Although it is generally thought of as a leisure activity, table tennis actually has many health and wellness benefits. Individuals who play table tennis regularly can expect improved reflexes and hand-eye coordination while strengthening the muscles of the arms, back, and abdomen.
Given that the ball can reach speeds of nearly 100 mph, keen reflexes are essential to the table tennis player. A player has but a fraction of a second to react to the ball as it caroms off the table tennis table. These reflexes will be honed with every spirited match one plays.
The quick and frequent movements of the arms required in table tennis improve strength, stamina, and health of the arm muscles. Improved musculature is not limited to the arms, though. Abdominal muscles are strengthened from the constant twisting of the midsection. Also, because one must bend at the waist frequently while playing table tennis, the lower back muscles are strengthened.
Hand-eye coordination is important not only to avid video game players; it is essential to many important daily activities such as driving a car. An individual's hand-eye coordination can be radically improved from table tennis. A frequent competitor who is armed with improved reflexes and hand-eye coordination is prepared to react calmly to any perilous situation one may encounter on the road.
Time spent around the table tennis table for a few matches will no doubt promote healthy family relationships and friendships, but it will also promote a healthy body and improve one's overall wellness.
