Exercise Ball Pull-In

What it is

This exercise challenges your core by requiring stability and strength. You support your body in a push-up position with your shins on an exercise ball, then pull your knees towards your chest. This movement primarily works your abdominal muscles. It's a compound exercise that also enhances balance and body control.

Technique tips

• Exhale as you pull your knees in towards your chest.
• Maintain a straight back and stable upper body throughout.
• Actively squeeze your abdominal muscles at the peak of the contraction.
• Control the ball as you extend your legs back to the starting position.
• Focus on a smooth, deliberate motion rather than speed.
• For an added challenge, hold the contracted position for a second.

How to track your progress

Log the weight and reps of each set. Straddly turns every set into an estimated one-rep max, so a heavier single and a strong set of eight both count as progress, and it flags a personal record the moment you beat your best.