‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (2024)

After review, the Yes4All Slam Ball is our favorite.

By Andi Breitowich

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‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (1)

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Dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands are strength training staples, but if you’re ready to shake things up, it’s time to invest in a medicine ball. Not only does it develop explosive power, increase speed, and build strength, but a great medicine ball engages the entire body. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up the five best-in-class options.

As a quick refresher, a medicine ball is a weighted object intended for full-body strength, endurance work, and dynamic movements, says personal trainer Michael Hamlin, CSCS. “A good medicine ball can really support your workout and allow you to develop efficient movements in many different planes, which can be really helpful if you play any sports,” he says. Utilizing a medicine ball is also great for developing explosive power, increasing your heart rate, and training on the go since it's portable.

Best Medicine Balls

A good medicine ball can certainly level-up your workout, but there’s some key factors worth considering. We consulted an expert to break down exactly what to look for when shopping for the best medicine ball–plus, the five best options.

What to consider

Material

Material is key for increasing durability and longevity, so look for a medicine ball made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), vinyl, leather, or rubber, says Hamlin. Some medicine balls are also stitched with nylon threading which ensures an extra durable design whether you’re throwing, slamming, or rolling the ball.

Grip

The quality materials mentioned above play into the grip of a medicine ball, but it’s also helpful to look for textured or grippy surfaces, says Hamlin. Some balls have ridges to add extra traction, while others have a stickier contact surface to prevent slippage during training.

Size and Weight

A lot comes down to your goals, workout style, and ability, but you want to be mindful about ball size and weight. For size, Hamlin suggests looking for a ball that is comfortable to manage with a diameter between 9 and 14 inches. For weight, Hamlin recommends a ball between 8 to 10 pounds if you’re a beginner. Once you're comfortable with the moves and build strength, you can go up in weight from there.

How we chose

Women’s Health editors, including contributor Andi Breitowich, consulted a certified personal trainer to determine what factors make the best medicine balls stand out from the rest. We also researched the bestselling, most popular medicine balls and combed through extensive testing notes to narrow down the top five picks. To build our list, we focused on key features like material, durability, size, and weight.

So, if you’re looking for the best medicine ball to crush your workouts, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to find the best pick for your specific preferences, according to a trainer.

Best Overall

Yes4All Slam Ball

‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (8)

‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (9)

Now 31% Off

Pros
  • ‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (10)Textured grip
  • ‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (11)Anti-slip
Cons
  • ‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (12)Does not bounce if that’s what you’re looking for

Among the medicine balls we tested and reviewed, this one came out on top because it’s durable, easy to grip, and available in various sizes and weights. It’s cheaper than other, heavy-duty medicine balls (such as the Rogue Medicine Ball), but feels substantial whether you’re throwing, slamming, or grabbing the ball.

The textured, anti-slip grip is a major perk for Hamlin, and he notes the high-density durability is made for high-impact activities (Hamlin says the Yes4All Slam Ball is especially great for slamming). It’s also sand-filled which prevents dents or unevenness and eliminates any bouncing while working out.

Also noteworthy: the medicine ball comes in two different diameters and ranges in weight between 10 to 40 pounds, so it’s great for beginners or advanced athletes.

Read more: Best Home Gym Equipment

MaterialPolyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Size9.7’’ or 11’’ diameter
Weight10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 40 lbs

Best Budget

ProsourceFit ProsourceFit Slam Medicine Ball

‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (13)

Pros
  • ‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (14)Anti-slip grip
  • ‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (15)High quality material enhances durability
Cons
  • ‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (16)Does not bounce if that’s what you’re looking for

If you’re looking for a premium medicine ball without breaking the bank, Hamlin says the ProsourceFit Slam Medicine Ball is your pick. He’s especially a fan of the textured, anti-slip grip and the supple rubber shell that absorbs impact to increase durability. There’s also no need to worry about bounce-back, because the dead weight design is perfect for forceful slams without losing control.

The medicine ball also comes in a variety of weights which is awesome for improving coordination and endurance at any skill level. Plus, it’s safe for indoor or outdoor use and tesers say it’s great for on-the-go workouts and travel.

MaterialPolyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Size7.5’’ diameter
Weight5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, or 50 lbs

Best For Beginners

Champion Sports Rhino Promax Elite Slam Ball

‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (17)

Pros
  • ‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (18)Anti-slip grip
  • ‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (19)Bounces
Cons
  • ‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (20)Sand interior may become unbalanced or lopsided

If you’re curious about medicine balls but not sure where to start, the Champion Sports Rhino ProMax Elite is a great option. The smooth grip is tacky enough to maintain traction when your palms get sweaty, and the ergonomic build is specifically designed for throwing, catching, and slamming with ease.

This medicine ball offers more give and bounce than other options on this list, though the vinyl material won’t compromise durability after repeated impact on hard surfaces. The wide variety of available weight is also awesome for beginners or seasoned athletes (ranging from four to 30 pounds), so you can customize which ball you purchase to meet workout goals and style.

MaterialVinyl
Size14'' diameter
Weight4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25, or 30 lbs

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Best Durability

Dynamax Dynamax Hefty Medicine Ball

‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (21)

Pros
  • ‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (22)Moisture-resistant
  • ‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (23)Even weight distribution helps maintain shape
Cons
  • ‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (24)Pricey for one ball

This heavy-duty medicine ball is made to stand the test of time. “I use these daily and it’s quite durable compared to other brands,” says Hamlin. The coated cover is moisture-resistant and absorbs impact making it great for indoor or outdoor use, and the weighted filler material is evenly distributed to help maintain the ball’s shape and nix any lopsidedness.

