Medicine Balls for Core Strength
I never realized the importance of building core strength until this year, when I discovered I really didn’t have any to speak of, lol. There are several ways to build core strength and one of those is by working with medicine balls.
How do medicine balls differ from other exercise balls that are used in gyms and fitness programs? Don’t make the same mistake I did: I confused the medicine ball with the stability ball or fitness ball. They’re two different things.
Medicine balls come in various weights and are around the size of a basketball, whereas fitness balls use a rubber that is more pliable, is larger and you can workout on the ball.
You can find medicine balls in varying degrees of weight that range from 4 to 12 pounds. The weight is what makes the ball different from other balls, and the weight is imprinted on the ball itself so you don’t have to stand there taking a guess about what you need.
A medicine ball can be thrown up in the air (try that with free weights,) you can hit the ball, use in repetitive movement workouts or catch the ball.
Why use a medicine ball?
- Helps with weight loss
- Build muscle and strength
- More stability and balance
- Recruit a friend to workout with
- Work out with a group
- Work out by yourself.
- You can use it as your only workout or incorporate into a workout you are currently doing.
How to use a medicine ball?
A quick YouTube search will give you any number of exercises you can use, but here are a couple of ideas to get you started.
Begin with holding the ball and stretch your arms straight above your head, then lower to your left side, keeping your arms straight, then in front of you – keep your arms straight, then to your right until you complete a circle.
You can also use a medicine ball like a kettlebell – but make sure you have a good grip.
Durable rubber covers the outside of the ball which makes it breeze to hold on to. You can throw it around, against walls, slam that badboy on the ground. You can even throw it around with a workout buddy – the more energy you use the better workout you get.
Use a medicine ball to gain some flexibility, strengthen muscles, and even help with coordination. Start out slow with a lighter weight or a combination of weights to help build up strength. As you progress, go with a heavier medicine ball.