The 5 Best Medicine Balls, According To A Certified Personal Trainer

After review, the Yes4All Slam Ball is our favorite.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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.

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