Medicine Balls for Strength Training

What is a medicine ball and what is it used for?

A medicine ball is a weighted ball, usually spherical, used for strength, core stability, and explosive exercises. Unlike a simple weight, it allows for throwing, rotation, or bouncing against a wall, making it a popular tool in physical training for football, running, or fitness in general. Some models come with handles to make gripping easier during squats or weighted lunges, while others are smooth for throws and two-person passes.

What weight of medicine ball should you choose?

The weight depends on the type of exercise you're looking to do and your training level. For throwing and quick rotation movements, a lighter model like the Medicine ball Tremblay 1 kg/Ø17.5 cm or the Medicine ball VirtuFit 2 kg allows for speed work without compromising your technique. For more static muscle strengthening, such as weighted squats or lunges, heavier models with handles, like the Medicine ball with handle Tremblay 6 kg or 8 kg, provide a stable grip. The Wall Ball Sporti 8 kg is better suited for exercises thrown against a wall, where the repeated impact requires a reinforced structure.

Medicine ball with or without handles: what's the difference?

The presence of handles mainly changes how you hold the ball during exercises. Models with handles, like the Tremblay 6 kg and 8 kg or the Medicine ball Pure2Improve handles 2 kg, make lifting, two-handed rotations, or swinging easier. Models without handles, which tend to be rounder and often more compact, like the soft Medicine ball Tremblay 4 kg or the soft Medicine ball Tremblay CT 1 kg, are better for throws, passes, and core stability exercises performed on the ground.

Weight training: other pages to complete your equipment

The medicine ball is often part of a larger muscle strengthening routine. You can complete your equipment by checking out the following pages:

• The kettlebells for functional strength and mobility exercises.
• The dumbbells for targeted, progressive muscle work.
• The discs and bars for incorporating free weights into your strength sessions.
• The benches to vary your exercise positions.
• The disc rack to organise your training space.
• The strength training accessories to add complementary tools to your routine.
• The training equipment to cover other physical preparation needs.

You can also return to the strength training page for an overview of the catalogue.

Where can you find good deals on medicine balls?

The site offers several permanent sections to spot ongoing promotions on medicine balls and other weight training equipment. Make sure to keep an eye on the Black Friday page at the end of the year, followed by offers related to the holiday season and winter sales. In spring, the French Days and summer sales are also moments to watch. Outside of these highlight periods, the Sales page, the Clearance page, and the Deals page gather current offers. If you’re looking for the latest arrivals, the New arrivals page or its equivalent New arrivals (football club shop) will show you recently added items. To receive your order quickly, the Shipped in 24h page lists products available within that timeframe, and the Special Offers page centralises other occasional discounts.

How to properly use a medicine ball in training?

A medicine ball is suitable for various exercises: rotational throws against a wall, weighted squats, lunges with weight transfer, dynamic core stability, or two-person passes. It complements physical preparation training for football, running, or fitness, adding an element of unstable weight and explosive movement that dumbbells or discs don’t offer in the same way. Adjusting the weight and type of model (with or without handles) to suit the exercise being performed helps avoid posture mistakes and injuries.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a medicine ball and a weighted ball?

A medicine ball is generally larger and designed for throwing, rotational, or weighted squat exercises. A weighted ball is often smaller and denser, used for quick gripping movements or upper body strengthening. Both types of equipment complement each other in a strength training routine.

Can you use a medicine ball without experience in strength training?

Yes, as long as you choose an appropriate starting weight, usually between 1 and 4 kg for beginners. Lighter models like the Medicine ball Tremblay 1 kg or the Medicine ball VirtuFit 2 kg allow you to learn the basic movements before gradually increasing the load.

Is the medicine ball suitable for home training?

Yes, it's a compact accessory that doesn’t require special installation, unlike a bench or a bar with weights. You just need a clear space for throwing and ground exercises, making it a good addition to home equipment.

How to clean and maintain a medicine ball?

Most models have a rubber or synthetic coating that can be cleaned with a damp cloth after use. Avoid prolonged humidity and outdoor storage to keep the surface texture, especially on models with handles where grip matters.

Can a medicine ball replace dumbbells or discs?

Not completely: the medicine ball is mainly suited for dynamic, throwing, and rotational movements, while dumbbells and discs allow for more targeted and progressive strength work. Both types of equipment complement rather than replace each other in a complete strength training routine.