Equipment
The 10 Best Medicine Balls
What are the best medicine balls on the market?
Medicine balls are popular in gyms and physical therapy sessions, as they are incredibly versatile and give you many options for working out.
You can use medicine balls for cardio, strength training, balance, stability, stretching, and much more.
Incorporating medicine balls into your fitness routine can help you reach your goals and stay healthy.
If you want to invest in high-quality medicine balls but aren’t sure which ones to choose, we’ve rounded up 10 fantastic options.
Here’s our list of the 10 best medicine balls:
Top 10 Medicine Balls Compared
Our equipment lists are created by researching the best-reviewed products from the most reputable companies and web sources.
In A Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick:
10. JBM – Medicine Ball
This leading lightweight medicine ball is made for strength training and cardio exercise.
The JBM rubber slam ball comes in different weights, including 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 15 lbs.
There’s a corresponding color for each weight, with a durable design and eco-friendly material.
The high-quality rubber ball is preferred for plyometrics and core training, and switching up the weights can produce exciting results.
It’s easy to grip and bounce the JBM medicine ball for squats, slams, lunges, and other strength training exercises.
Many users say it’s similar to a basketball in terms of texture and bounce, and it can help with improving balance and coordination.
Try JBM medicine ball burpees to enhance core stability and work on your posture.
Pros
- Lightweight and made from premium-quality rubber.
- 7 different colors and weights.
- Strong grip texture and bounce like a basketball.
- Good for coordination, balance, and cardio.
Cons
- Hard surface isn’t for everyone.
- Maximum size is 15 lbs.
9. BalanceFrom – Weighted Medicine Ball
When it comes to wall balls, BalanceFrom has you covered with durable weighted medicine balls.
The heavy-duty grip gives you the traction you need to throw the ball and get a good wall workout in.
The long-lasting rubber and dual texture help to build core strength and improve coordination.
Other benefits include enhanced movement accuracy and rehabilitation after injury.
BalanceFrom carries a wide selection of weighted medicine balls, slam balls, and wall balls.
You can take your pick from 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, and 20 lbs balls.
There are two different textures across each ball, so you can maintain a strong grip for a decent bounce off the wall or ground.
Pros
- 8 weights to choose from.
- Dual-texture design with durable rubber surface.
- Easy to grip and throw for wall balls.
- Color-coded for easy organization.
Cons
- Hard surface doesn’t suit all exercises.
8. Yes4All – Soft Weighted Medicine Ball
If you’re looking for great value, Yes4All has the answer with this soft weighted medicine ball made with PVC and filled with sand.
This ball is very versatile and can be used across physical therapy and fitness activities like yoga and Pilates.
Many people use it to engage the body’s stabilizing muscles, maximizing coordination and strength.
Yes4All describes this exercise equipment as a diamond grip smooth toning ball.
You can take your pick of several weights, all with bright colors: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 lbs. They also come in pairs of 2 or 4 lbs.
No matter which weight you go with, the company states these toning balls should last for a long time and produce great fitness results.
The natural sand inside activates multiple muscle groups to help you maintain a lean, tight body.
Pros
- Affordable, great value for money.
- Added resistance from the loose sand.
- Smaller sizes than other brands, great for beginners.
- Fits in one hand.
Cons
- Too soft for slamming exercises.
7. Champion Sports – Exercise Medicine Ball
Champion Sports leather medicine balls come in eight sizes with a no-slip grip.
There are heavier weights than some other brands, as you get to take your pick of 4, 5, 10, 12, 14, 18, 20, and 22 lbs.
The classic white and color combo makes it easy to see each weight so you can alternate throughout workouts.
The thick synthetic leather cover makes these weighted medicine balls easy to hold onto for plyometrics, weight training, cross-training, and core strength exercises.
Even if you’re sweaty, you can still keep a firm grasp on a highly durable Champion Sports med ball.
There’s even reinforced stitching to ensure you can lift, throw, and slam the ball as hard as you want.
Pros
- Variety of weights from 4-22 lbs.
- Suitable for weight and cross-training.
- Attractive color combinations and leather finish.
- Easy to grip even when sweaty.
- Reinforced stitching to protect against wear.
Cons
- Leather material isn’t as hard or bouncy as other types.
6. Day 1 Fitness – Weighted Slam Ball
Day 1 Fitness delivers excellent heavy-weighted plastic slam balls.
There are nine different weights, three colors, and bundle options so you can customize your medicine ball workout and start seeing impressive results.
These balls are designed for functional strength training, cardio workouts, and high-intensity exercise.
The brand’s weighted slam balls are heavier than some competitors, with 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 lbs options.
