The 8 Best Medicine Ball Exercises of 2023

Best Overall: CAP Barbell Medicine Ball

Pros

• Tacky, rough surface to improve traction.
• Many weights
• It rebounds

Cons

• Not intended for use in slamming exercises

This easy-to-grasp medicine ball is our top selection since it is available in six weights (and colors) ranging from 2 to 12 pounds.

This selection stands out for three primary reasons: its sticky, textured surface, its sturdy rubber exterior, and its overall use. This medicine ball may be utilized effectively by both novices and workout enthusiasts.

• Size: 9 x 9 x 9 inches
• Material: Rubber
• Weight: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 pound options

Best Budget: Yes4All Soft Weighted Medicine Ball

Pros

• Has lighter weights than other balls.
• Fits into the palm of the hand
• Reasonably affordable

Cons

• Not intended for use in slamming exercises

This ball, which can be raised with one hand, is available in a variety of colors, tread patterns, and weights ranging from 2 to 10 pounds (they also come in sets).

It is filled with loose sand and has a softer shell; this combination adds resistance and enhances balance and coordination, especially when used in conjunction with a balancing board.

The compact design allows you to carry it in one hand, fit it between your knees, or chuck it in your workout bag. Additionally, you have 60 days to return it, so buy it, check it out, and return it if you don't like it.

• Size: 6.3 x 6.2 x 6 inches
• Material: PVC 
• Weight: 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-pound options available

Best With Handles: CanDo Dual Handle Medicine Ball

Pros

• Handles showed a better grip
• Available in numerous weights

Cons

• Not meant for slamming

Consider purchasing this type of medicine ball if your palms are always wet. The enhanced grip provided by the handles makes it less likely to slip out of your hands, making this alternative a fantastic substitute for a kettlebell.

In addition, its handles make it simpler to use than other medicine balls, particularly for workouts that stress the core, such as Russian twists.

The medicine balls are available in six, twelve, eighteen, twenty-four, and thirty pounds and are available in a variety of color variations that match to certain weights.

• Dimension: 9 x 9 inches
• Material: Rubber band
• Weight: 6-, 12-, 18-, 24-, and 30-pound options available

Best for Beginners: Amazon Basics Medicine Ball

Pros

• Texture with a gripping dimpled surface
• Bounceable
• Its rubber exterior provides durability.

Cons

• Not meant for slamming

Have you ever carried a gallon jug of water, milk, or juice? This no-frills, basic ball is approximately the same size and weighs less than two pounds more than the standard ball. Hence, even if you're new to resistance training, you can easily carry or toss it.

This ball has the perfect amount of bounce due to its rubber coating. In addition, you will be able to quickly catch and, more crucially, hold onto this ball due to its dimpled, gripping exterior.

• Dimensions: 9.2 x 9.2 x 9.3 inches
• Material: Rubber
• Weight: 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, 14-, and 20-pound options available

Best Heavy: Day 1 Fitness Weighted Slam Ball

Pros

• Available in numerous colors
• Excellent for slamming
• A robust exterior shell

Cons

• Although the ridges, this alternative is not as gripping as others.
• Not reboundable

If you have outgrown your present weight condition, this sphere may be an upgrade and a welcome shift. This is a real dead-weight ball, since it features a sand-filled inside and an extra-thick outer shell.

This non-bouncing ball is ideal for slams (yes, it's a slam ball), a total-body exercise that helps increase power, strength, and speed, giving you an edge while performing other exercises, such as utilizing a rowing machine.

This slam ball weighs 50 pounds, so proper form and a gradual build-up to its use are essential.

• Size: 9-inch to 10-inch diameter, depending on size
• Material: Plastic 
• Weight: 10- to 50-pound options available

Best for Slamming: TRX Training Slam Ball

Pros

• Provides excellent grip
• Available in numerous weights

Cons

• Sand movement inside causes instability

The tire-like tread makes it easier to retain your grip on this non-bouncing ball while slamming it into the ground, while the durable rubber shell absorbs the force. The ball is also loaded with sand, so you may see some movement.

