In the world of fitness and exercise, you will come across a multitude of different training mediums. One of my favorite tools to utilize in the gym is the medicine ball. Medicine ball training can result in many athletic benefits such as strength, endurance, co-ordination and last but not least, power output. Choosing the right style of Medicine ball is important to compliment your training goal. There are three types of medicine balls that are most often seen in gyms and performance training centers across the nation.
Rubbery, elastic medicine balls react quickly to the force applied to them. These types of medicine balls are a great way to teach the athlete to react to medicine ball. Absorbing the force is a great way for the athlete to coordinate loading. This can be used to promote a quicker stretch-shortening cycle, which in turn, helps create more power output.
Soft medicine balls have a much calmer reaction when thrown against the ground or a wall. This allows for athletes to utilize full power output without the fear of being hit by the ball or losing control of it. They are softer and safer than other medicine balls which make them a great tool when teaching younger athletes as well.
Dead weight slam balls are a style of medicine ball which has little to no reaction when being slammed against the floor or a wall. These types of medicine balls tend to be a little heavier and harder to manipulate. These can be used just the same as every other medicine ball, but having zero reaction off of a wall or the ground gives the athlete confidence to use full power output without fear of being hit by the ball.
Any style of these medicine balls is great for all purpose training. Depending on the goals of the athlete, or sport specificity, you may want to choose to utilize one or the other. Having a certified and well educated performance coach guide your training is a sure fire way to get your desired results.
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