Exercise guide
Sitting Hip Mobilization On Exercise Ball
- Beginner
- Compound
- Timed hold
- Shoulders
This exercise improves pelvic mobility and strengthens the obliques and deep core by performing controlled lateral pelvic tilts while seated on a stability ball.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Sit upright on the center of the stability ball with your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart.
- Place your hands on your hips or lightly rest them on a flat bench in front of you for balance.
- Ensure your spine is neutral and your shoulders are stacked directly over your hips.
How to do it
- Exhale and slowly lift your right hip toward your right ribcage, shifting your weight slightly on the ball without moving your feet.
- Inhale as you return to the neutral starting position with your weight centered.
- Exhale and repeat the movement by lifting your left hip toward your left ribcage.
- Maintain a slow, rhythmic tempo, focusing on the contraction of the obliques to drive the movement.
Form checklist
- Keep your upper torso and shoulders stationary; do not lean your body side-to-side.
- Maintain constant contact between your feet and the floor to stabilize the ball.
- Avoid bouncing on the ball; the movement should be a smooth, lateral glide.
- Keep your core braced throughout to protect the lower back.
Pro tips
- Focus on the 'mind-muscle connection' by imagining you are shortening the space between your lower ribs and your hip bone.
- Keep your gaze forward to help maintain a tall, upright posture and prevent spinal rounding.
Make it harder
- Narrow your foot stance or lift your hands off the bench to decrease your base of support and increase stability demands.
- Perform small pelvic circles (clockwise and counter-clockwise) to integrate anterior and posterior core activation.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the sitting hip mobilization on exercise ball work?
- The sitting hip mobilization on exercise ball primarily targets the abs and obliques, and also works the biceps, deltoids, and trapezius as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the sitting hip mobilization on exercise ball?
- The sitting hip mobilization on exercise ball uses stability ball.
- Is the sitting hip mobilization on exercise ball good for beginners?
- Yes. The sitting hip mobilization on exercise ball is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.