Each ball features super sturdy construction with a sand-filled core and strong outer layer.
The deadweight offers exciting and challenging resistance without damaging walls or flooring.
Sit-ups, push-ups, and squats are great heavy-weight med ball exercises to try with this equipment.
Pros
- Ideal for slam exercises.
- Heavier weights for high-intensity workouts.
- Tough outer shell and sand inside for great resistance.
- Absorbs impact and doesn’t damage surrounding surfaces.
Cons
- No bounce.
- Ridges aren’t as easy to grip as other med balls.
5. SPRI Dual Grip – Medicine Ball
SPRI offers the top medicine ball with handles.
Its Xerball medicine ball has a dual-grip handle and synthetic rubber PVC exterior.
The thick-walled med ball is heavy-duty and built to last, so you can get good use out of it for non-release moves at moderate velocity and supported bodyweight exercises.
Many users enjoy the firm response and comfortable hand clearance, perfect for rotational ab exercises.
SPRI has three decades of med ball manufacturing experience, and many gym chains carry these medicine balls with handles.
These balls are preferred for rotational motions and lower body movement drills.
You can even work on sports movements like tennis strokes and golf swings with a firm grip on the handles. Available sizes include 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 lbs.
Pros
- Sturdy grip handles are good for swing exercises.
- Ideal for rotational ab exercises and lower body workouts.
- Durable synthetic rubber PVC material.
- 6-20 lbs options available.
Cons
- Minimal bounce.
4. Amazon Basics – Medicine Ball
Amazon Basics has the best medicine ball for beginners.
It’s great for classic medicine ball workouts and balance training.
The 6 lb rubber ball has a nice yellow and black color combo, so you can easily spot it in the gym, plus the textured finish gives you a superior grip.
Amazon’s med ball has a sturdy rubber construction to bounce off hard surfaces as you develop balance, coordination, and core strength.
You can use it for various med ball exercises, including partner tosses, wall sits, lunges, squats, and ab twists.
Pros
- Good for bouncing exercises.
- Durable rubber outer shell.
- 6 lb weight suits gentle beginner workouts.
- Good value from an affordable brand.
Cons
- Not good for slamming.
- Lightweight, not great for heavy-duty lifting.
3. Yes4All – Slam Ball
For the greatest grip, you can’t go past the Yes4All slam balls.
The larger tread design enhances traction for an easy and tight grip every time.
Plus, the wide glossy grooves let water slide through quickly, so even the most intense sweat sessions won’t interfere with your ability to slam the ball hard.
Sand on the inside makes this ball-less bouncy, so it’s great for overhead throws and slamming into the ground.
You can throw the ball from your shoulder to the ground as the shifting sand keeps the ball stable.
The outside layer features soft elastic PVC that absorbs impacts well without breaking open.
Yes4All slam balls come in 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 40 lbs for comprehensive weight training.
Pros
- Great grip for consistent slamming.
- Long-lasting elastic PVC shell.
- Sweatproof glossy grooves.
- Internal sand creates challenging resistance.
- Options range from 10-40 lbs.
Cons
- No bounce.
- Minimal patterns/colors.
- No weights lighter than 10 lbs.
2. TRX Training – Slam Ball
TRX has the best ball for slamming, thanks to an ultra-durable rubber outer shell that eliminates bounce and stands the test of time even with heavy use.
It’s easy to grip and throw the ball with its rugged texture, and there are options for 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 50 lbs.
TRX slam balls are built for high-intensity workouts where you can build on your cardio, strength, and overall muscle power.
The brand says its balls are designed to survive even the toughest workouts, so you can take your slams to the next level.
The thick outer shell absorbs the impact from every dead bounce, helping to strengthen your core and work your arms and shoulders.
Pros
- Tough rubber shell.
- Easy-grip thread.
- Multiple weights for all levels.
- Ideal for high-intensity strength and cardio training.
Cons
- Sand may move inside and cause instability.
1. Cap Barbell – Medicine Ball
Out of all the medicine balls to choose from, our top choice is the Cap barbell medicine ball.
The tacky texture gives you a great grip for all your favorite med ball exercises, from wall exercises to core training for specific sports.
With a thick rubber design, this ball is highly durable and easy to use.
There are six weights and corresponding colors, including 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 lbs.
People at all fitness levels can incorporate this added weight to their workouts, whether it’s high-intensity, strength training, Pilates, or yoga.
You can bounce it off the wall or floor as you work on coordination, balance, flexibility, and stamina.
Partner tosses with squats or lunges are another popular Cap medicine ball workout.
Pros
- Tacky, textured grip is great for all levels.
- Sturdy bounce suits many strength exercises.
