For anyone looking to beef up their home workouts, medicine balls are a versatile, easy-to-use accessory. “Medicine balls are great for core training and light plyometric training because you can safely perform throwing movements and twisting movements,” says Jordan Fernandez, a strength and conditioning coach who specializes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Plus, Fernandez adds, you don’t have to purchase a full rack of medicine balls, as you might with something like dumbbells, making them a more efficient purchase than other weights. “You only need one or two different weight options,” he says.
Medicine balls also offer a respite from the standard gym and workout gear that might make exercise-averse folks itch. “Of the conventional fitness equipment people use, medicine balls feel the most game-like to use,” says Domenic Angelino, a certified personal trainer (CPT) and lead exercise scientist at Trainer Academy.
Unlike other fitness equipment, which has been innovated and digitized, medicine balls have maintained their straightforward design, and aren’t complicated to buy. “Every once in a while a company comes out with something a little different, but there’s nothing at the level of a trend at the moment,” says Angelino. For now, it looks like the Internet of Things hasn’t come for medicine balls, which makes our job easier.
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The Best Medicine Balls: At a Glance
What the Experts Say
What should you expect to pay? “For medicine balls, the price range is generally between $20 and $100,” says Fernandez. Angelino adds that the more expensive option, in this instance, may be the right one. “Some companies produce super cheap medicine balls that easily break down,” he says. “This is more of a risk for medicine balls than other types of fitness equipment, due to how they’re used, so it’s helpful to aim for mid-range priced options to avoid running into this.”
As for what to keep in mind when looking to make a purchase, the experts agreed that grip is paramount. “Look for a textured surface for better grip,” says Kollins Ezekh, a celebrity personal trainer and owner of Members Only Gym in Los Angeles. Fernandez agrees: “For medicine balls, rubber or leather with a textured surface is ideal for grip. Avoid balls with a too smooth or slippery surface.”
Other than that, the decision depends on personal preferences like size and color. Below are five recommendations to get an athlete started.
Rogue Medicine Ball
This medicine ball ticks all the boxes, says Angelino. Besides being double-stitched, convenient to grip, and available in a wide range of weights, they “are around mid-range in price and worth it if you’re planning to invest in medicine ball training long-term,” he says.
For gym owners or anyone buying multiple medicine balls, the Rogue option is also particularly attractive. Whereas some brands make heavier balls much larger, all of Rogue’s are 14 inches in diameter. “This allows for a more standardized training experience than other brands,” says Angelino.
Finally, this product comes from a company with a great reputation in the industry. Says Angelino, “Rogue Fitness is a great overall brand that’s known for making high-quality equipment.”
Dynamax Medicine Ball
This medicine ball is worthwhile for anyone looking to throw their medicine ball at high velocity. The Dynamax brand is known for its durability, says Fernandez, which is essential when the ball is taking hit after hit. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this brand is popular among CrossFit gyms.
The double stitching stands out for this particular brand, which helps keep the ball in one piece. As Angelino says, “Finding double-stitched medicine balls is a priority if you’re looking for overall longevity.”
Dynamax Atlas Ball
This option is best for strong athletes, or anyone who wants to practice carrying heavy, awkward objects (think: Strongman competitors). While most medicine balls top out at 30 pounds, this big boy comes in four sizes: 50, 75, 100, and 150 pounds. As for size, it’s huge — 22” in diameter. Because of its weight and size, this option is recommended only for seasoned athletes. Otherwise, Angelino says, “try to get a medicine ball that’s an appropriate size for you.”
Dynamax Mini 2lb Soft-Shell Medicine Ball
Anyone looking for the feel of a medicine ball without the full weight should try out this 2-pound option first. It’s a great choice for pilates, barre, ab work, and other toning workouts that aren’t as focused on bulking. “Medicine balls can help you more easily build bigger abs so that when you’re lean enough for them to be visible, they look more impressive,” says Angelino.
Titan Fitness Composite Wall Ball
This ball is made for cross-training and dynamic movements like tossing, bouncing, and throwing against the wall. Its versatility and durability are two more notable features. Titan Fitness is another brand that Fernandez trusts, and this option is especially good for HIIT workouts that may require a wide range of movements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicine Balls
How Important Is a Good Grip for a Medicine Ball?
An uneasy grip may be good for your workouts, says Angelino: “Medicine balls are interesting because they’re not as easy to grip firmly as many other pieces of fitness equipment. Difficulty gripping something results in the forearms being more engaged, increasing forearm involvement and activation in a movement when being firmly held between each hand.”
Do I Need Medicine Balls With Fancy High-Tech Features?
Angelino says that some medicine balls now come equipped with tech add-ons, like internal force and power sensors. “This is super uncommon and not particularly useful to nonathletes,” he says. “But it’s a fun application.” So if you’re curious, and it might help you crank out a few more reps, why not?
