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Best Core Workouts With Medicine Balls For Women

About

Medicine balls, constructed with weighted rubbery material, are versatile tools useful not just for resistance exercises like free weights, but also for dynamic drills such as throws and slams which won’t damage surroundings.

The core, comprising muscles such as the abdominals and lower back, is essential for stabilizing the torso and can be effectively targeted using movements like twists and planks.

Tailored adaptations for women, based on averages of height (5’5”), weight (140 lbs), and age (34 years), allow participants to achieve their fitness goals, although individual needs may vary.

This workout uniquely promotes stabilization of the torso, fostering both strength and balance.

The 5 Best Core Exercises with Medicine Balls for Women

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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Medicine Ball Russian Twist

    Medicine Ball Russian Twist demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    321,445
    Abs Strength
    93 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Medicine Balls
    Medicine Balls

    The Medicine Ball Russian Twist is a core exercise using a medicine ball to increase resistance. This variation challenges your stability and strength while twisting side to side, engaging your core effectively.

    How to do it

    1. Sit on the floor and hold a medicine ball with both hands at your chest.
    2. Lean back slightly and lift your heels off the ground a few inches.
    3. Engage your core to stay stable.
    4. Twist to one side, bringing the ball toward your hip.
    5. Return to the center and then twist to the other side.
    6. Repeat the movement, alternating sides.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    10lbs
    2
    8reps
    10lbs
    3
    8reps
    10lbs
  • 2. Decline Sit Up with Medicine Ball Toss

    Decline Sit Up with Medicine Ball Toss demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
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    Abs Strength
    87 mScore
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    Photo of Decline Bench
    Decline Bench
    Photo of Medicine Balls
    Medicine Balls

    The Decline Sit Up with Medicine Ball Toss is a challenging core exercise done on a decline bench. It works your abdominal muscles and improves coordination by adding a toss to the sit-up movement.

    How to do it

    1. Set the decline bench to your preferred angle and secure your lower body.
    2. Hold a medicine ball with both hands.
    3. Engage your core and sit up, lifting your torso off the bench.
    4. At the top, toss the ball straight up above you.
    5. Wait for the ball to come down while keeping your core tight.
    6. Catch the ball as it descends and lower your torso back to starting position.
    7. Ensure your shoulders are back and chest is up throughout the exercise.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    10lbs
    2
    8reps
    10lbs
    3
    8reps
    10lbs
  • 3. Medicine Ball Superman

    Medicine Ball Superman demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    190,755
    Lower Back Strength
    89 mScore
    Lower Back
    Photo of Medicine Balls
    Medicine Balls

    The Medicine Ball Superman is an exercise that strengthens your back, glutes, and hamstrings using a medicine ball for added resistance. It targets similar muscles as the standard Superman but enhances the workout by incorporating an object to lift.

    How to do it

    1. Lie face down on the floor holding a medicine ball with both hands extended in front of you.
    2. Keep your arms straight but allow a slight bend in your elbows.
    3. Lift the medicine ball and your legs a few inches off the ground by engaging your back and glutes.
    4. Hold the lifted position briefly, feeling the tension in your back and glutes.
    5. Slowly lower the medicine ball and legs back to the ground.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    10lbs
    2
    8reps
    10lbs
    3
    8reps
    10lbs
  • 4. Medicine Ball Leg Crunch

    Medicine Ball Leg Crunch demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    53,142
    Abs Strength
    90 mScore
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    Photo of Medicine Balls
    Medicine Balls

    The Medicine Ball Leg Crunch is a great exercise to strengthen your abdominal muscles. You lie on your back, hold a medicine ball between your feet, and lift your upper body toward your legs while keeping the ball squeezed.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on your back on the floor with a medicine ball between your feet.
    2. Lift your legs so your knees are bent at 90 degrees and your heels are off the ground.
    3. Crunch your upper body toward your legs while squeezing the medicine ball with your feet.
    4. Pause briefly at the top, keeping your core tight.
    5. Lower your shoulder blades back to the ground while maintaining tension in your core.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    10lbs
    2
    8reps
    10lbs
    3
    8reps
    10lbs
  • 5. Balance Trainer Overhead Weighted Crunch

    Balance Trainer Overhead Weighted Crunch demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    30,104
    Abs Strength
    89 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of BOSU® Balance Trainer
    BOSU® Balance Trainer
    Photo of Medicine Balls
    Medicine Balls

    The Balance Trainer Overhead Weighted Crunch is a core exercise performed on a BOSU Balance Trainer using a medicine ball for added resistance. This exercise targets the abdominal muscles while also improving grip strength and core stability due to the instability of the dome.

    How to do it

    1. Sit cross-legged on the front slope of the BOSU Balance Trainer.
    2. Hold a medicine ball with both hands above your head.
    3. Lean back slightly to a supine position while keeping the weight lifted.
    4. Crunch up to return to a seated position, keeping your core tight.
    5. Avoid arching your lower back throughout the movement.

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