Medicine ball

[blackhillsbiker]

Anyone use these? Brand recommendations? I'm just starting out and think a 4-6 lb. ball is where I should start, but I'm not sure.

Deb

[out_spokin']

I got one to use with Chris Carmichael's "5 Essentials" plan. I got an 8 lb. one, which for most stuff is perfect for me but is too heavy for the one handed-extended arm exercises. I use some old ankle weights in my hand for those.

I went with a cheap Amazon deal for a Valero brand "weighted fitness ball". It's fine...supposed to be able to use a ball inflator to soften it up, but that hasn't really worked, so it stays hard and a touch flattened. Not a big deal for what I do, I'd use a rubberized one for "toss it around and throw at the wall" type exercises.

Good timing on the post -- I'm about to restart the "home gym" aspects of the program to get my upper body strength back up.

[OakLeaf]

Like any resistance training, the weight you use is totally dependent on the exercises you plan to do, and your own strength. None of us knows how strong you are...

There are different types of med balls for different exercises. The kind that bounces is great for training by yourself, because you can do all those slamming and catching exercises. If you have a training partner, the smaller lighter squishy ones are terrific for one-handed throw and catch, and those are the ones you use with a lot of Pilates-style extended arm exercises, too.

The Power Systems catalog (http://www.power-systems.com/s-4-medicine-balls.aspx) is like porn to me...

[blackhillsbiker]

Made an appointment with my PT for Friday. With my history, I thought I'd better get his advice. I want to get stronger and avoid injury.:)

Deb