The 15 Best Medicine Balls Of 2023 – Reviews And Buying Guide
Turn your home into a mini gym with this equipment so staying healthy isn't tough.
Stephen HoltFitness & Nutrition Coach
Expertise: Fitness & Nutrition For Women Over 40, Biomechanics, Habit Change
Experience: 20 years
Stephen Holt is one of the most acclaimed and respected figures in the fitness industry. Cultivating an experience of over 20 years since 1997, he has provided more than 50,000 personal training sessions to clients, making him an experience... more
Aditi Naskar Diploma In Health & Wellness
Expertise: Health & Wellness
Experience: 5 years
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She i... more
Expertise: Fitness & Lifestyle
Experience: 3 years
Rajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication fro... more
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Medicine balls make for an effortless addition to your home gym, being both a convenient and affordable gym accessory. When you invest in the best medicine ball, you get to enhance your muscle strength and add some of the best exercise to your cardio routine. What’s more is that medicine balls also help with recovery from injuries and let you work on coordination and balance. Since medicine balls are available in a host of sizes and weights, picking one that’s most suitable for you can be an ordeal. And to help you better, we’ve curated a list of the 15 best medicine balls that can seamlessly be integrated into your workout routine.
In This Article
15 Best Medicine Balls Available Right Now
1. Best Overall: Amazon Basics Medicine Ball
Image: Amazon Basics AmazonBasics Medicine Ball is an inexpensive medicine ball. This 10 lbs. ball is ideal for classic medicine ball workouts and lower and upper body exercises. It helps improve core strength, balance, and coordination. This ball has a rugged surface design that is made with a sturdy rubber and can bounce off hard surfaces. The textured finish surface also ensures a safe and secure grip while you perform fitness ball exercises. You can check this video out for more information on this durable medicine ball from AmazonBasics.
Key Features
- Weight:10 lbs.
- Sturdy rubber construction
- Textured finish
Pros
- Durable
- Inexpensive
- Easy to hold
- Sturdy
- Suitable for classic medicine ball workouts
Cons
- Strong chemical smell
- Slippery
StyleCraze Says2. Best Sturdy:Vitos Fitness Slam Medicine Ball
Image: Vitos The Vitos Fitness Slam Medicine Ball is a versatile high-intensity workout tool suitable for core and strength training, cross-training, and cardio exercises. This medicine ball has a thick, sturdy, and durable rubber shell that absorbs impact from core-strengthening workouts. This dead weight slam ball is available in weights ranging from 15 lbs. to 100 lbs. This cross-training tool is perfect for challenging exercises and adds superb resistance to your bodybuilding workouts to increase muscle mass and improve posture and balance, while regulating your movement patterns. Weighted exercise balls also help boost your aerobic capacity while toning the cardiovascular system and improving your overall endurance.
Key Features
- Weight: 15 lbs., 20 lbs., 25 lbs., 30 lbs., 35 lbs., 40 lbs., 45 lbs., 60 lbs., 70 lbs., 80 lbs., 90 lbs. and 100 lbs.
- Sturdy rubber construction
Pros
- Versatile
- High quality
- Durable construction
- Sturdy
- Available in multiple weight options
- 1-year warranty
Cons
None
3. Best Travel-Friendly:Yes4All Toning Ball
Image: Yes4all The Yes4All Toning Ball is a soft, smooth weighted medicine ball that helps build strength, balance, and coordination. It engages your body’s stabilizing muscles to enhance overall flexibility and coordination. The shifting iron sand inside helps prevent it from bouncing and rolling and works different muscle groups to tone your body during full-body workouts perfectly. The ball also features a PVC shell for easy grip. This training ball is suitable for yoga, pilates, rehabilitation, core strength training, or fitness training, and is also great for warmups during office breaks and stretching after a long day at work.
Key Features
- Weight: 2-10 lbs.
- PVC shell
- Strong construction
- Color-coded and stamped for easy weight identification
Pros
- Smooth shell
- Non-slip surface
- Durable
- Compact
- Color-coded
- 1-year warranty
- Available in multiple weights, sizes and colors
Cons
None
4. Best For Wall Ball Exercises:REP FITNESS Soft Medicine Ball
Image: Rep Fitness The REP FITNESS Soft Medicine Ball is suitable for high-intensity workouts, cross-training, and wall ball exercises. It has hand-stitched, double-reinforced seams for maximum durability. Its superior tough and thick synthetic leather shell absorbs impact from extended use. Medicine ball sizes are available in weights ranging from 4 lbs. to 30 lbs. Stability ball exercises are great for cross-training, HIIT workouts, cardio, and cross fit. It is designed to aid in strengthening your core muscle group at home.
Key Features
- Weight: 4 lbs., 6 lbs., 8 lbs., 10 lbs., 12 lbs., 14 lbs., 16 lbs., 20 lbs., 25 lbs., 30 lbs.
