Medicine ball: History and Key Facts

A medicine ball (also known as an exercise ball, a med ball, or a fitness ball) is a weighted ball with a diameter of about a shoulder-width. The size of a medicine ball is approximately 350 mm (13.7 in), often used for rehabilitation and strength training. The medicine ball also serves an important role in the field of sports medicine to improve strength and neuromuscular coordination. It is distinct from the inflated exercise ball, which is much lighter and larger which is up to 37 in (95 cm) in diameter.

Medicine balls are usually sold as 1–11 kg (2–25 lb) balls and are used effectively in ballistic training to increase explosive power in athletes in all sports, e.g. throwing the medicine ball or jumping whilst holding it. Some medicine balls are up to 360 mm (14 in) in diameter and up to 6 kg (14 lb) weight, or in the form of weighted basketballs.

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