Top 3 Best Slams Ball for Circuit Training

Slam Ball vs Medicine Ball

There is only one main difference between a slam ball and a medicine ball. One is designed for throwing around while the other is not. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t slam a medicine ball.

While I prefer using a slam ball during my circuit training, I’ve also slammed medicine balls 1000’s of times. But they generally bounce more and aren’t as durable. So while it can be done, it’s not ideal or recommended.

What is a Slam Ball?

A slam ball is a ball designed for throwing exercises. It is more durable and has less bounce. This allows more control during high intensity workouts.

The most common exercise is the overhead slam. To do this, you start by holding the ball overhead with both hands. Then you slam it into the ground as hard as you can. A slam ball is usually used as part of a full body circuit training workout.

Can you use a slam ball as a medicine ball?

Yes.

This is one the biggest benefits to buying a slam ball instead of a medicine ball.

There is technically another ball called a ‘Wall Ball’ but this is essentially just a slam ball. It’s also designed for throwing exercises like the wall ball squat.

So the best slam ball in my opinion is one that you can use for everything. There’s no need to buy a ball for different exercises. Just use the slam ball for anything requiring a medicine ball. And the same goes for anything requiring a wall ball.

What is a Medicine Ball?

A medicine ball is essentially just a weighted ball. Just like the slam ball.

But did you know they have been used for almost 3000 years? Back in the day, Hippocrates, a Greek Physician, would have gladiators use them for ‘medicinal‘ purposes. Hence the the name medicine ball.

Hippocrates would advise gladiators to use them to aid training, improve mobility and help recover from injury. Ultimately to prepare for the arena. These medicine balls weren’t made of rubber though. Instead they were stuffed animal skins.

I like to think of myself as a gladiator preparing for the daily arena of life.

Can you use a medicine ball as a slam ball?

Yes.

You can but it’s not recommended. Medicine balls aren’t as durable and they bounce a lot more. Unless it’s a very heavy medicine ball, it’s likely to just bounce back up and hit you in the face. Trust me, you don’t want this.

Definitely buy a slam ball instead of a medicine ball.

Benefits of using a Slam Ball

• More intense workouts = more benefits
• Explosive strength gains
• More circuit training variety
• Improved hand-eye coordination
• Functional fitness gains

What Makes a Good Slam Ball?

The best slam ball is one that suits your current strength and training requirements.

Below you will find considerations you should make before investing.

Durability

A good slam ball must be durable. Afterall you will be slamming it into the ground as hard as you can. Durability is even more important If you plan on slamming your weighted ball into concrete or a rough surface.

Rubber Shell

The best slam balls will have a rubber shell. This will ensure it can withstand everything you’ve got.

Choosing the Right Weight

The above two points should be standard across all slam balls. But the weight of it will depend on your strength and fitness level. I’m going to assume you plan on using a slam ball for overhead slams. So I’d recommend a slam ball between 4 and 6kgs.

Diameter

It’s also important to consider how big the slam ball is. The last thing you want when doing an intense workout is to struggle holding the ball.

If you have big hands, then this probably doesn’t matter so much. But if you have relatively small hands, you should consider the slam ball diameter and size.

I recommend going as big as you can while still being able to comfortably hold the slam ball overhead with both hands.

Texture and grip

When you are sweating your arse off, slam balls can get slippery. So it’s a good idea to invest in one with a grippy texture.