Definition of the word medicine ball

The term "medicine ball" can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where athletes used balls filled with herbs, oils, or other medicinal substances as part of their training and rehabilitation. These balls, also known as "ruber," "gutties," or "spungies," were not just for exercise but also had therapeutic properties. The use of medicine balls for athletic purposes was revived in the 19th century by Swedish doctor, Johan Georg Switchius, who introduced a bouncy ball filled with herbs as a treatment for respiratory illnesses. His students then began using the ball for physical exercise, and the trend spread to other European countries. In the late 1800s, medicine balls became popular in the United States during the revival of classical Greek and Roman sports, such as wrestling and boxing. Athletes began incorporating the balls into their training routines for strength, agility, and conditioning. Over time, the fillings of the medicine balls were simplified to sand, water, or air, making them more accessible and inexpensive. The name "medicine ball" remained, although the therapeutic properties had long been forgotten. Today, medicine balls, also known as "med balls," are commonly used in various sports and fitness activities, from CrossFit to physical therapy. Their versatility as a training tool has evolved over time, but their roots in ancient medicine and sports continue to inspire their modern-day use.