Over recent years, the medicine ball has become popular with trainers and exercise enthusiasts. Popularity has somewhat diluted this piece of equipment’s true worth. In this post we will return to the origins of the medicine ball to see what more we can learn.
Past uses of this versatile ball in ancient greek medicine have been already been discussed in a previous post, so today we will explore some alternative historical uses of 4Core’s favourite workout tool.
Medicine ball training during the World Wars
Long before the creation of the modern medicine balls (made from rubber or vinyl and filled with sand), a much more basic version existed.
Physical education became increasingly popular in the 1800s. Improvements in mass media, technology and governing around the world meant that people were connecting easier and becoming more socially competitive. By the 1940s ‘competitiveness’ took on new significance. World War Two was underway. Those training with the intent of winning races would now train to win wars.
Around 1 ,000 B.C, Persian soldiers were instructed by Navy doctors to throw around bladders filled with sand. This was an element of their resistance training. Throwing around these early medicine balls not only reduced the boredom of soldiers during long travels, this act also calmed sea sickness and kept them in good physical shape so that they were able to perform well in battle and become a means to winning World War Two.
Considering the low cost and long-standing professional use of the medicine ball, it solidifies its own reputation as the essential workout tool. To be used anywhere at any time, when combined with our 4Core online training services it is your secret workout weapon!
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