Old school, but new
Medicine balls aren’t just for prizefighters anymore. Innovative new products can help average Joes or Janes improve core strength, flexibility, balance and total-body conditioning through natural functional movements. While traditional balls are made of leather stuffed with rags and sand, the new models may include handles and non-leather covers, plus videos and accessories.
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You can even dribble it
SPRI Xerball: Inflatable rubber weight ball.
Likes: The only medicine ball that bounces like a heavy basketball. Provides a superb dribbling workout. Includes a one-page exercise book that demonstrates how to do chest presses, pullovers, heavy sit-ups and other basic exercises.
Dislikes: None.
Price: Five versions, from 4 pounds to 12 pounds ($29.99 to $54.99.) (800) 222-7774; www.spriproducts.com
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Good medicine
Exertools Soft Shell Medicine Balls: Rubber-coated, gel-filled heavy ball.
Likes: Basic exercise program includes chest press, pullover and more. When used with an optional Plyoback adjustable-angle rebounder ($349), a small trampoline, it provides a challenging strength and aerobic workout.
Dislikes: No printed instruction sheet included; exercises available only on company website.
Price: $ 12.80 to $46.80 (2- to 15-pound balls); (800) 235-1559; www.exertools.com
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An old favorite
Everlast: Classic leather medicine ball conjures up images of gritty boxing gyms.
Likes: Nice leather feel when you’re performing your exercises or letting a trainer drop it on your stomach (to strengthen abs against punches). Not perfectly round, which adds to the difficulty of a workout.
Dislikes: No instruction manual.
Price: $49.99 (12- and 15-pound versions). (800) 821-7930; www.everlast.com
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Tough love for real men
Kettlebells: Cast-iron medicine ball with handle that was developed in the former Soviet Union.
Likes: Tough workouts with attitude. Good motivation for hard-core jocks looking for a challenge. Video instruction by Pavel Tsatsouline, right, a former KGB agent and fitness trainer. Videos, geared to men, include titles such as “Cruel and Unusual Kettlebell Exercises for Real Men” and “From Russia With Tough Love.”
Dislike: May be too difficult for some. More expensive than other products.
Price: From $89 (4 kilograms) to $179 (40 kilograms), including video. (800) 899-5111; www.dragondoor.com.
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-- Roy M. Wallack