Medicine balls have been used for workouts for a long time. Weighted balls were used in Ancient Rome to improve health and athleticism, but it was an American that named the medicine ball. RJ Roberts invented the modern medicine ball and gave it a name. It was used to exercise the entire body. Since then, medicine balls have changed. They are made from various materials. Have a variety of weights. Some bounce, while others may have handles. Each one provides a unique way to exercise the body.
Medicine balls provide many benefits.
Medicine balls can be used to build strength, endurance, balance and flexibility. Since there are so many different styles and weights, you can get one that’s perfect for your needs based on weight, style and composition. You can use medicine balls while seated, but they also benefit you in exercises that have you standing, laying, or doing dynamic movements. They’re low-impact and can make a workout more fun, plus when dropped, they won’t dent the flooring like barbells or dumbbells.
Medicine balls are good tools for beginners or people with injuries.
If you’re just starting a program of exercise and have lived a sedentary lifestyle, weight training can be intimidating. You can add a medicine ball to your traditional moves and improve the workout, building strength as you increase balance, endurance, and flexibility. Medicine balls can also improve recovery from an injury. Not only does it work core muscles, but it’s also used in functional training, with the shoulders, knees, calves, thighs, and spinal area getting the best workout. You can build strength and fluidity.
Use the medicine ball in traditional workouts.
Are you doing squats? They’re harder when you’re holding a medicine ball. Medicine balls add weight to squats and if you raise the ball above your head as you stand, a lot harder. You can turn a traditional squat with a medicine ball into a wall ball session. As you rise from the squat, throw the medicine ball against the highest point on the wall you can reach, then catch it and drop back to a squat. It makes the exercise more fun and challenging. You can do mountain climbers, but with a twist. Place your hands on the medicine ball instead of the floor.
- Just holding the medicine ball with both hands and moving it in a circle can be challenging. Hold it as far to the right as you can, lower it, bring it up to the left, and then over your head.
- The medicine balls of ancient Greece created by the Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, were made of stuffed animal skins and stuffed with heavy objects. They were used to help with the recovery process from injuries.
- Hold the medicine ball in your hands during a superman. The added weight during the exercise can increase the challenge, making it harder to lift the upper body because of the increased weight.
- Hold the medicine ball in front of you as you do side lunges or single-leg deadlifts. You’ll test your strength, endurance, and balance when you do.
For more information, contact us today at Wellness On A Dime Coaching