The benefits of working out can make a long list, but with so many options in exercise equipment, it can be tough to decide what to choose. Knowing what benefits you are after will help narrow your options. Medicine balls provide an effective core workout and can bring a tired exercise routine back to life by adding weight to standard exercises.
Medicine Balls
Medicine balls come in several styles, including those with leather, rubber or extra grip coverings. Handles and ropes are a part of some versions as well and they come filled with gel, sand or other dense materials. Medicine balls are available in array of weights ranging from 1-pound balls to 30-pound balls.
Benefits
Medicine balls can be used in at-home workouts, and they can help those who are in rehab or conducting sport-specific training. Heavier weighted medicine balls are for strength-training and power workouts while lighter ones can help improve range of motion, tone muscles and add resistance so you benefit more in the same amount of time. Movements that mimic those in a particular sport such as a golf or football will provide specific gains for the chosen activity. For therapeutic use, medicine ball actions that encompass your full range of motion build up mobility.
Exercises
Adding a medicine ball to crunches, lunges, squats and other calisthenics provides an additional challenge and enhances your workout. Doing pushups with your hands on a medicine ball forces you to keep your abs tight for stabilization, which ensures the maximum level of compensation for your efforts. Collaborating with a partner for a medicine ball workout provides for more exercise options. The act of passing the ball to each other while upright with your backs together employs the full upper body. Tossing or throwing one is a tough, fun way to develop muscle strength.
Safety
Use caution with medicine ball workouts. Allow for adequate space, and completing throws or tosses outside will protect floors from damage. Always listen to your body when exercising to avoid injury. If you are tired or certain muscles feel uncomfortable during precise movements, proceed with extreme prudence and rest if necessary, injuries can keep you back or take you out entirely.
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