As part of our new “Product Focus” blogs we look to discuss the specificities of various products that ERA-FIT offer. With the aim to give users and clients with a better insight of how to train, what equipment to invest and the benefits of certain products we talk to health and fitness experts and ask their opinion. This month we speak to personal trainer and rugby player, Sam Sterling from Sterling Fitness about slam balls and why they are a must-have for any home gym.
Since the start of the pandemic and the restrictions on gyms, rowing machines, exercise bikes, dumbbells and free weights have become some of the hottest products available, however others seem have to gone under the radar despite also having some serious potential. Speaking from experience as a personal trainer who has accumulated numerous and random items of gym equipment over time, some products can be much more beneficial especially for home gyms and the slam ball is one of those. Here is 5 reasons why you need a slam ball in your gym.
1. Functional
The term ‘functional training’ is often chucked about for just about every movement that isn’t regularly involved in the average gym-bro’s training program. A slam ball is functional because it’s awkward. No bouncing to make your reps flow from one to the next and by using the ball off centre we force our body to work in an anti rotational or anti flexion manner while performing an otherwise simple movement. A good example of this is a squat with the ball on one shoulder. Little things like this are areas we often neglect in the gym.
2. Compact
One of the main issues with a home gym is that not everyone has a room that can be designated to exercise. So we end up making hybrid rooms like the kitchen/gym or the sitting room/gym. For me it’s the conservatory/gym. As a result a home gym needs to be pretty easy to set up or take down. A slam ball is a pretty small bit of equipment and being soft and rubber means you don’t need to worry about where to store it are than you would worry about storing a football.
3. Robust
The very name ‘Slam Ball’ pretty much gives you a sense that these are built to last. Because of the weight distribution they can be used pretty much anywhere without worrying about damaging the floor. I have had my slam ball for about 5 years now and between using it on rubber floors in a gym, carpets in my living room, concrete outside my house or on the grass when rugby training it hasn’t even got a scratch on it.
4. Versatile
I mentioned already just how functional they are but to be honesty they can be used for just about any type of training. Whether its power, strength, speed, fitness or stability. Exercises such as overhead slams, lateral punches, over-the-shoulder toss and Russian twists are staples in the programs of most athletes.
5. Fun
Something we often forget is that working out and keeping fit should be fun. A big slam ball after a long day at work can be the ideal tool for getting the family fit. Online most conventional pieces of gym equipment the slam ball can be used in a game type scenario for relays or giant shot putt. After all what is more satisfying then slamming a slam ball as hard as you can into the ground after a long stressful day at work!
Sam's 5 Best Slam Ball Exercises
As I said there’s plenty to do with slam ball but here are my 5 favourite exercises to do with a slam ball.
