When it comes to exercising, you can use a variety of props and machinery that can improve your workout and help you build a stronger, leaner and healthier you. Props such as medicine balls help you target and tone specific areas of your body and can even create extra resistance. Medicine balls can be found at most gyms and stores.
About Medicine Balls
Medicine balls -- sometimes referred to as exercise balls, med balls or fitness balls -- are weighted balls that come in many sizes and weights. If you're new to medicine balls or strength-training in general, choose a medicine ball that's between 2 to 4 lbs. and graduate to larger sizes as you progress.
Medicine Ball Benefits
In addition to strengthening your muscles, medicine balls help you develop agility, tone your muscles, improve endurance and prepare you for physical activities such as hiking, climbing, running, biking and swimming. Also, medicine balls are relatively cheap and are small enough to store in the home without taking up valuable space.
Warnings
As with any type of exercise, you should avoid over-working your muscles with the medicine ball. Medicine balls can sometimes be too heavy, especially for beginners, those recovering from surgery and children. Use the medicine ball in moderation and, if possible, under the direction of a trainer.
Slam
The medicine ball allows you to complete hundreds of exercises. One easy exercise is a medicine ball slam. Begin standing with feet parallel to each other and knees slightly bent. Place the medicine ball over and behind your head and then quickly draw it over your head and down to slam it on the ground. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
Twist
Stand with your feet hip-wide apart and hold your medicine ball with both hands. Your back should be straight and your arms should be comfortably bent so the ball is directly in front of your stomach. Flexing your abdominal muscles, swing the ball over to your right hip and then swivel back to your left. Repeat 10 to 15 times.
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