- Faux leather construction
- Textured shell
- Color-coded and stamped for easy weight identification
Pros
- Soft material
- Durable
- Versatile
- Comfortable
- Easy to hold
- Available in different weights and colors
- 1-year warranty
Cons
None
5. Best For Core Exercises: Cap Barbell Medicine Ball
Image: Cap Barbell Cap Barbell Medicine Ball is the best medicine ball for women. This classic fitness tool is lightweight and has a small diameter and a great textured grip. It is used to develop strength and conditioning, coordination, and endurance. This small and light ball allows women to do movement-based and dynamic entire body workouts. It comes in six weight options and a two-tone color design. This ball is easy to bounce and medicine ball routines are ideal for core, leg, and arm exercises.
Key Features
- Weight: 2 lbs., 4 lbs., 6 lbs., 8 lbs., 10 lbs., and 12 lbs.
- Single texture rubber surface
- Two-tone color design
Pros
- Lightweight
- Small diameter
- Easy to bounce
- Sturdy
- Suitable for core exercises
Cons
- Not durable
StyleCraze Says6. Best Multipurpose: Champion Sports Exercise Medicine Ball
Image: Champion Sports Champion Sports Exercise Medicine Ball is easy to control. It is made from professional-grade, high-quality synthetic leather. The leather cover and stitching offer exceptional durability and withstand extreme exercises. It comes in 8 weight options, ranging from 4-5 lbs. to 21-22 lbs. Its non-slip exterior offers a steady grip during medicine ball exercises and is perfect for aerobics, slamming, Cross Fit, and other workouts.
Key Features
- Weight: 8 weight options ranging from 4-5 lbs to 21-22 lbs
- Synthetic leather exterior
- Premium reinforced stitching
Pros
- Multipurpose
- Professional-grade
- Durable
- Non-slip, controlled grip
- Suitable for a variety of exercises
Cons
- Average quality
7. Best For Pillates: A2ZCARE Medicine Ball
Image: A2zcare A2ZCARE Medicine Ball is a soft weighted mini medicine ball. This weight-toning ball is used for performing pilates, fitness, body strength, yoga, and in rehabilitation. It is conveniently small, easy to grab, and made from a durable soft PVC shell that fitsin the palm of your hand. This mini medicine ball is available in 6 colors and different weights – 2 lbs., 3 lbs., 4 lbs., 5 lbs., 6 lbs., and 8 lbs. It is the best alternative to dumbbells and medicine ball benefits include improving self-balance, strength, and flexibility.
Key Features
- Weight: 2, 3 lbs., 4 lbs., 5 lbs., 6 lbs., and 8 lbs.
- PVC material filled with sand
- Available in 6 colors
Pros
- Comfortable design
- Convenient
- Easy to hold
- Durable
- 6-month warranty
Cons
None
8.Best Grip:RitFit Medicine Ball
Image: Ritfit Whether you’re doing crunches or using it as a weight bench, the RitFit Medicine Ball is perfect for weighted exercises that help you work every part of your body. The ball helps strengthen and tone your core and targets your abs and stabilizer muscles for a more dynamic workout. It is made of high-quality rubber and is highly durable. It also has a textured surface for a firm, anti-slip grip for bare hands and weight-training gloves. The ball offers the impact of weight training with the speed of movement required to build strength and endurance while helping you improve balance and coordination.
Key Features
- Weight: 2-20 lbs.
- Size: 9 inches
- Sturdy rubber construction
- Finger grades for secure grip
- Color-coded and stamped for easy weight identification
Pros
- Sturdy
- Dual texture grip
- Superior anti-slip grip
- Durable
- Available in multiple weights and colors
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Not suitable for slamming
9. Best Comfortable:ProsourceFit Slam Medicine Balls
Image: Prosourcefit The ProsourceFit Slam Medicine Balls are ideal for CrossFit, weight training, and improving coordination. These multipurpose medicine balls feature a robust tire tread surface that offers a sturdy grip during intense exercises and offers good grip during Russian twists or throws. These medicine balls are designed to enable a full-body workout, and their rubber shell can withstand the toughest workouts. They also feature an ultra-grip surface with a water-resistant rubber thread grip. These balls are considered great alternatives to free weight, which helps in muscle building.
Key Features
- Deadweight design
- Ultra-grip surface
- Classic slam balls are available in 5-50 lbs and tread slam balls available in 10-50 lbs.
