Using a medicine ball will add some depth to your workout equipment and to your routine, while also allowing you to improve tone and definition from home. Medicine balls come in a variety of weights and can be used in throwing and catching drills to give you and a workout buddy an easy workout. They are also used in solo exercises such as lunges, deadlifts, and squats to add some extra difficulty and target specific muscles.
Medicine balls are one of the cheapest ways too enhance your home gym, and although they're weighted like dumbbells, they can be bounced and thrown around. This means they're less likely to damage your floors and disturb any neighbors. Our top pick is the Champion Sports Rhino Elite medicine ball. It has great grips for throwing exercises, and comes in a variety of weights, making it super versatile. Keep reading for the rest of our top picks.
Champion Sports Rhino Elite medicine ball
Great for a variety of workouts
With weights from 2 to 30 pounds, this is a great versatile medicine ball.
Pros:
- Nine different weights
- Bouncing
- Textured grip surface
- Ideal width for easy handling
Cons:
- Not the cheapest
If CrossFit's your game, the Champion Sports Rhino Elite medicine ball is the ideal choice of medicine ball for you. This option comes with nine weight options, from two-pounds to 30 pounds, in five different colors. The diameter spans from eight-inches to 11 inches, which is a standard size for a medicine ball. You can use this option for throwing and catching exercises, adding weight training to your regular workout routine, or slamming to improve core strength. It's not the cheapest medicine ball in our roundup, but it's versatile and durable enough to justify the cost.
Plyo soft-shell weighted ball set
Six balls for any type of exercise
Invest in a full set of medicine balls to support you through your workout journey.
Pros:
- Carry case included
- Set of six sizes
- Use indoor and outdoor
Cons:
- Mainly designed for baseball
The Plyo soft-shell weighted ball set is designed with pitching and throwing practice in mind. They can be used for all sorts of exercise though, and the six sizes include 32, 21, 14, 7, 5, and 3.5oz balls. Given how many medicine balls come with this set, it's a very affordable option. However, if it's only one medicine ball you're after, you may be better off choosing an individual ball.
JFIT soft wall ball
Soft style ideal for strength training
With a large diameter and nine weights to choose from, this is a great low-impact medicine ball.
Pros:
- Large 14-inch diameter
- Durable stitched seams
- Ideal for rolling and crossfit
Cons:
- Not suitable for slamming
The JFIT soft wall ball comes with a tough skin but soft finish for durable but long-lasting use in tossing drills. With a 14-inch size, this is one of the largest medicine balls in our roundup. This is ideal if you plan on using your medicine ball for balance in exercises such as press-ups. However, it may make the ball harder to grip. You also can't use this medicine ball for slamming.
ProsourceFit weighted toning exercise ball
Mini style for toning
This is a small medicine ball designed for comfort and convenience.
Pros:
- Variety of sizes and diameters
- Inexpensive
- Small, for easy grip
Cons:
- Not for slamming
With weights of two, three, four, five, six, and eight-pounds, the ProsourceFit weighted toning exercise ball are designed for low-intensity exercise such as Pilates, yoga, and in rehabilitation. They have diameters ranging from four to seven-inches, which is smaller than the average medicine ball but perfectly designed to fit into your hand. The PVC coating and soft grip exterior is also perfect for throwing and catching, although these balls are unsuitable for slamming. If it's toning through Pilates and yoga you're after though, this won't be an issue.
TRX training slam ball
A textured surface medicine ball for easy grip
This rubber gripped medicine ball is designed for slams and throws.
Pros:
- Thick rubber texture grip
- Highly durable
- Available in a huge variety of weights
Cons:
- No bounce
Some users want a medicine ball which bounces. If that's you, this sand-filled ball isn't your best bet. However, the aptly named TRX training slam ball is a super durable slamming ball with very textured grip. This is a reliable option which comes in six, eight, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 50-pound weights, and it can take some seriously intense workout sessions without breaking.
The verdict
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The best medicine ball for most uses is the Champion Sports Rhino Elite medicine ball. It comes in a huge range of sizes and weights, and has a great grip for throwing and catching. If it's a slam ball you want, the TRX training slam ball has masses of grip and is perfect for heavy-duty use.
Something with less grip, the JFIT soft wall ball has a soft finish. It's less bouncy, but can be used as a weight in many workouts and also will create less noise in throwing exercises. The ProsourceFit weighted toning exercise ball is our top pick for toning, but if it's a range of options you're looking for, try the Plyo soft-shell weighted ball set.
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