Medicine Balls

What Are Medicine Balls

A medicine ball is a small ball, usually between the size of a basketball and a volleyball, that is weighted in amounts ranging from 5 pounds to 15 pounds. Medicine balls are used extensively in physical therapy and rehabilitation. Medicine ball exercises are often recommended to athletes who have injured a particular muscle or group of muscles. Boxers use medicine ball workouts to build up their abdominal strength by lying on their backs while a trainer drops a medicine ball on the abdominal area. The weight of the medicine call simulates the impact of a punch and helps boxers adjust to being punched. Martial artists also train with medicine balls for the same reason and to build arm and chest muscles to improve fitness and punching technique.

What Is A Medicine Ball Workout

A medicine ball workout consists mainly of two people passing a weighted medicine ball back and forth to build strength in the arms and chest area. Medicine ball throws are a common treatment for injured muscles or to develop muscle strength after illness.
Medicine ball training has been used as physical therapy for years. Much the same way that Pilates became a popular fitness routine after being used for years as a therapeutic tool throughout history the medicine ball has been used for rehabilitation and strength training. There are more exercises to do with a medicine ball than just passing it back and forth but anyone working with a medicine ball should get advice from a physical therapist before using the medicine ball. Because the medicine ball is weighted using it in a manner not recommended by a doctor or fitness professional could result in injury. An online search will bring up many websites that offer free medicine ball exercises but consult a doctor before beginning any of them.

Where To Buy Medicine Balls

Whether a customer is looking for a Nike medicine ball or a medicine ball wood chopper a great place to look for medicine balls is at martial arts supply stores or fitness stores. Medicine balls are standard equipment for martial arts training. Medicine balls can also be found at stores that sell rehabilitation equipment or physical therapy equipment. Many gyms and fitness centers have medicine balls along with fitness balls and other training equipment in an area where freeweights and mats are kept for customers to use on a daily basis.