Just about everyone has played ping-pong at one time or another. But did you know it’s also a game that gives you significant health benefits that you can play your entire life? You can play competitively right up to your eighties and beyond.

Here are six reasons it would make sense to have a table tennis club in our community.

Reason #1: Table Tennis keeps you in shape

The game is great for working up a sweat and getting your heart rate up, but at the same time it’s easy on your body. Playing a friendly game of table tennis for an hour burns about 300 calories. That’s equal to a 27-minute power walk on a treadmill. Just a couple of hours a week hitting that little ball around can do wonders for your fitness.

Reason #2: Table Tennis keeps you young

In addition to being terrific cardiovascular and aerobic exercise, the sport keeps your reflexes and balance sharp. This is important because it can help prevent falls, which are common when we get up in years.

Reason #3: Table Tennis is also a mental workout

Like chess, there is plenty of planning and strategizing to keep you constantly thinking. It’s an easy game to play, but to win you often not only have to outplay your opponents, you have to out-think them. Studies show that beneficial brain changes are visible with high-tech imaging after just a few weeks.

Reason #4: Table Tennis is a great social sport

You’ll meet many new friends. Play singles, or grab a teammate and play doubles or mixed doubles. It doesn’t matter whether you’re big or small, young or old, or male or female. Even players with disabilities can successfully compete. It’s also one of few sports where children can compete against adults. It’s your skill that matters.

Reason #5: Table Tennis is inexpensive

There’s no high-priced equipment to buy (such as in golf, for example). You’ll probably want to purchase your own paddle at some point, but that’s no large investment. And any fees going to the club would be negligible, if there are even any all. All you need is the space to set up a few tables.

Reason #6: You can play Table Tennis all year around

As an indoor sport, you can play anytime day or night. You don’t have to worry about rain or summer heat and humidity.

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At the moment the closest table tennis club is in Cocoa Beach. I also understand the seniors club in Palm Bay has a league. Are there any fellow pongers here in Vero that agree with me that a table tennis club would be a great benefit for the community?