As professionals in the fitness industry our duties are manifold. Most of us encounter clients of all shapes, sizes, and abilities. In this article we will be talking about various types and applications of medicine balls.

A medicine ball, in the most basic terms, is simply a round weighted ball. There are several different types of medicine balls available to trainers today and many of them are designed for specific purposes. Some medicine balls are designed to bounce while some are specifically designed not to bounce so you don't have to chase them. Some balls have tough tread or grip for easy catching while others are smooth. You'll find medicine balls that float and are soft to the touch and some that are attached to ropes or have handles designed to be used in much the same way as a kettle bell.

So, with all of these choices which do you chose? That answer is simple yet complicated. I know that is an oxymoron, but the more you learn about medicine ball applications the more you'll understand why. Lets breakdown several different types of balls on the market today and some common uses for each.

Leather Medicine Balls

The traditional leather medicine ball has been around the longest. You've seen them in boxing movies or in old issues of strength magazines. They are still around and they still are popular with many trainers. The balls usually range in weight by a few pounds. For example, one medicine ball may have a labeled weight of 12-14 pounds. Although it is not an exact weight it usually works for most general applications.

These balls are generally easy for most people to catch for short distances and are primarily used for abdominal work, although they can be used for a variety of other exercises.

Soft Gel Medicine Balls

These medicine balls are made of a soft vinyl and are filled with a gel. They do not float and do not bounce, which makes them perfect for throwing exercises using a trampoline, or any other surface in which you do not want the ball to bounce back to you.

The gel filled medicine balls can also be found in a wider variety of sizes and are perfect for rehab work. These balls also tend to be more economical.

Medicine Balls With Grip

There are a few different types of medicine balls on the market that have additional grip on the outside. These balls are usually made of solid polyurethane and bounce when dropped or thrown against a hard surface. You can use these for just about any exercise and they are therefore the most common type of ball used by major gyms and trainers alike. Another advantage is that most of these balls actually float. This is important for aquatic fitness and sports such as water polo.

Air Filled Medicine Balls

For those trainers who do a lot of long distance traveling or who are just looking for a ball that will float and bounce, there are air filled medicine balls available. The more air put into the ball the more bounce you will get out of them. These medicine balls are commonly used with plyometrics and general resistance exercises