Working with a medicine ball strengthens core body muscles used in a variety of sports. Weighing anywhere from two to 30 lbs, medicine balls are used for heaving and catching, and are once again becoming familiar additions to weight and training facilities everywhere. They were promoted by navy medics who stuffed kapok and rags into a leather basketball for the seasick or bored crew to toss around as exercise. This was a much easier form of medicine to prescribe than pills. These days, a new generation is discovering the benefits of medicine balls.
Athletes are bigger, faster and stronger than ever.
Coaches and strength trainers everywhere are recommending medicine ball training because of several key benefits. First, medicine balls build vital core muscles comprised of your abs, obliques and lower back. These muscles are vital because they are the origin of arm and leg strength. Whether it's swinging a bat, kicking a ball or jumping for a rebound, the power transmitted through your arms and legs is only as great as the power generated from your core muscles. Medicine balls prepare your body for realistic motions.