As a fitness trainer since 1986, I have had the opportunity to see many fitness fads come and go and also been privy to being at the start of some long lasting trends – Step, Spinning and Kickboxing to name a few.  The medicine ball is neither gimmicky nor is it new to fitness, it is a tried and true fitness toy that has many applications. This article will present to you the most effective, best medicine ball exercises.
Medicine ball workouts have been effective for training boxers and if you have ever seen a boxer you know they are chiseled from head to toe and especially their mid-section. The medicine ball is not solely responsible for that but it certainly has made an impact.

Best Medicine Ball Exercises

Russian Twists: The Russian Twist can be done standing, kneeling or sitting. Standing or kneeling, you hold the medicine ball chest height and twist side to side as quickly as you can. This targets your entire core area. For a seated Russian Twist, sit and lean back, lift your feet if you can and again hold the ball chest height and twist.

Medicine Ball Crunches: Perform a crunch as you always would except add the medicine ball to your upper body for more resistance.  Hold the ball a few inches off of your chest while you lift and lower focusing on your abdominal muscles.

Supine Toe Touches: Lay face up and hold the medicine ball in both hands over your head, lift your legs off of the floor and lift the ball towards your toes, return to start and repeat.

Squats into Shoulder Presses: Hold the medicine ball in both hands and lower into a squat, knees going no lower than 90 degrees and hold for a moment. Return to standing position and press the ball over your head as you do. Return to start position.

Medicine Ball Push Ups: Get into push up position or plank and place the medicine ball under one hand. Perform 5 push ups with the hand on the ball and then roll the ball to the other side and perform 5 push ups. You can do as many as you like. Try one push up, roll the ball and one push up for a challenge.

360 Degree:  Hold the ball in your hands as you stand erect, Lift the arms slightly and begin to draw a circle with your arms up and over your head and then repeat the movement to the other direction. This is an excellent core exercise.

Whether you are a boxer, kickboxer or fitness enthusiast, you will love these exercises and what they do for your body. Medicine balls come in all sizes and varieties, find what you like best and get to work. Muscles love variety and by adding this new toy to your workouts you will target all new muscles.