People who choose a healthy lifestyle are not limited to doing traditional morning exercises. They strive to diversify the set of exercises by using auxiliary objects. Going in for sports, for a more effective result, you can use auxiliary elements, such as: expander, dumbbells, gymnastic stick, fitball, medball. Their use will give an increased load on certain muscle groups. Medicine ball - medicine ball - one of the types of sports equipment. The editorial staff of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" offers to get acquainted with the rating of the best medballs for sports for 2020.
Content
What it is
Very convenient, versatile and compact sports equipment, which is suitable for training in the gym and at home, it does not take up much space, and is easy to use. But, despite its simplicity, this item is very multifunctional, and it can be used to train any muscle group.
It has several names: heavy ball, medicine ball, medicine ball. It looks like an ordinary ball, but inside it there is a filler for weighting: sand, rubber crumb, a special composition or metal granules. The choice of filler is carried out in order to vary the weight - from 1 kg to 20 kg and even more. The shell is usually made of vinyl, leather, polyurethane, rubber, nylon.
It is known that such balls were used in the training of athletes in ancient times, as evidenced by Persian drawings of the 10th century BC. and the surviving records of ancient Greece. With their help, soldiers and gladiators were trained and used in the rehabilitation of the wounded. Hippocrates himself mentions in the descriptions of methods of treatment "balls of leather filled with sand" for recovery from injuries. The word "medball" is officially registered in the English dictionary of 1895.
In order not to make mistakes when choosing, you should heed the basic recommendations. First of all, they relate to the weight of the product - it should be sufficient to slow down movements, but should not make it difficult to control their accuracy and trajectory. Experience, fitness and type of exercise should also be considered.
Functional
This sports equipment is truly versatile. Its application is suitable for:
- improving endurance;
- explosive strength development;
- reducing the risk of injury;
- improving the sports form of non-professional athletes;
- generating speed, strength;
- development of coordination, balance;
- losing weight;
- gaining muscle mass;
- recovery from injuries.
It is capable of replacing equipment such as dumbbells or kettlebells in a set of free weight exercises. In addition, the medball can be thrown and caught, which is not always safe with kettlebells. Its storage does not require a large area, but it will add variety to your workouts and make them more effective, which is very relevant at home.Thus, the field of application of the medical ball is quite extensive - for home training, fitness, crossfit, athletics, most types of martial arts.
Criterias of choice
Which medball is better to buy? Important parameters need to be considered:
- weight and size;
- design;
- shell material;
- filler;
- types of exercise.
Weight and size
It is quite difficult for a beginner to determine the optimal weight of a product. You should not strive for the most difficult, because there is a risk of losing control of the apparatus and sacrificing the technique of performing the exercise. By far the beginner's choice is the easiest medicine ball. The load can be gradually increased with a large number of approaches, and only then buy a ball with a large weight.
When it comes to size, you need to consider the type of exercise. With the ability to absorb the force of impact and not bounce off the surface, voluminous, more suitable for throwing exercises. For a complex aimed at developing a balance, a smaller medball should be selected, because it plays the role of a support, and the load depends on its diameter. The difficulty of the exercise is proportional to the size of the projectile.
Design
Kinds:
- round, without handles;
- with one handle;
- with two handles;
- with cuff.
If we talk about versatility, then these include round medicine ball. It can be used for most exercises. Medballs with handles are suitable for pulling exercises and are an excellent substitute for kettlebells. But in cases where you need to roll the projectile, they are not suitable. Medballs with cuffs act as a weighting agent for arms or legs, the projectile itself is small.
Sheath material
High-quality durable materials protect the projectile from breakage during training. This is especially true when heavy medicine balls hit the floor and walls, for example, during crossfit training. Here you just need the most durable shell material - leather or PVC fabric. In addition, these materials do not slip, and this property will allow you to hold a heavy projectile even with sweaty and damp hands. For lighter workouts with a not heavy medicine ball, it is permissible to use any material - rubber, vinyl, natural or artificial leather, PVC. If the version is not a solid shell, but is sewn from "petals", it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the thread for stitching - these should be reinforced threads, and the seam is preferable to double.
Filler
In addition to the function of weighting, the filler performs the task of absorbing the force of impact and preventing the simulator from bouncing off the surface. Such medballs are filled with crumb rubber, sand, metal granules. The product itself keeps its shape well and is durable. However, the most durable are solid rubber shells.
Exercise types
- Basic and Isolation Exercises - A small medball is used as a weight.
- Throwers are a “non-jumping” heavy big medicine ball that effectively dampens the force of a blow.
