Exercise guide · Intermediate · Compound

Reverse Hyper Extension (On Stability Ball): How to Do It & Muscles Worked

The reverse hyper extension on a stability ball targets the glutes, with secondary emphasis on the hamstrings and lower back. It requires balance and core stability due to the use of the stability ball, making it more challenging than a floor-based version.

Primary muscles
Glutes
Secondary muscles
Hamstrings
Equipment
Stability Ball
Level · type
Intermediate · Compound
Demonstration of the reverse hyper extension (on stability ball)
Front view: muscles worked by the reverse hyper extension (on stability ball). Primary: glutes. Secondary: hamstrings.
Back view: muscles worked by the reverse hyper extension (on stability ball). Primary: glutes. Secondary: hamstrings.
Primary Secondary

How to do the reverse hyper extension (on stability ball)

  1. Step 1: Lie face down on a stability ball with your hips resting on the ball and your legs extended straight behind you.
  2. Step 2: Place your hands on the ground in front of you for stability.
  3. Step 3: Engaging your glutes and hamstrings, lift your legs up towards the ceiling as high as you can.
  4. Step 4: Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your legs back down to the starting position.
  5. Step 5: Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Sets, reps and programming

Suggested sets, reps and rest for the reverse hyper extension (on stability ball) by training goal
Goal Sets Reps Rest Effort
Strength 3–5 3–6 3–5 min 1–3 reps in reserve
Muscle growth 3–4 6–12 2–3 min 1–2 reps in reserve
Muscular endurance 2–3 12–20 1–2 min 1–3 reps in reserve

Ranges follow the ACSM position stand on progression in resistance training. Muscle grows across a wide range of loads when sets end close to failure (Schoenfeld et al., 2017), longer rests between heavy sets support strength and size (Schoenfeld et al., 2016), and stopping a rep or two short of failure works about as well as training to failure (Grgic et al., 2022). Estimate your working weights with the strength calculators.

Reverse Hyper Extension (On Stability Ball) alternatives

More exercises that train the glutes as their main target:

More glutes exercises

See the best glute exercises, ranked →

Sources

  1. American College of Sports Medicine. Progression models in resistance training for healthy adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2009;41(3):687-708.
  2. Schoenfeld BJ, Grgic J, Ogborn D, Krieger JW. Strength and hypertrophy adaptations between low- vs. high-load resistance training. J Strength Cond Res. 2017;31(12):3508-3523.
  3. Schoenfeld BJ, Pope ZK, Benik FM, et al. Longer interset rest periods enhance muscle strength and hypertrophy in resistance-trained men. J Strength Cond Res. 2016;30(7):1805-1812.
  4. Grgic J, Schoenfeld BJ, Orazem J, Sabol F. Effects of resistance training performed to repetition failure or non-failure on muscular strength and hypertrophy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sport Health Sci. 2022;11(2):202-211.

Step-by-step instructions and demonstration media are from the ExerciseDB exercise dataset.

This guide is general fitness information, not medical advice. Stop if an exercise causes pain and speak to a doctor or physiotherapist about injuries or health conditions before starting a new programme.