Does Anyone Still Use A Medicine Ball?

Medicine balls have been around for quite a while. They’re weighted balls that date back to Ancient Greece and even earlier times. The ancient people used them for training for soldiers, health purposes, and athletic competitors. Even then, exercising was known to improve health. American R.J. Roberts gave the medicine ball its name. Like kettlebells, medicine balls have a long history and are still part of a complete gym.

You’ll build strength by using a medicine ball.

If you’re tired of the same old workouts to improve your strength and muscle mass, consider adding a medicine ball workout. Using it is a full-body exercise. People don’t stuff animal skins with herbs for medicinal use anymore. They’re made from a variety of materials. Some bounce, others don’t. Some are heavier than others. Each type has a different use for improving fitness. They are different weights, so they’re perfect for strength-building workouts.

You’ll build explosive strength with medicine balls.

Besides building muscles and traditional strength, explosive strength is necessary. It’s used in sports to boost reaction time, but also necessary in everyday life. If you see a child in danger, improved reaction time can help you save their life. It also can help you avoid injury from an oncoming danger. Traditional strength training is slow and focuses on maximum force. Using a medicine ball during training improves your agility.

Medicine balls are beneficial for people recovering from injuries or beginners.

You can combine the medicine ball with your regular exercise program. It doesn’t take much extra training. It takes a traditional workout to the next level. You can use it with exercises to build strength, balance, endurance, and flexibility. Using it to recover from an injury or prevent one is also good since you can use the medicine ball seated. It’s excellent for improving functional fitness. Your entire body works when a medicine ball is part of your routine.

• You can choose one to match your fitness level. You can use medicine balls with traditional bodyweight exercises such as lunges. It maximizes the benefits of each movement.
• Medicine balls can be a great alternative to a traditional workout by making it more fun. The versatility and fun it can add is why people still use it. You can create a wall ball session by throwing the ball against the wall and trying to catch it after you do one repetition of an exercise, like a squat.
• If you’re a senior with little strength, in a wheelchair, or simply out of shape, you can use the medicine ball to exercise while seated. Holding it high with both hands and slowly lowering it is one example of a simple exercise.
• Add the medicine ball to your traditional workout to increase difficulty or to add variety. You can use it with bodyweight exercises to add extra weight or make it more challenging by changing your pose.

For more information, contact us today at Thrive Fitness!