- Functional - the medball, which serves as a support, must be non-slip. With a ball of small diameter, the difficulty of the exercise increases.
- Traction - a projectile with one or two handles, replacing a kettlebell.
Examples of exercises using a medicine ball that you can do yourself at home
To warm up
- From a standing position and holding the ball in front of you on outstretched arms, raise your arms up, reaching for the projectile, and then bend over and lower it to the floor.
- Transfer of the medicine ball around the body from one hand to the other.
- Sitting on the floor with wide-apart straight legs, lean on a projectile set in the middle for dynamic stretching.
For body and core muscles
- Lunges from a standing position alternately with the right and left legs. At the same time, the medball is in the hands at the level of the abdomen, when performing a lunge, stretch your arms in front of you and turn the body.
- A variation of the previous exercise, but during the lunge, raise your arms above your head.
- From the supine position, the medicine ball is in straight arms behind the head, raise both arms and legs at the same time, move the medicine ball to the legs, holding it between the feet, lower the arms and legs. Then passed back to hand.
For legs and buttocks
- From a standing position and holding a medball in straightened arms, perform forward bends with arms extended in front of you. In this case, one leg acts as a support, and the other is taken back upward, forming a perpendicular angle with the body, arms and an extended leg with respect to the supporting leg. Repeat with a change of leg.
- From a standing position. Holding the projectile at chest level and raising one leg, bending at the knee parallel to the floor, slowly perform squats on the other leg.
For chest and back
- Push-ups with hands resting on a medball and pressing your elbows to the body.
- Push-ups with support on a shell with one hand.
- From a prone position. Medball in arms straightened in front of the head. While straining your back muscles, slowly raise your straight arms and legs as high as possible.
For arms and shoulders
- From a standing position, a shell in hands at chest level. Slowly raise your arms above your head.
- From a standing position, the simulator is in straight arms at the level of any shoulder. Write out horizontal and vertical eights in front of you, without bending your arms. Hard but effective exercise.
- From a standing position, medball in straightened arms above the head. Bending your elbows, lower the projectile behind your head and return to its original position. Great workout for triceps.
Throws
Throwing requires a solid wall and plenty of space. That is, you can carry out the execution either in the gym or on the street. At a fast, explosive pace, perform throws in front of you against the wall or, raising your arms with the ball over your head, throw it sharply to the floor. You can also use this technique in a pair or group workout.
Rating of the best medballs
Leatherette
Stecter
Manufacturer - Russia. Soft elastic balls of different weight categories, made of artificial leather filled with padding polyester and rubber crumb - 3 to 12 kg. Diameter - 355 mm. A set of 10 balls - from 29,000 rubles, but you can also purchase a projectile of the required weight separately.
Advantages:
- suitable for recovery from injuries;
- two-layer durable construction;
- medballs of different weights have the same diameter;
- suitable for any level of training;
- a set is cheaper.
Disadvantages:
- not found .
Effort
Sports equipment of a domestic manufacturer, weighing 1 kg and with a diameter of 14 cm, made of high quality artificial leather - vinyl leather, will be an excellent assistant for fitness, aerobics and physiotherapy exercises. Filled with PVC chips. The average price is from 500 rubles.
Advantages:
- multifunctional;
- suitable for crossfit training;
- does not bounce off the surface;
- effectively dampens the force of blows;
- inexpensive.
Disadvantages:
- not found.
PVC
Body Sculpture BB-0071-2
A Chinese-made medical ball, weighing 2 kg and diameters of 8 cm, blue, is made of polyvinyl chloride with a grooved coating and stuffed with metal shavings. The average price is from 325 rubles.
Advantages:
- the coating allows you to securely hold the projectile;
- effective for any workout;
- compact;
- budgetary.
Disadvantages:
- absent.
Bradex
The product of the Israeli brand is made in China. Sports exercise kilogram exercise machine is made of polyvinyl chloride and filled with sand, diameter - 14 cm. Practical and convenient, can withstand a lot of weight - up to 150 kg. Costs from 300 rubles.
Advantages:
- wide range of colors;
- practical, convenient;
- high-quality performance;
- pleasant to the touch;
- average weight;
- inexpensive.
Disadvantages:
- the material attracts dust, which makes it poorly grip.
Torres 1 kg
This Chinese-made product is black and yellow, with a diameter of 19.5 cm and a weight of 1 kg, made of high-quality rubber. The structure consists of a basketball-like tire, a tube, and a rubber frame for weight. Thanks to this design, the balls can be of different weights, but the same size, which is very convenient for doing familiar exercises. The average price is from 1000 rubles.
