The Best Medicine Balls For Your Home Gym, According to Trainers Who Love Them

Dynamax 14' Medicine Ball ($100 and up)

An important factor to consider when medicine ball shopping is how much the medicine ball weighs, and whether that weight is suitable for the exercises you'll be performing, says exercise physiologist and trainer Tom Holland, CSCS, NASM-CPT. "Selecting a ball that's too heavy could increase the risk of injury," he says. "If you're unsure, it's better to choose a lighter ball, and if possible, invest in two or three different weights to ensure you have the ideal option for various exercises." One of Strine's top picks, this medicine ball comes in 11 different weights (and 26 different colors), so you can pick out a ball that's just right.

Amazon Basics Weighted Medicine Ball ($18)

This price-conscious option from Amazon gets both Holland's and Strine's stamps of approval. It's a popular choice, "thanks to its affordable price and solid construction," the former says. The weights range in price from $18 to $35, and they're made with rubber. The medicine ball has earned 4.8-stars from more than 12,800 ratings on Amazon, and customer reviewers report that the outer material is durable and resistant to tears.

TRX Slam Ball ($27 and up)

Maybe you plan to use your medicine ball for exercises like Russian twists and mountain climbers, to avoid disrupting neighboring apartments. But if you intend to slam the ball against the wall or floors of your garage, "it's essential to select a ball that is specifically designed for these high-impact exercises," Holland says. In this case, opt for a "slam ball," and you'll know it was made expressly for this purpose. This TRX slam ball was designed to be bounce resistant with a textured rubber outer surface inspired by tire treads.

Titan Fitness Dual Grip Medicine Ball ($62)

Titan Fitness makes some of the best medicine balls, according to Courtney Roselle, NASM- CPT, trainer and founder of Iron Grace. This medicine ball from the brand checks an important box: "You can use medicine balls for plyometric movements — like partner tossing or throwing the weight against walls or floors — so you want to make sure you are able to catch and grip the medicine ball," Roselle says. "Usually a textured surface is better for handling." Titan Fitness Dual Grip Medicine Ball not only has a textured rubber surface but two handles that make it easy to maintain a hold on during explosive exercises.

Mighty Grip Medicine Balls ($24 and up)

To find a durable medicine ball, look for one that's made with rubber or vinyl, advises Roselle. This one from Bells of Steel Mighty Grip Medicine Balls are designed to withstand repeated impact with a hard outer shell made from rubber. As the name suggests, they have a textured surface for a secure grip, even during sweaty workout sessions.

Title Boxing Rubber Medicine Ball ($30, originally $50)

Smaller medicine balls take up less storage space, and they're preferable for certain types of exercises. "Smaller medicine balls are great for mobility exercises; I recommend a medicine ball in the 4.5- to 10-inch diameter realm for movements like a reverse lunge with a "T" spine twist rotation to help with hip flexor and spine mobility," Strine says. "I also like to use smaller medicine balls for core work like oblique twists, medicine ball drags, et cetera." These TITLE medicine balls are on the compact side, ranging in diameter from seven to 12 inches.

Technogym Medicine Ball ($230 and up)

At the other end of the spectrum, large medicine balls like this one are ideal for explosive moves like medicine ball slams and woodchops, Strine says. "The large surface area of the medicine ball forces you to utilize larger muscle groups to generate a high intensity output," she says. "I also sometimes like to use larger medicine balls for deep stretches like pigeon, frog squat, et cetera." With its 14-inch diameter, the Technogym medicine ball is definitely on the larger side, and it features double-stitched seams.

TRX Hex Grip Medicine Ball ($70 and up)

TRX HexGrip Medicine Ball is one of Strine's favorites, since it boasts "incredible grip," and comes in multiple weight and dimension options. It's available in weights up to 12 pounds; if you want to go heavier, the brand's aforementioned TRX slam ball is a better option.

Rogue Medicine Ball ($85)

Roselle considers Rogue one of the best medicine ball manufacturers. Its medicine balls are "a CrossFit staple," says Strine, who also likes the brand. "I love the soft cover and durability of the medicine balls," she says. The brand incorporates double-stitched seams for extra reinforcement each time you put all of your power behind your slams.

Renee Cherry is a PS contributor who specializes in beauty and wellness. Her writing has appeared in Shape, Women's Health, Glamour, and Well + Good, among other publications.