Pros
- Anti-slip grip
- Durable
- Offers full body conditioning
- Multipurpose
- No bouncing
Cons
None
10. Best For Group Workouts:DYNAPRO Medicine Ball
Image: Dynapro DYNAPRO Medicine Ball is a burst-resistant and durable rubber ball. It is designed to withstand the pressure of constant slamming and bouncing on the floor or wall. This air-filled medicine ball is made from a durable rubber casing that offers more bounce. It has different variations and is available in5 weight options –4 lbs., 6 lbs., 8 lbs., 10 lbs., and 12 lbs. It strengthens and tones your core, upper body, and lower body. This DYNAPRO ball is designed with a diamond pattern on the black surface and a marble texture on the rest of the ball. This dual pattern delivers a secure and steady grip.
Key Features
- Weight: 4 lbs., 6 lbs., 8 lbs., 10 lbs., and 12 lbs.
- Durable rubber construction
- Dual surface structures
Pros
- Burst-resistant
- Durable
- Suitable for solo and group workouts
- Sturdy
Cons
- Strong chemical smell
11. Best For Cardio Exercises:JBM Medicine Ball
Image: Jbm The JBM Medicine Ball is a highly durable workout tool made with premium, eco-friendly rubber material. The textured surface provides a comfortable, easy grip, allowing it to bounce perfectly. It is great for push-ups, pile squats, squats and presses, side planks, plank holds, and Russian twists. This medicine ball helps develop your muscle strength, core strength, endurance, and balance, and also improves coordination and cardiovascular health. You may do cardio exercises with this ball to promote blood circulation for more energy and power.
Key Features
- Weight: 2 lbs., 4 lbs., 6 lbs., 8 lbs., 10 lbs., 12 lbs., 15 lbs.
- Sturdy rubber construction
- Textured rubber shell
- Color-coded and stamped for easy weight identification
Pros
- High quality
- Eco-friendly
- Sturdy material
- Durable
- Versatile
- Comfortable
- Easy to hold
- Available in different weights, sizes and colors
Cons
- Not suitable for slamming
12. Best For Muscle Exercises: Titan Fitness Soft Medicine Ball
Image: Titan Fitness Titan Fitness Soft Medicine Ball is a soft wall ball. It is used for medicine ball workouts like squats, sit-ups, and twists. It is made with high-quality synthetic leather material on the exterior. The tight-double stitching holds it closed. It helps develop core and muscle strength, increase your cardiovascular endurance, and burn calories. This ball weighs 6 lbs. and has a 14″diameter.
Key Features
- Weight: 6 lbs.
- Durable and high-quality material
- Tight and thick double stitching
Pros
- High quality
- Durable
- Suitable for core, cardio, and muscle exercises
- Sturdy
Cons
None
13. Best For Core Development:Trademark Innovations 15lb Exercise Slam Medicine Ball
Image: Trademark Innovations The Trademark Innovations 15lb Exercise Slam Medicine Ball is great for core development. It is made with durable PVC material and will not bounce away. This sand-filled medicine ball can be used in place of free weights and is built to absorb slam. You can use this medicine ball by including overhead throws, twists, or back-to-back passing with a partner while exercising.
Key Features
- 9″ diameter
Pros
- Durable
- Enhances hand eye coordination
- Does not roll away
- Non-slip surface
Cons
None
14. Best Handcrafted: Garage Fit Soft Medicine Ball
Image: Garage Fit Garage Fit Soft Medicine Ball is a handcrafted wall ball with reinforced seam construction. It features a uniquely stitched design and PVC material that enhances your grip on the ball for CrossFit and maximum weight training exercises. These soft medicine balls are designed to absorb impact, thereby minimizing the risk of injury.
Key Features
- Weight: 4 lbs., 6 lbs., 8 lbs., 10 lbs., 12 lbs., 14 lbs., 16 lbs., 18 lbs., 20 lbs., 25 lbs. and 30 lbs.
- Reinforced seam construction
- Impact-absorbing build
Pros
- Easy to grip
- Premium design
- Multiple weight options
- Durable
- Handcrafted
Cons
None
15. Best For Flexibility:GYMENIST Medicine Ball
Image: Gymenist The GYMENIST Medicine Ball is a highly durable, weighted fitness ball made of synthetic rubber. It helps improve balance and flexibility while enhancing hand-eye coordination. The ball has a comfortable textured grip design, which makes it easy to toss and bounce on hard surfaces. We recommend starting with a 2 lb for lighter workouts and slowly moving to 20 lb for more challenges. This is suitable for multiple exercises like bodybuilding, yoga and aerobics and helps challenge your core and build strength.
Key Features
- Weight: 2-20 lbs.
- Synthetic rubber construction
- Suitable for home gym and gym workouts
Pros
- Non-slip grip
- Multiple weight options
- 1-year warranty
- Available in 9 sizes
Cons
None
Now that you know everything about medicine balls, check out the desirable features you should look for to pick the best one for your needs. Check out the following fitness equipment guide for optimal medicine ball selection:
How To Choose Best Medicine Ball
- Weight
Weight is the most important parameter while choosing a medicine ball. It determines how well you can use it to achieve your fitness goals. The medicine ball should not be too heavy as you may struggle when using it and injure yourself. If it is too light, you won’t get the level of resistance required to see good results.