Advantages:
- bright, spectacular;
- comfortable design;
- wear-resistant surface material;
- inexpensive;
- does not slip out of hands.
Disadvantages:
- absent.
Adidas ADBL-12223
A round ball of a well-known company is a rubber structure with a diameter of 24 cm with a textured coating, which is very important for a five-kilogram projectile and will not allow it to slip out of your hands during exercises. It costs from 5700 rubles. Can be ordered from the online store.
Advantages:
- strong grip;
- lasting;
- renowned manufacturer;
- perfectly dampens shocks;
- does not bounce off surfaces.
Disadvantages:
- not cheap.
Slam Ball Reebok
The medball of another well-known brand, weighing 5 kg and a diameter of 37 cm, is ideal for crossfit. The durable, wear-resistant surface of thick flexible rubber can withstand heavy loads when thrown against the surface. The sand filler eliminates the jumping ability of the projectile. This product is suitable for intense impact training and provides effective strength and endurance training. The best grip is provided by the non-slip surface. The average price is from 3,500 rubles.
Advantages:
- does not paint surfaces upon impact;
- allows you to make active throws;
- provides explosive strength training;
- quality material;
- the coating is easy to clean;
- suitable for all types of shock training;
- can be used for squats and push-ups as well.
Disadvantages:
- too heavy for beginners.
Filled with gel
WINNER Plain Surface No. 3
Chinese-made yellow flower sports equipment weighing 1 kg and 12.5 cm in diameter is made of smooth rubber and filled with gel. Ideal for beginners or complex rehabilitation exercises. The average price is from 700 rubles.
Advantages:
- nice stuff;
- lasting;
- inexpensive.
Disadvantages:
- smooth surface makes it difficult to hold the ball;
- not suitable for tough workouts.
GALA BM0100P
A shell made of molded rubber with a filling - gel weighing 1 kg, with a diameter of 14 cm is suitable for home workouts. Cost - from 700 rubles.
Advantages:
- ideal for exercising at home, in the gym;
- light weight and size allow for outdoor use;
- increases the effect of training;
- allows you to efficiently and symmetrically distribute the load;
- suitable for all skill levels.
Disadvantages:
- not suitable for shooting training.
With handles
Body Solid BSTDMB6
American-made medical ball with 2.7 kg grips, molded, made entirely of high-quality black rubber. 2 handles on the sides allow you to replace weights and dumbbells. The textured surface excludes slipping and falling out of hands. A wide range of applications - from rehabilitation complexes to strength training. The average price is from 4500 rubles.
Advantages:
- the ability to swing with one or both hands;
- comfortable rubber handles;
- compact;
- from a well-known manufacturer of sports goods;
- center of gravity in the center of the ball;
- non-allergenic material;
- acceptable price.
Disadvantages:
- not suitable for throws.
Original Fit.Tools FT-DHMB-09
Heavy apparatus - 9 kg - for people with good physical shape and athletic training. Product color - blue and black, diameter - 27 cm, on the sides there are 2 comfortable handles that provide a high-quality grip 42 cm, completely made of rubber. The cost is from 7000 rubles.
Advantages:
- wear-resistant material;
- does not bounce off the surface;
- the presence of grips;
- durable;
- an excellent projectile for performing swing movements or throwing to each other;
- you can simulate throws;
- helps to restore joint mobility.
Disadvantages:
- not cheap;
- for trained athletes.
ADIDAS ADBL-10414
Another product of a well-known sports brand is a medicine ball with two handles, weighing 8 kg. Perfect adhesion is achieved through surface texture. Large diameter - 23.5 cm - suitable for many exercises. The flat side of the machine is provided for floor exercises. The average cost is from 7000 rubles.
Advantages:
- heavy, powerful projectile;
- world famous brand;
- value for money;
- convenience of training due to side handles;
- strong, durable;
- applicable for functional strength training.
Disadvantages:
absent.
How to do it yourself
From an old punched basketball ball, you can make a weight ball with a comfortable weight for yourself. You can fill the space with sand (always dry), chopped rubber from the cameras, metal shavings, and small stones. To adjust the weight, you can add lightweight plastic balls to fill the volume but not add much weight. If you use something small and free-flowing as filler, such as sand, it is better to place it first in a strong bag to avoid spilling. Then lacing the incision with strong ropes and glue the seam with glue to secure it in place. Your shell is ready!
The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" shared their reviews of the medballs with readers and provided an overview of the best shells, according to buyers. We hope this information was useful to you.