A rubber compound comprising any raw rubber, from about 5% to about 75% by weight, and a zinc oxide dispersion, from about 25% to about 95% by weight. The specific gravity of the compound is within the range from about 1.4 gm/cc to about 3.4 gm/cc. The resulting material is a soft, pliable and flexible rubber with a relatively high specific gravity. Further, the compound is non-toxic, containing no known hazardous ingredients. The compound is a good alternative to metallic weights or metallic-filled rubbers currently used in the fields of sporting goods, exercise equipment, rehabilitation equipment, and any other manufacturing arenas.