Buying Guide: How to Buy the Right Medicine Ball

Step-by-step Instructions

Here is what you need to do...
Step 1

Medicine balls are ancient training tools that are still used frequently today in fitness. However, some athletes may not know the type or kind necessary for their goals in training.

Step 2

You can add to your upper body workout with a medicine ball.

Step 3

It is a good alternative to using dumbbells for improving balance, strength and flexibility.

Step 4

A medicine ball can be bounced against a wall or thrown to a partner.

Step 5

Or, a ball can be held while performing sit-ups or twists.

Step 6

Use will dictate the style, size and weight of the medicine ball (or balls) you select.

Step 7

To make a good decision when buying medicine balls, first consider the workout you will be performing. If it consists of hard, aggressive movement toward the floor or wall, then a rubber medicine ball may work the best. If simply squatting or lifting, using a soft ball would be superior for comfort and usability.

Step 8

Fabric filled balls may be necessary for different workouts being performed. A rubber ball will provide ideal grip and response for wall throws. Rubber medicine balls are also appropriate for exercises that require bouncing the ball. Cloth-covered balls are less prone to splitting and are good for tossing with a partner, as well as for any ground movement not requiring bouncing.

Step 9

Balls weighing one to about 12 pounds are ideal for throwing, depending on your strength and ability.

Step 10

Choose a weight you can handle for your goal in training. Heavier balls are for floor exercises.

Step 11

Grip is important. Balls with grainy rubber surfaces may be easier to hold and catch.

Step 12

Smooth leather balls are softer on the hands, but less durable.

Step 13

The weight of balls with sand fillings may “shift,” making them difficult to maneuver.

Step 14

Some medicine balls come with instruction manuals that describe the best ways to exercise with them.

Special Attention

Difficulties people often experience or parts that need special attention to do it right.

Finding a medicine ball can be quite difficult. People desire durability and type (Soft or rubber) as well as affordability. Medicine balls are ancient training tools that are still used frequently today in fitness, but many may not know the type or kind necessary for their goals in training.

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When did you first do this & how did you get started?

At one point, I used an old basketball filled with sand and taped over to train at home. As a budget ball, it worked fairly well, but I often had sand dusting my face as I moved the ball in different workout routines. With hard training, it soon fell apart. After researching several medicine balls, it appeared that using both solid rubber as well as a cloth, fabric filled ball seemed necessary for different workouts being performed. The rubber ball provided ideal grip and response for wall throws and use that required enough bounce to add resistance. The cloth material was less prone to splitting and good for tossing with a partner as well as any ground movement not requiring any bounce movement.

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