Generally, 2 to 3 lbs. medicine ball is the lightest option. 2 to 5 lbs. medicine balls are suitable for beginners who require these medicine balls for aerobics and other light exercises. For intensive core or strength workouts, a 20 to 50 lbs. medicine ball is recommended. Go for 100 or 150 lbs. medicine balls for high-intensity workouts.
- Materials
Generally, medicine balls are made from rubber, genuine leather, or synthetic leather. The first medicine balls were strictly made of leather and were durable and weather-resistant. Synthetic leather balls were not the most durable, but technology has improved over the years, leading to tougher balls with rigid exteriors. Textured rubber medicine balls are a far more popular option because they offer an excellent grip and are ideal for various types of exercises.
- Style
The style of a medicine ball is one of the important factors to consider as it determines what you can accomplish with it. For example, handled medicine balls are not suitable as a slam or wall balls. However, the grips on such balls make them suitable for non-release exercises, such as kettlebell style workouts.
Other types available in the market are sand-filled medicine balls. They offer minimal bounce and are the perfect choice for doing slam exercises. Wall balls, on the other hand, are popular among Cross Fit enthusiasts, especially for explosive exercises such as hand-to-eye drills and squats.
- Size
Medicine balls are available in many sizes and shapes. Choosing the best medicine ball always depends on what you are using it for and the type of workout that you want to do. One thing to keep in mind is that just because a medicine ball is small does not mean that it will be light. Smaller medicine balls can be used for speed training. Some others may be used for strength and weight training. So, choose a medicine ball that suits your workout routine.
- Durability
Even with proper usage, medicine balls can get deformed over time. Most brands in the market take many steps to prevent this deformation and ensure the maximum life of their products. Some companies choose to go with a more rigid exterior and design their medicine balls with double or reinforced seams. This added outer layer strengthens the weakest points on a medicine ball. Also, it lengthens the life of the medicine ball as it reduces the risk of splitting along the seams. So, always look for this information while choosing a medicine ball.
Stephen Holt, a fitness and nutrition coach with 20 years of experience, reassures, “A medicine ball is a portable and versatile option that easily adds strength, agility, coordination, balance and stability to your workout.”
The Bottom Line
If you have a home gym, then the best medicine balls would be a great addition as it is one of the most affordable and convenient gym accessories. The Amazon Basics Medicine Ball offers durability and improved coordination, while the Yes4All Toning Ball offers a non-slip surface for enhanced flexibility. You can also try the REP FITNESS Soft Medicine Ball that comes with a thick outershell and double reinforced seams for sturdiness. They are durable, made of high-quality materials, sturdy, and suitable for strength training and plyometric exercises. They are a dynamic and fantastic training tool that can be used in nearly every workout style. Consider the weight, materials, style, size, and durability of the product before purchasing the best medicine balls. You can use these balls for solo as well as group workouts.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Aditi Naskar, has a diploma in health and wellness and loves to write reviews about fitness products. She has carefully listed these medicine balls, selected based on user reviews and feedback available on multiple forums and brand websites. The products listed in this post enhance your muscle strength. They can add some of the best exercises to your cardio routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are medicine balls and slam balls different?
Yes. Medicine balls are softer and a little larger in diameter. They bounce back when tossed against a wall. Slam balls are compact, have a harder exterior, and don’t bounce back when tossed. Medicine balls are best for push-ups, wall tosses, and partner drills. Slam balls are good for lateral throws, overhead slams, chest passes, and broad jumps to pass.
Which muscles does the medicine ball engage?
Workouts with a medicine ball can burn some serious calories and work well for abs, shoulders, thighs, calves, hips, back, and arm muscles.
It’s my first time using a medicine ball – what should I do?
4 to 15 lbs. medicine ball is a good choice to start your workout routine. The medicine ball that you are going to use should not disrupt your control and range of motion. So, use the one that is heavy enough to slow your motion.
Is a medicine ball good for abs?
Yes, a medicine ball is good for abs workout. A 9 lbs. ball is recommended for this purpose. Always use a ball that is light enough to do your workouts without straining your back.
Are medicine ball push-ups good?
Yes. Medicine ball push-ups increase upper body strength, core strength, and cardio. When done the right way, this workout targets upper-body muscles such as arms, shoulders, and glutes and lower-body muscles such as hips and legs.
Are medicine balls a good choice for beginners?
Yes. Medicine balls are a good choice for beginners as they help lose overall weight and increase muscle strength.
Can you build muscle with a medicine ball?
Yes, a medicine ball helps build muscles, power, and strength.
Do medicine ball slams work at the core?
Yes. Medicine ball slams are a full-body workout that engages your core, shoulders, hamstrings, and hips.
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