Sizing is on the larger side compared to other top picks, since each medicine ball is 14’ inches in diameter, but it comes in a variety of weights ranging from four to 30 pounds. Another perk: the Dynamax Medicine Ball has a 2-year warranty.

MaterialRecycled materials
Size14’’ diameter
Weight4, 6, 14, 16, 18, 20, or 30 lbs

Best Soft Medicine Ball

Rogue Fitness Medicine Ball

‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (25)

Pros
  • ‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (26)Double-stitched nylon threading enhances durability
  • ‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (27)Two-year warranty
Cons
  • ‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (28)Pricey for one ball

The Rogue Medicine Ball may feel soft in your hands, but it’s made for high-speed, high-intensity training. The interior is substantial to help the ball keep its shape over repeated use, but forgiving enough for you to safely stop or catch the ball at high velocity.

Hamlin says the hefty price is a downside, but the grip is superior to other options on the market, and is designed to last workout after workout. The double-stitched nylon threading is also built to handle indoor or outdoor use, and the vinyl coated shell is moisture- and scuff-resistant, so it’s versatile for any strength training, cardio, or HIIT workout.

MaterialVinyl, nylon
Size14’’ diameter
Weight4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 25, or 30 lbs

‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (29)

Meet The Expert

Michael Hamlin, CSCS, is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and the founder of Everflex Fitness.

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‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (30)

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‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (31)

Andi Breitowich

Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.

‘I’m A Personal Trainer—And I Recommend This Medicine Ball To All My Clients’ (2024)

FAQs

How do I recommend a personal trainer? ›

An effective recommendation letter identifies at least one positive characteristic of a personal trainer. A strong characteristic is followed by a specific description of the progress you have made with your trainer. Identify your intent to continue the partnership with your personal trainer.

What is the most important thing to look for in a personal trainer? ›

Make sure they understand your goals. Make sure you feel comfortable asking questions. attentive – a good trainer will be focused only on you during your sessions. tracking your progress – a good trainer will regularly assess and monitor your progress, and change your program as required.

Are you supposed to throw medicine balls? ›

A medicine ball is perfect for doing partnered longer distance throws or fast repetition bounce off a wall or bounce and catch off a wall. However a medicine ball is not designed for slams.

What can you use instead of a medicine ball? ›

Medicine ball substitution: A weight plate, heavy book, backpack/duffle bag filled with heavy stuff, etc. Do it: Stand with your feet hip-width apart holding a heavy object at your chest, then squat down as low as you can.

How to write a good review for a trainer? ›

I find I actually look forward to my workouts. Importantly: – He ensures that my technique is always correct to avoid any injuries. – He is extremely reliable & punctual – always set up & ready to start training ahead of time, with an exercise routine planned.

How to know if a personal trainer is good? ›

Questions to Ask Potential Personal Trainers
  1. What is their motivational style and demeanor? ...
  2. How much experience do they have? ...
  3. What types of clients do they usually work with? ...
  4. Do they have experience with your needs? ...
  5. What is their schedule like? ...
  6. How much do they charge? ...
  7. What are their cancellation policies?
Aug 25, 2021

What are the pros and cons of medicine balls? ›

Medicine Ball Pros and Cons

Medicine balls are cheap, easy to use and easy to store. They offer additional resistance to strengthen and tone targeted muscles. Of course, they're also heavy and cumbersome. They may even increase your risk of injury if you use them incorrectly.

Are medicine balls ideal for beginners? ›

And the number of different exercises you can do to work different muscles is practically limitless, according to Men's Fitness. Best of all, you don't have to be a fitness expert to use a medicine ball. Fitbit notes there are many medicine ball exercises geared toward beginners.

How many medicine ball slams should I do? ›

The basic medicine ball slam is a great workout in itself. Work up to 10 to 12 reps per set and do a few sets in a row for a pretty complete workout. As you get stronger and learn to move better with the ball, you can try adding variations for a longer, even more complete workout: Chest pass.

What is a medicine ball now called? ›

You won't see the words medicine ball on any Starbucks menu, so it's best to order the drink is to use its official name: Honey Citrus Mint Tea. It's possible your barista will recognize nicknames like Medicine Ball or Cold Buster, another way that Instagrammers referred to the drink in the late 2010s.

Does the medicine ball really help? ›

But it does help to relieve some common symptoms. The warmth of the tea and lemonade combo can help clear and soothe your stuffy sinuses. The Jade Citrus Mint tea has naturally occurring anti-inflammatory properties—not enough to kill your cold, but enough to keep some of the discomfort at bay.

Should you bounce a medicine ball? ›

Unlike slam balls, med balls should not be thrown to the ground. They can potentially bounce back or break. Also, they can sometimes have a softer shell.

How do you compliment a personal trainer? ›

Thank you for being an amazing sports trainer. Thanks to your training, I have become a stronger and more disciplined athlete. Thank you for pushing me beyond my comfort zone. Your coaching has not only improved my performance but also taught me the value of teamwork and perseverance.

How to write a good review for a gym? ›

This gym is amazing. Amazing facility, top equipment and great environment. Good service with friendly staff and super clean and comfortable gym for everyone from beginners to professional athletes to train at. I will definitely be returning on my next trip to Samui.

How do you say you are a good trainer? ›

12 Qualities of a Good Trainer
  1. Training Needs Analysis (TNA): ...
  2. Strong Organisational Skills: ...
  3. Versatility: ...
  4. Confident Delivery: ...
  5. Focus: ...
  6. Training Design Skills: ...
  7. Think on Your Feet: ...
  8. Subject Matter Expert:

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