When you’re looking for a training aid to add to your arsenal of boxing or MMA tools, it’s pretty important that you invest in the right boxing medicine ball. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, or if you don’t have one yet, here are a few features that you should be on the lookout for when shopping around.
Medicine balls used by boxers help to avoid injuries while improving posture, balance and stability. These pieces of equipment help to improve core strength and prepare the fighter for the blows to this body area. Medicine balls also increase power in the upper body section used during the sparring sessions.
First of all, these are not like your standard spring training or cross trainer that you find in most gyms. While they may look a little bulky at first, there is definitely a reason why boxing training exercises and equipment use the leather construction and not some other material.
How Big are Boxing Medicine Balls?
Typically about 14 inches in diameter, you’ll find medicine balls on sale from 2 pounds to about 40 pounds. For the hardcore strength athlete, there are heavy balls that can weigh up to 200 pounds. These medicine balls are usually 10 to 12 inches in diameter.
The average boxing medicine ball will range between nine to fifteen pounds, depending on the size of the individual punch bag, and while they will take a bit of getting used to, you’ll find that their strong grip and solid construction make them great tools for developing your strengthening abdominals and improving muscular endurance in your lower body.
Medicine Ball Materials
Medicine balls are covered in leather or rubber. Leather is smoother and easier on the hands, but can be difficult to handle when hands are sweaty. Rubber, which is sometimes textured, can be easier to grip but a bit more abrasive. There are also medicine balls now with either one or two handles, making them far easier to grip and much more versatile.
Leather
The real purpose behind using the leather construction is that they are extremely durable and will hold up under your weight and impact for a long period of time. That means that you can use the boxing medicine balls in any type of workout regimen, from basic bicep curls to full body workouts and more advanced training programs. In addition to their lasting durability, you’ll also find that they have a soft foam padding inside that absorbs impact and protects your body from injury in case of an accidental collision. Many of these are also covered with specially designed covers to help protect against moisture, preventing the leather from wearing down over time.
Carbon Fiber Polymers
They are definitely designed for heavy use, and as such they are made out of sturdy high density carbon fiber polymers that are known for their extreme stability. This also means that they offer great gripping properties, allowing you to throw them around without worrying about them slipping out of your hands. In fact, many professionals will tell you that you can toss them around without worrying about them coming off – this is primarily due to their nearly indestructible nylon straps and strong buckles.
Durability
Medicine balls take a lot of abuse. When shopping, look for well-made, sturdy balls that will last. Cheap balls won’t seem quite so inexpensive if they have to be replaced quickly. Everlast, TKO, Dynamax and Valeo all produce a line of quality balls.