When it comes to Mixed Martial Arts, there are as many types of equipment available for you to use. One such piece of equipment is the medicine ball for MMA. This is simply a weighted ball that comes in a variety of diameters depending on the size you want to use. It is the favorite of many trainers for being a complete training accessory. This is true in strength and weight training because it can be used to work out every muscle in your body.
Medicine balls are one of the oldest training equipment in existence where its initial use was in healing. They were used to rehabilitate injured patients in early times. Early healers and physicians like Hippocrates and Hieronymus advised their patients to use the weighted ball for recovery and fitness purposes. But it wasn’t until 1889 when the name ‘Medicine ball’ became official thanks to a professor known as Robert.
MMA requires you to be powerful and have an explosive nature. The medicine ball is designed with this in mind. You, therefore, can use it as a projectile object to add more power to your throws. You build your explosive nature by catching throws with increased weight and speed. You can use the ball to improve your body balance and coordination by using a variety of exercises geared to throw you off balance. This will help you use muscles that you do not normally use.
Table of Contents
Selecting the Right MMA Medicine Ball
1. Weight of the ball
You have to keep your weight in mind while purchasing an MMA medicine ball. The rule of the thumb is to select a ball that is heavy enough to limit your motion, but not too heavy to immobilize you altogether. You should be able to perform the workout while carrying the medicine ball without causing harmful strain to parts of your body.
You can judge the impact of a medicine ball on your body by how fatigued you feel at the end of a workout. Select a ball that you can perform repetitive exercises without limiting your technique and form from start to finish. As you become stronger, you can add the weight of the ball as well to increase your challenge level.
2. The exercise
Consider the exercises you want to perform using the medicine ball. This will help you determine the diameter and general design of the ball to use. Will you be throwing the ball, catching it or using it for resistant training? This is important because there are normal medicine balls and some special ones made for specific exercises.
3. The price
When selecting a weighted ball for training, it is important to purchase a quality ball with good customer reviews. But you have to purchase within your budget. There are many balls available in the market and with enough research, you can be able to get one which suits your needs.
4. Durability
Even as you consider the price of the medicine ball, remember cheap is expensive. Do not go for the low-quality ball because it will end up worn after a short time. It is best to do your research and purchase one which will give you service for a long time.
Best MMA Training Medicine Balls
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1. AmazonBasics Medicine Ball with Handles
This MMA exercise ball is made from rubber of the highest quality which does not emit any odor. It has heavy-duty rubber shells which help increase its durability. This means the ball does not wear out easily. It comes in one size weighing 10Lbs.
The ball has a unique design from the large variety available in the market. It has handles on both sides to enable you to have a better grip while working out. The ball also has a textured finish which helps guard against slipping especially when your palms sweat.
Pros
- Quality material
- Durable
- Grip capability
- Has handles
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited color (black)
- Limited size (10lbs)
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2. Yes4All Slam Ball Medicine Ball
The Yes4All Slam Ball Medicine Ball has a more complex structure. It is filled with iron sand mainly to prevent it from bouncing. The iron sand can maintain the ball’s firmness and balance as well. It then has an outer shell that is made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).
The PVC outer shell is textured and has grooves which will enable you to get a firm grip on the ball when doing strenuous workouts resulting in sweaty hands. Though the outer shell is grooved, it is also smooth to not cause any harm to your hands.
This particular medicine ball can be found in 6 different weights which include 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 40 pounds respectively.
Pros
- Well-constructed
- Reasonable pricing
- Grooved shell
- Weight variety
- Iron sand filling
- Durable
Cons
- Black color only
- Sand shifts in the ball
- Only for large hands
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3. TRX Training Slam Ball
The TRX Training Slam Ball has a surface that is rugged and textured. This guarantees you a better grip as you perform your routines. You can control the MMA medicine ball better as you work out. The outer shell of the ball is made from the highest quality of rubber which ensures it will last long. It will not easily tear with continuous use.
The medicine ball can be found in different weight options which include 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 50 pounds respectively.
Pros
- Weight variety
- Durable
- Top-notch material
- Textured surface
- Reasonable pricing
Cons
- Lacks color variety
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4. j/fit Soft Wall Ball, Medicine Ball, Strength, and Conditioning WODs
This medicine ball is made from the highest quality material. It has a triple stitching finish and a soft outer covering. It is a heavy-duty ball which has been laser cut to add to its quality. It can absorb any impact as you work out with it.
This medicine ball has been stuffed using hand and not machinery. This gives it an added advantage in terms of keeping balance and maintaining its original shape. Some balls tend to lose their shape and balance with continuous use.
You can find the ball in 9 different weights including 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 25 and 30 lb.
Pros
- Quality fabric
- Weight options
- Absorbs impact
- Attractive design
- Smooth surface
Cons
- A bit pricey
- One-color only
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5. Cap Barbell Medicine Ball
The Cap Barbell Medicine Ball is made from top-quality rubber which does not emit any odor. Its rubber surface ensures the ball can be able to bounce off surfaces that are very hard. The outer surface has a textured finish which enables you to grip it well without the risk of slipping.
The ball can be found in 6 distinct weights of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 pounds. With this variety, you can be able to make use of different balls for different routines.
Pros
- Textured surface
- Quality rubber
- Durable
- Bouncing effect
- Weight variety
- Well-priced
Cons
- One color and design
- Customer reports oily coating
- Easily gets dirty
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6. DYNAPRO Medicine Ball
This medicine ball for MMA has a unique dual-surface design which is diamond-shaped with a shiny black finish. This makes it very attractive. There is also a texture of marble on the remaining parts of the medicine ball too. The purpose of the dual pattern is to ensure you maintain a firm grip on the ball at all times as you train.
The ball is durable because it has been designed to withstand the most intense impact while you slam or bounce it against a wall. It is filled with air and has a casing made from top quality rubber. Using the best rubber quality is a safeguard against busting.
This particular medicine ball comes in 5 weight options that include 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 lb.
Pros
- Color strips variety
- Cheap
- Long-lasting
- Textured surface
- Bust resistant
Cons
- Emits rubber odor
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7. Champion Sports Exercise Medicine Balls
The Champion Sports Exercise Medicine Balls are made using high-quality material. It will be able to last long even with continuous and strenuous use. The outer shell of the ball is made from synthetic grade leather which has a good texture for a firm grip. You will be able to maintain your form as you do your workouts without worrying about the ball slipping.
This ball is specially manufactured for beginner use. It comes in several weight and color options too.
Pros
- Quality material
- Long-lasting
- Color varieties
- Smooth cover
- Light-weight
- Good pricing
Cons
- Customer complaints on wrong color delivery
- Customer complaints on the poor grip
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Conclusion
Medicine balls for MMA play an integral part in training and you should, therefore, take your time to purchase the right one. There is a wide variety available in the market today. Consider the factors listed in this guide to make the best decision when making your purchase. Start with the lighter balls if you are a beginner and gradually increase as you grow in strength and stamina. By using the correct ball, you will meet your workout needs.