- Durable rubber design for high-intensity exercise.
- Helps train balance, coordination, and flexibility.
- Light weights from 2-12 lbs.
Cons
- Only good for swinging exercises, not slamming.
- No heavy weights.
FAQs About Medicine Balls
Q: What Is a Medicine Ball?
A medicine ball is a weighted ball about shoulder-width in diameter, similar to a basketball.
Medicine balls are used throughout sports medicine to help with strength training, neuromuscular coordination, and rehabilitation.
Many gym classes and workout routines incorporate medicine ball exercises.
Q: What Are Medicine Balls Used For?
You can incorporate medicine balls into your workout routine, whether you like strength training, cardio, or even yoga.
A lot of people use bouncy medicine balls for wall or floor slams that build muscle strength, but you may also want to use them for swinging arm exercises, squats, lunges, and partner tosses.
Q: What Are the Benefits of Medicine Balls?
Medicine balls offer a lot of benefits for physical fitness and rehabilitation.
This exercise equipment is used to build muscle strength, endurance, stamina, balance, and coordination.
You can work your arms, shoulders, core, back, and legs with medicine balls.
Whether you’re throwing the ball toward the wall or floor, or you are swinging the ball during an ab workout, the extra weight and resistance make a difference.
Q: What Is the Best Weight Medicine Ball?
The ideal medicine ball weight depends on your comfort level and physical ability.
Most people start with a weight between 4 and 10 lbs.
If you are an experienced weightlifter or you want more of a challenge, you can increase the med ball weight from there.
Some dedicated fitness fanatics even get up to med balls 50 lbs or higher.
Q: What Is the Best Size Medicine Ball?
The preferred medicine ball size is generally shoulder-width apart.
You want to hold the ball comfortably in both hands with a good grip so you can get the most out of your workout.
Q: What Weight Medicine Ball Do I Need?
The recommendation from the American Council on Exercise is to use a medicine ball weighing between 4-15 pounds.
Of course, it depends on your strength, size, and how comfortable you are with medicine balls.
As with any exercise equipment or routine, it’s important to listen to your body and choose a weight that gives you a good workout without straining your muscles too much.
When in doubt, most people opt for several medicine ball weights so they can mix and match.
Q: Are Medicine Balls and Slam Balls the Same?
Medicine balls and slam balls are similar, although medicine balls have a softer outer layer.
They are made for swinging exercises, unlike slam balls which are designed for throwing toward the wall or floor.
Slam balls have a tough outer shell, typically made of rubber, for throwing toward hard surfaces at high velocity. Medicine balls are usually made of plastic, rubber, or leather.
Q: What Exercises Can You Do With a Medicine Ball?
Medicine ball exercises include Russian twists and woodchoppers to work the core, as well as lunge and twist to work the legs, chest, and shoulders.
Triceps extension targets the back and arms while weighted superman works the hamstrings, back, and shoulders.
You can also incorporate medicine balls into high-intensity interval training, including wall balls and deadlifts.
Q: Are Medicine Balls Worth It?
Quality medicine balls are a worthwhile addition to your home gym or on-the-go workout routine.
They can last for years and withstand heavy dropping and throwing.
When you have a good medicine ball, you can choose from many exercises including, squats, lunges, push-ups, sit-ups, and other fitness training.
It’s also nice to have your own medicine balls rather than testing your luck and seeing what’s available at the gym.
Q: How to Choose Which Medicine Ball to Use?
Choosing which medicine ball to use comes down to personal preference and workout goals.
Think about the current weight you are comfortable with and how you want to work your way up.
A lot of times, it’s best to start out with a smaller medicine ball and increase the weight from there.
If you have used medicine balls before, you can take your pick of a hard or soft med ball.
The more variety you have in your gym equipment, the more you can get out of medicine balls and all the exercise opportunities.
Summary
Medicine balls are popular for all sorts of workouts, from cardio to strength training, yoga to Pilates.
You can get medicine balls with handles or without, and some have sand inside for extra resistance.
There are so many weights to choose from, too, whether you want something light or a heavy-duty weighted ball around 50 lbs.
It never hurts to have a few medicine balls on hand so that you can mix and match weights and exercises.
Here’s a quick recap of the 10 best medicine balls:
- Cap Barbell – Medicine Ball
- TRX Training – Slam Ball
- Yes4All – Slam Ball
- Amazon Basics – Medicine Ball
- SPRI – Dual Grip Medicine Ball
- Day1 Fitness – Medicine Ball
- Champion Sports – Exercise Medicine Ball
- Yes4All – Soft-Weighted Medicine Ball
- BalanceFrom – Weighted Medicine Ball
- JBM – Medicine Ball
