Definition of a Medicine Ball

Medicine balls are also known as fitness balls, med balls, and exercise balls. They are weighted balls used for plyometric weight training. Plyometric exercises are exercises that involve quick, powerful movements. They are commonly used in training for sports and in physical therapy.

History

Medicine balls have a long history, dating back as far as 3000 years ago when they were made of animal hides and filled with sand.

Size

Medicine balls range in diameter, but typically do not exceed 16 inches. They weigh anywhere from 1 to 30 pounds.

Types

Some medicine balls look similar to basketballs, and others have handles or rope grips to facilitate throwing or maneuvering the ball over the head and to the sides of the body.

Composition

Medicine balls can be made of molded plastic, hard or soft rubber or leather. Most have a bladder on the inside filled with a dense, heavy material such as sand. Others are made to bounce and are filled with other types of dense material.

Function

Medicine balls are versatile pieces of exercise equipment used to build strength. They can be thrown back and forth between partners while doing sit-ups, maneuvered side to side while held at a distance from the body, lifted over the head or even held between the feet or knees while doing leg lifts. Medicine balls can be incorporated into most exercises to increase intensity and can also take the place of dumbbells or resistance bands when doing common exercises.

Benefits

Medicine balls help to build strength and overall fitness. When they are used to weight activities such as jumping, squatting and lunging, medicine balls help to build explosive power.

Resources

• Medicine Ball Information

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[darren2003]

on 6/16/2009 these suckers date way back, probably before dumbbells.