Medicine ball

A medicine ball (also known as an exercise ball, a med ball, or a fitness

ball) is a weighted ball roughly the diameter of
the shoulders (approx. 13.7 inches), often
used for rehabilitation and strength
training. The medicine ball also serves an
[1]

important role in the field of sports medicine.

However, it should not be confused with the
larger, inflated exercise ball.
Medicine balls are usually sold as 225 lb (1
11 kg) balls and are used effectively
in plyometric weight training to increase
explosive power in athletes in all sports.
Some medicine balls are up to 14" wide and
up to 14 lbs weight, or in the form of weighted basketballs. Modern exercise
balls are larger, up to 36" diameter.
A med ball is used for children training as the best way to overcome fear of
free weights exercises.
Hippocrates is said to have stuffed animal skins for patients to toss for
medicinal purposes.[2] Persia in 1705 used similar large balls. The term
"medicine ball" dates back to at least 1876, in American Gymnasia and
Academic Record, by Robert Jenkins Roberts, JR.