The Surprising Health Benefits of Playing Ping Pong

When it comes to ping pong, many people view it only as an Olympic sport. That’s probably because those who play it do so with a lot of intensity. And while it is an Olympic sport, many also consider it to be a fun, laid-back sport to play in social settings.

But besides all the fun you could have playing ping pong, also known as table tennis, this activity could also provide you with many health benefits.

Ping Pong And Heart Health

Because ping pong is a sport that requires a fast pace, it works as aerobic exercise, which provides tons of benefits to your heart. Playing ping pong can make your cardiovascular system stronger and raise your heart rate.

Your heart works harder when you suffer from high blood pressure. All of that hard work to get your blood pumping through your body can result in the thickening of your heart’s left ventricle, which in turn can increase your risk for detrimental heart issues. Playing ping pong can help get your blood pressure under control and protect your cardiovascular health.

You might also notice an improvement in your circulation, since playing ping pong can improve blood flow. This can also reduce your heart attack risk by getting better blood flow to the smaller vessels that surround your heart.

Table tennis can provide protection against stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. And you could feel healthier as time goes on. Think just how much easier daily activity could become, like getting up a flight of stairs.

Other Benefits

Table tennis is actually a low-impact sport, despite its fast pace. So you can avoid putting added stress on your joints while still getting lots of cardiovascular activity. Because of this, people who have joint issues can enjoy playing the sport, though it’s always best to consult with your doctor just to be safe and avoid any issues.

Here are some other benefits:

• Could help reduce stress and improve mental health
• Better hand-eye coordination
• Better balance can prevent future falls and slips
• Build arm and leg mobility and work your core
• Great for losing weight and burning a few extra calories
• Enhanced reflexes

Table tennis requires quick thinking so this can help improve your mental alertness. This can improve your decision-making skills, which can come in handy during important moments.

There are a number of studies that suggest playing ping pong could protect you from developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

What You Need To Start Playing

Getting started is pretty easy. All you need is a few ping pong balls and a couple of paddles. No need to purchase expensive equipment if you’re just starting out. If you’d like to play at home, you can also buy a ping pong table. But if you don’t want to buy anything or don’t have the space for it, you can also join a gym or a sports club that offers ping pong. Either way, you don’t need much to start harnessing the benefits of the sport.

The Takeaway

Not only can ping pong be easily accessible and affordable, but it also offers many potential health benefits. Playing the sport could protect you against heart-related diseases and improve balance and mobility. It can also improve circulation and goes easy on your joints. Ping pong can be a great way to get friends and family members moving at your next get-together while simultaneously providing them with countless health benefits. Or it could be a great way for you to connect and meet with others at a gym or sports club.