thumb|upright|Exercising with a medicine ball
thumb|right|Medicine ball [[Plank (exercise)|plank]]
thumb|Man exercising with a medicine ball
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 , 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 in diameter.
Medicine balls are usually sold as 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 in diameter and up to weight, or in the form of weighted basketballs.
History
thumb|upright|[[Aaron Molyneaux Hewlett, Director of the Harvard College Gymnasium c. 1860, with a medicine ball and other equipment]]
Hippocrates is said to have stuffed animal skins for patients to toss for medicinal purposes. Similar large balls were said to have been used in Persia, specifically by Persian wrestlers, as well as by gladiators.
See also
- Dumbbell
- Exercise ball
- Hooverball
- Kettlebell
- Medicine ball cabinet