In ancient Greece, the physician Hippocrates is said to have stuffed animal skins for patients to toss for 'medicinal' purposes The durable, versatile spheres, which can range from 2 to 25 pounds, fit into today's most intense regimes,from boot camps to interval training

By Reuters

Published: 04:01 EST, 6 October 2014 | Updated: 09:27 EST, 6 October 2014

Medicine balls, the fitness tool as ancient as Hippocrates, have bounced, slammed, tossed and twisted their way into today's trendiest workouts, fitness experts say.

The durable, versatile spheres, which can range from 2 to 25 pounds (0.9 to 11 kg), fit into today's most intense regimes, from boot camps to interval training.

Alonzo Wilson, creator of the New York City fitness studio Tone House, uses medicine ball exercises to strengthen and condition, and to boost team spirit.

On trend: Medicine balls, a fitness aid once endorsed by Hippocrates, are central to modern workouts again

He said the people who seek out his brand of extreme athletics often find medicine balls less daunting than his resistance harnesses or cords and ropes.

'They make people feel comfortable,' said Wilson, a former professional athlete. 'We use them in partner throws, to hold and turn, to touch the ground with. Slamming the ball down while (jumping) in the air elevates the heart rate.'

In a fast-moving workout, he added, the balls allow freedom of movement.

Original post:

How ancient medicine ball has bounced its way back into modern fitness regimes