<P> Medicine balls are usually sold as 2--25 lb (1--11 kg) balls and are used effectively in plyometric weight training to increase explosive power in athletes in all sports . Some medicine balls are up to 14" wide and up to 14 lbs weight, or in the form of weighted basketballs . Modern exercise balls are larger, up to 36" diameter . </P> <P> A med ball is used for children training as the best way to overcome fear of free weights exercises . </P> <P> Hippocrates is said to have stuffed animal skins for patients to toss for "medicinal" purposes . Persia in 1705 used similar large balls . The term "medicine ball" dates back to at least 1876, in American Gymnasia and Academic Record, by Robert Jenkins Roberts, JR . </P>

Where did the name medicine ball come from