What Are the Benefits of Playing Table Tennis to Lose Weight?

Millions of people play table tennis, also known as ping pong. The sport is popular around the world, and with good reason. It offers entertainment, good cardiovascular exercise and health benefits to players of different ages and fitness levels. The risk of injury is low and the intensity is manageable for most people. If you play table tennis to lose weight, you can avail of several social, mental and health benefits.

Low Risk of Injury

In table tennis, players bat with a small paddle, using it to toss the ball to the opponent on the other side of the table. There is no heavy playing equipment in use and there is minimal risk of collisions or falls. Table tennis is one of the few competitive sports that offer players an opportunity to indulge in fast movements without straining the joints. It is perfect for people who are recovering from sports injuries or those having joint problems that prohibit them from participating in other high-speed sports.

Weight Loss

Considering the fact that the sport is entertaining and addictive, it can be a fun and easy way to burn calories. While the calorie exemption is lower than in singles tennis, the risk of injury and falls is also significantly lower. A high-speed game of table tennis can burn 270 calories in a 150 pound person and improve your concentration and reflexes. It also helps your cardiovascular system and improves your overall fitness level.

Social Bonding

Whether you play in the community center or at home with friends, table tennis offers a great way to bond with other people while you lose weight. Because young and old people can play the game, it can help improve communication and build relationships, irrespective of age. Playing at home with siblings or parents can bring family members closer and enable them to spend more quality time with each other.

Beneficial for Older People

Table tennis improves reflex, eye-hand co-ordination, mental alertness and speed of movement. It also improves balance and lowers the chances of falls and injuries, especially among older people. Table tennis can slow the process of cognitive decline that occurs with aging.