Best slam balls buying guide
If you are looking for the best slam balls on the market, you have come to the right place. In this Best slam balls buying guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know before making your purchase. We will discuss the different types of slam balls available and offer our top picks for each one. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced athlete, read on for all the info you need to make the right choice.
back to menu ↑What are the best slam balls?
Slam balls are a great way to add intensity to your workouts, and there are a lot of different types available on the market. So, which one is the best for you? In this buying guide, we’ll look at some of the most popular slam balls and share our thoughts on which ones are worth checking out. Stay tuned!
back to menu ↑What are the types of slam balls?
There are many types of slam balls with the most common being the medical, standard, and competition.
back to menu ↑Medical slam balls
Medical slam balls are typically made of thick rubber with a hard smooth surface to prevent injury when dropped from overhead. These types of balls are great for beginners who are trying out slams for the first time or “heavy slams” in training.
back to menu ↑Standard slam balls
Standard slam balls are made of either rubber, a blend of rubber and sand, or a rubber/sand combination with a textured grip for easy handling. These balls are great for most athletes that have been doing slams for some time as they may be dropped from higher heights or slammed repeatedly into the ground during workouts.
back to menu ↑Competition slam balls
Competition slam balls are typically made of solid concrete filled with fine grain sand. These balls are designed with a very smooth surface to allow for easier ball-to-wall collisions during wall ball slams and have no seams or grip that can catch or rip the skin. These balls are the preferred type of slam ball for most athletes as they will provide the most “bang” for your buck with their ability to withstand repeated slams, drops, and collisions without cracking or breaking.
back to menu ↑What are the benefits of slam balls?
There are many benefits to using slam balls, they can be used for a myriad of sports and activities.
back to menu ↑Better Sleep
A slightly less well-known benefit of slam balls is they can also help you sleep better at night.
The acoustics, vibrations, and tactile nature of a slam ball can reduce the time it takes you to fall asleep and improve your overall quality of sleep.
While using a slam ball, always be cautious of how hard you are slamming the ball into the ground, as doing so will release more vibrations that could influence not only how well you sleep but also potentially waking and overall exercise-induced during the workout with the slam ball (i.e.: catching and throwing it repeatedly) will lead to better sleep along with other benefits. It can also help you fall asleep faster, keep your mind from wandering and improve the quality of your sleep as well.
back to menu ↑Injuries
Slam balls are commonly used as a rehabilitation tool for specific injuries because they engage several muscles at once, ensuring that the injured muscle is not overcompensated by other muscle groups which often happens with traditional resistance training.
Though it may not be widely known, slam balls are also beneficial for injury prevention as well because they help to strengthen the stabilizing muscles that are often neglected by traditional weightlifting exercises.
back to menu ↑Weight Loss
The high number of muscles that get activated when using a slam ball can lead to weight loss around the body. The constant slamming into the ground uses large muscle groups which are the most calorie-burning muscles in our body, leading to weight loss more quickly. Whereas with traditional resistance training it is easy for smaller, weaker stabilizing muscles to not get activated, thus slowing the process of weight loss.
Using the Best slam balls for resistance training is also beneficial because there are no limits on how much it can be lifted, so you can build up endurance and strength just as you would with traditional weights. In addition to this, using a slam ball is more difficult than regular lifting which forces the body to work harder, which can lead to more calorie burning.
back to menu ↑Athletic Performance
If you are trying out for a team or looking for a way to improve your performance in a sport, using a slam ball may also help you achieve just that because it does not restrict the movement of any part of the body. Unlike traditional weightlifting gear such as weights and belts, a slam ball does not restrict you from moving side to side or contorting your body in any way. This means that it’s easier to practice other movements you will do during the sport without injury, and it also gives athletes who participate in non-weighted sports an edge because they can train similarly to their opponents.
back to menu ↑Best For Building Muscle
The Best slam balls can stimulate your muscles in ways that traditional strength training equipment doesn’t. Because it’s round (and has some bounce), it will force you to work on your balance as well. If you’re not used to handling heavy weights, this can be an extremely challenging exercise that will build up strength gradually.
