Medicine balls are made to serve as replacements for free weights when engaged in resistance exercises. Also, they can be passed between partners and thrown to and fro. Before buying the best medicine balls, read through our comprehensive guide for the best tips and tricks.
Types of Medicine Balls
There are three core types of medicine balls: wall ball, traditional medicine ball, and slam ball. Standard medicine balls are weighted and smooth, and they are made using plastic, leather, or rubber. They are usually the smallest among the lot.
Wall balls are generally made to be thrown against the wall, which is why they can absorb a large amount of impact. This type of ball is usually softer than the traditional medicine ball, and it is easier to handle and catch. You can get these balls in weights ranging between 2 and 50 pounds.
The third type of medicine ball is the slam ball, which is thrown repeatedly against the ground. This type of ball is the hardest of the lot, and the exterior is made using thick rubber. Also, they are made with minimal bounce.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing the Best Medicine Balls
Here are a few things you should consider before you buy any of the best medicine balls out there.
· Ball material
Most medicine balls are made using genuine leather, rubber, or synthetic leather. The earlier medicine balls were made using leather, and they were also resistant to weather elements. On the other hand, synthetic leather balls were not quite durable, but there has been considerable improvement with technology creating more challenging balls. Textured rubber balls have since been assumed a more popular option because they give the best grip for exercises.
· Ball style
The ball style is one of the most vital factors you should consider because it plays a massive role in determining the result. For instance, handled medicine balls are not ideal for wall or slam balls. The grips on these types of balls make them suitable for non-release exercises. Wall balls are pretty popular with Cross Fit enthusiasts.
· Ball size
Medicine balls are designed in different shapes and sizes, which means your choice will hinge on what you want to use the ball for. Remember that despite medicine balls being small, they aren't always light.
You can use more petite balls for speed training, while you may use others for weight and strength training.
· Ball weight
The weight of the ball is another significant factor you should consider when hunting for a medicine ball. The weight will dictate how quickly and well you achieve your objectives. However, the ball shouldn't be so heavy that you begin to struggle when using it and cause injury to yourself.
If you are thinking of a lightweight ball, search for one with a weight range between 2 and 5 lbs, as that is best for beginners and aerobics. If you want to engage in intensive exercises, you need a ball that ranges between 20 and 50 lbs.
· Ball durability
No matter how carefully you use medicine balls, they can become deformed with time. However, most brands out there take steps to ensure that the chances of deformation are reduced therefore prolonging the lifetime of the products. Some brands even make balls with reinforced or double seams to give them greater rigidity.
· Price
There are several balls out there with different weights, textures, and levels of quality. The price you will pay for the ball will ultimately hinge on the quality and weight you want to buy. However, when scouting for a ball, don't be too conscious of getting a cheap ball to ignore quality. The good news is that you can get an affordable but decent ball just like the ones contained in the review of this article.
· Warranty and reviews
With so many choices out there, it can be a bit confusing to find the perfect ball for your needs. However, if you want to minimize the risk of buying the wrong ball, you should focus on balls with sterling reviews. It would help if you got reviews of the past users of such balls online and offline. Also, only buy the ball if it comes with a product warranty.
Advantages of Using a Medicine Ball
The advantages of using this ball are numerous, and while working out with the balls, you learn to combine endurance, strength, and cardiovascular training all in one movement. Some of the benefits of using a medicine ball include:
· Strength
The ball’s weight will help you build strength within your core while engaging in exercise. Also, when the ball is used to replace a kettlebell in activities like lunges, you will be building strength in your lower body.
· Heart fitness
There are several vigorous activities you can engage in using a medicine ball. Such activities can provide you with an excellent way to boost lung and heart fitness.
· Functional fitness
When training with a medicine ball, you will be working with your entire body instead of an isolated part. Different actions carried out using a medicine ball are a reflection of daily sports activities.
· Burning calories
The medicine balls can be used to burn a lot of calories, which helps the body remain fit.
· Hand-eye coordination
When you are involved in many reps of catching and throwing the ball, you will improve your eye-hand coordination.
Best Medicine Ball FAQs
Q. Which muscles can medicine balls focus on?
A. You can engage in different exercises using the medicine ball, and various types of exercise are aimed at other groups of muscles. You may use the ball to work on your shoulders, abs, triceps, and biceps.
Q. What medicine ball exercises can I try out?
A. Some of the exercises you can engage in include overhead slam, bicep curls, shoulder press, and weighted superman.
Q. How can I use a medicine ball to improve my abs?
A. Some of the techniques you can use to boost your abs using a medicine ball include Russian twists, medicine ball crunches, toe touches, and mountain climbers.