Three Athletes That Can Effectively Use Medicine Balls

One of the simplest examples of fitness equipment that you can find is a medicine ball. To the uninitiated, a medicine ball is generally the size of a basketball and often has a similar gripped surface. However, instead of being filled with air, it's full of sand or another weighted material. Medicine balls are available in many weights, and can be a valuable addition to your workout. If you're an athlete, it's certain that you can use a medicine ball in your sport-specific fitness regimen. Here are three types of athletes that can especially benefit from this piece of equipment:

Basketball Players

Basketball players might enjoy working out with a medicine ball because of its familiar shape, but this isn't a ball that you'll want to try dribbling or shooting. Instead, you can use your medicine ball for a variety of exercises that can have a direct correlation with your skills on the court. One activity is to grab a partner and throw chest passes to one another with the medicine ball. This exercise is challenging, especially with a heavy ball, but will be integral to building the muscles in your upper back, shoulders, and arms.

Boxers

Boxers frequently use medicine balls in a number of ways during their workouts. Medicine ball twists, in which you sit with your legs and feet elevated and twist your torso from side to side while holding the medicine ball, can be an effective way to strengthen your core. A boxer must have a strong core to withstand the punishment of body shots, and this exercise can help in that regard. Boxers may also benefit from medicine ball slams, in which you hold the ball overhead and throw it to the floor in front of you as hard as you can. This is a valuable exercise for strengthening the upper body.

Hockey Players

If you play hockey, you should definitely get acquainted with a medicine ball and the variety of exercises that this fitness product can provide. Medicine ball slams are valuable because your power when you shoot the puck comes partially from your shoulders, back, and arms — three areas that you'll be strengthening with this exercise. Medicine ball twists can also be useful, as core strength can help you to avoid injuries that come from this fast contact sport. Try working with a lighter medicine ball to start with, and then gradually make your way toward heavier weights.