Because a slam ball is so versatile and useful, many companies have started making them for home use. Make sure that the one you buy is rated for “athletic use.”
back to menu ↑Increased Bone Density
Slam balls also increase bone density because of the impact they create when slamming into the ground. It’s easy for bones to lose density if they are not subjected to any kind of resistance, which can lead to a host of health problems later in life. Thankfully, using a slam ball is an effective way to strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis.
back to menu ↑What exercises can you do with slam balls?
There are many exercises you can do with slam balls. Slam balls are special types of training equipment that have a rubber exterior and a steel core.
The balls can be used for many different exercise routines, from tossing them around to working the arms, legs, abs, and even cardio with them.
In this slam balls buying guide, I have outlined 8 different slam ball exercises you can try today! In no time you will be a slam ball expert!
back to menu ↑Front Squat
This exercise targets the quads, hamstrings, and glutes. The trick is to place the slam ball in front of your shoulders and hold it there for this entire movement. This can be done using one or two hands/arms at a time.
back to menu ↑Side Lunge
Take a standing position, feet are shoulder-width apart, hold the slam ball in your hands at chest level. Then step to one side, lowering into a lunge until both legs are bent at 90 degrees. Then, slowly push back up to a standing position and repeat on the other side.
back to menu ↑Bear Crawl
This is an excellent exercise for the glutes, hamstrings, and arms. Start on your hands and knees with your weight resting on your forearms/knuckles. Then lift one knee off the ground then the other so that you are crawling like a bear across the floor.
back to menu ↑Single Leg Squat
Stand on one leg, holding the slam ball in your hands at chest level. Then slowly lower down into a single leg squat, while switching legs so that you are holding the ball with the other hand.
back to menu ↑Floor Pushup
This is an excellent exercise for the arms, shoulders, and back muscles. Get into push-up position but place your feet on top of the slam ball. Then lower down into a pushup, pause at the bottom, and then push yourself back to the start position.
back to menu ↑Overhead Press
This exercise targets the deltoids, triceps, and traps. Start with feet shoulder-width apart, holding the slam ball in front of your head. Push it straight up until your arms are fully extended overhead.
back to menu ↑Chest Pass
This is a great upper body exercise. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding the slam ball in your hands at chest level. Then push it forward and upwards as if you were trying to pass the ball from one player to another.
back to menu ↑Lunge Press
Start with feet shoulder-width apart, holding the slam ball in your hands at chest level. Then lunge forward with one leg while simultaneously pressing the ball overhead, bringing it to the opposite side of the forward leg.
back to menu ↑How to choose the best slam balls?
As with any fitness equipment, there are several features you’ll want to consider before buying your own slam ball. Here’s what to look for:
back to menu ↑Weight
Slam balls come in all weights from 10 pounds on up. Some are heavier for more advanced users while some offer two different weights in just one purchase.
back to menu ↑Size
The size/diameter of a slam ball will determine how easy it is for you to grip and throw. This is especially important when you’re performing overhead slams or other exercises that need you to toss them into the air. You want a slam ball that is not too small (where it might slip out of your grip) or too large (and weigh down your arms when you’re lifting).
back to menu ↑Safety
Since the purpose of a slam ball is to help you perform explosive exercises, don’t forget about safety. Look for anti-burst slam balls. These are more expensive models that are designed to not burst when dropped or thrown with great force.
back to menu ↑Comfort
Look for a soft exterior on your slam ball, especially if you plan on using it daily. The more it’s thrown, the more likely a thin shell will become thin and puncture easily when you’re not careful. Look for comfort in your grip too.
back to menu ↑Accessories
Slam balls are often sold with accessories that will make them safer and easier to use. Look for ones that come with a hand pump or even special gloves for flipping it around when you’re not using it for slams!
back to menu ↑Price
You can find a basic slam ball for under $20 or one for over $100 depending on the size and weight you need, so be sure to factor in your needs before making your final purchase.
back to menu ↑Conclusion
It’s important to remember that not every type of ball is created equal so it might take some trial and error before finding what works best for you! We hope we can be helpful in guiding your decision-making process by providing insights into each product as well as tips on how they should be used most effectively.
Happy training!
Rich
Rich is an avid bodybuilder who has dedicated over 20 years of his life to the sport. He has a strong passion for health and fitness, living a clean lifestyle with a commitment to helping others educate themselves and fulfil their true potential.
