You're gonna be sore tomorrow [1]. Just set yourself up for that. These wall balls are that intense! Walking might be an issue, because your legs and butt are going to feel a little wobbly. Oh, and your abs — try not to laugh tomorrow. Your arms? Someone else will have to brush your hair.
This standard CrossFit move is a total-body exercise; it will make you strong and build muscle, and it's also a cardio move. Really, it's the complete package! All you need are a soft medicine ball (not a hard slam ball [2]) and a wall or a target on a rig [3]. Start off light, with an six- or eight-pound med ball [4], and work your way up to a 14- or 20-pound ball.
Wall Ball
- Stand in front of a wall holding your med ball with both hands in front of your chest.
- Squat down low with your hips below your knees. As you straighten your legs, throw the ball up to a specific spot on the wall or a target, about eight to 10 feet from the floor. You want to use the power of your lower body to propel the ball up, coming onto the balls of your feet.
- Keep your arms extended, ready to catch the ball after it bounces off the wall. This counts as one rep.
- Complete three sets of 15 to 20 reps.
When you catch the ball on its way down, absorb its weight into your squat. Try to maintain a graceful, rhythmic movement, although your legs and arms will be on fire and you'll feel like your lungs might explode. You may hate wall balls more than burpees [6], but there's no denying it's the ultimate exercise for an efficient workout if you're short on time.