Table Tennis (or ping pong) may not be known as a “man’s sport”. It may not be as popular as basketball or football. But what ping pong lacks in outright brawn, it makes up in it’s ability to exercise the mind as much as the body. The New York Times even goes far enough to call it, “The Fountain of Youth.”
With so many reasons to play, here are the top ping pong health benefits you should be aware of that might make you want to #UnPlugNPlay.
Playing Ping Pong Creates a Sharper Mind
It’s not hard to see that playing ping pong stimulates hand-eye coordination, and increases concentration. It requires you to be quick on your feet, boosting your mental awareness. Your mind will get a workout as it devises strategy and tactics. A Korean study suggests that playing ping pong stimulated cognitive function more than weightlifting, walking, dancing, or gymnastics. Another study suggests that ping pong may help children with ADHD improve concentration. In either case, it’s hard to deny the ping pong health benefits for your brain. It’s also important to recognize the role that playing ping pong can play in helping a person de-stress.
A Better Body - Yes Really
One of the quickest racket sports, ping pong balls can fly up to and over 60 miles per hour! This requires a response even quicker than tennis or badminton. Your heart will get a workout when executing quick footwork, and numerous upper body movements. You’ll see your reflexes improve, and burn up to 500 calories per hour. It sure beats spending time on the treadmill!
One of the best things about table tennis is that it can be played by people of all ages. It’s a low-impact sport that improves leg, arm and core strength - without negatively impacting the joints. If you need some inspiration to get started, look no further than four-time USA Table Tennis Association champion, Jimmy Butler. He started playing ping pong once again after overcoming a debilitating muscle condition. As a result, he earned his 4th title at the age of 44 - a full 21 years after he earned his 3rd!
Ping Pong Can Create Closer Bonds
Ping pong is an activity that the whole family can enjoy together. Whether participants are parents, children, grandparents or friends, you will experience an intricate level of bonding as you compete head-to-head. It’s a social activity that can require teamwork and communication when played on teams. The better you get at it, the better the experience, and the more fun everyone has together!
You don’t have to be an athlete to enjoy or even excel at playing ping pong. Ping pong provides an outlet for fun, breaking a sweat, and bonding time with the people you care about it. Killerspin advocates a lifestyle of #UnplugNPlay, encouraging people to take a break from their gadgets to engage with those around them. Are you ready to unplug, connect and be energized? It’s hard to deny ping pong health benefits that can be gained from doing so!