Having to control the relocated center of gravity that shifting sand causes will need you to exert a little more effort, enhancing your overall strength and stability.

• Size: 10.4 x 9.8 x 9.5 inches (when packaged)
• Material: Rubber
• Weight: 6-, 8-, 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-, 40-, and 50-pound options available

Best for Grip: Yes4All Slam Ball

Pros

• Provides excellent hold
• Excellent for slamming
• Very durable

Cons

• This design is only offered in black
• Not reboundable

This sand-filled ball is available in four distinct tread patterns and five colors, allowing you to customize your grip. Our favorite has strategically-placed huge triangles with deep grooves on a vibrant black background.

This design guarantees that perspiration from your hands may pass through the slots without accumulating, preserving the integrity of the clasp.

This soft, elastic PVC shell has some give, allowing it to endure the severe force and pressure of being repeatedly tossed to the ground.

• Size: 9.6- to 11.8-inch diameter, depending on the size you select
• Material: PVC
• Weight: 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, 30-, and 40-pound options available

Best for Seniors: Stott Pilates Toning Ball Two-Pack

Pros

• Fits into the palm of the hand
• Ideal for high-repetition workouts
• Enables simultaneous training of both sides of the body

Cons

• Not recommended for individuals in need of a hefty medicine ball
• Not meant for slamming

What is superior to a single medicine ball? Two, obviously. And because they are soft-sided and fit in the palm of your hand, you receive twice the toning advantages.

The tiny size is especially advantageous for senior exercise enthusiasts who may find it difficult to grasp a bigger ball.

These are a simple method to add resistance to some of your favorite Pilates exercises, like as the half roll down, spinal twists, and hundred. Also, you might carry them like a luggage to enhance your grip and core strength.

• Size: 4 x 4 x 4 inches
• Material: PVC
• Weight: 1-, 2-, and 3-pound options available

Type

You should choose your ball based on the workouts you intend to conduct with it. If you want to use them for slamming workouts, search for a slam ball rather than a medicine ball that bounces.

For Pilates exercises, you will need a smaller, more pliable ball. Want to toss and then catch on a surface? In this instance, you desire a bouncing ball.

Weight

If you choose a ball that is excessively heavy, you will be unable to lift it, rendering it worthless for exercise. If you choose one that is too light, it will not produce the desired intensity.

You should select a medicine ball that presents a challenge while allowing you to retain proper form in order to maximize your training and limit your chance of damage.

Texture and Composition

You want a ball with gripping handles, grooves, and studs that you can grasp comfortably and won't slip out of your hands as you workout. Very important to consider: Do you want a hard ball or something with softeners?

The idea is to seek out longevity and durability. Whether you are gripping, tossing, or smashing the ball, you want a durable, high-quality component, whether it is made of leather, PVC, or rubber.

What is the optimal medicine ball size?

Although while medicine balls vary in weight, their size is often consistent. The size of slam balls tends to be somewhat smaller, although they are consistent regardless of weight.

What is the optimal medicine ball weight?

Similar to the weight of other resistance training equipment, you must select the right ball weight based on your expertise level and the sort of exercise you are performing.

"Use larger weights for strength training and lesser weights for core or plyometric exercises," advises Davila. But be prudent. If you are a novice, use lighter equipment. You do not wish to cause yourself harm!

What are the best abdominal medicine ball exercises?

Russian twists and V-Ups are the finest abdominal workouts with a medicine ball, according to Davila. This is why: Not only are them more difficult, but the increased resistance "forces you to stabilize your midsection much more," he explains.

If you want a medicine ball that is trustworthy and durable, the CAP Barbell Medicine Ball is an excellent option. It is durable, adaptable, and resilient.

BestForHomes (bestforhomes.org) is grateful that you chose our website out of dozens of others to read evaluations of the best medicine ball exercises. This essay has hopefully aided you in picking the best product.