squeeze the Rectus Abdominis at the peak of the contraction for a full second.

Muscle Anatomy

The primary driver is the Rectus Abdominis. However, the movement also recruits Obliques, Transverse Abdominis, Hip Flexors, Rectus Femoris to maintain control of the Stability ball.

Exercise Variations

  • Dumbbell Ballerina Side Bends
  • Cable Ballerina Side Bends
  • Banded Ballerina Side Bends

Frequently Asked Questions