Fun Exercise Ideas: Ping-Pong (Table Tennis)
About Ping-Pong:
Ping-Pong (Table Tennis) is an exciting game that can be played by 2-4 players. The play is fast and requires quick reaction which makes this an excellent option for exercise.
Ping-Pong Basics:
The game takes place on a table divided by a net. Two (or a pair of two) players hit a lightweight ball back and forth to each other with paddles. You can only let the ball bounce once on your side of the table and return it in such a way that it bounces on the opponent’s side. The game is won when you score 21 points with a 2 point margin before your opponent does.
Equipment Needed To Play:
- Ping-Pong Balls - Most are inexpensive, this pack of 36 high-quality balls costs $20
- Ping-Pong Paddle - $25-$30 will get you a good paddle.
- Ping-Pong Table - A good table will cost you between $250 - $350.
Ping-Pong Playing Tip:
To get the maximum exercise, play with someone at your own skill level - You don’t want the match to be too easy or too hard.
Unlike Tennis where you can get good exercise playing against a top opponent (by chasing the ball around the court), a high quality opponent in table-tennis will quickly make you a spectator.
Calorie Burning Potential:
1 Hour of Ping-Pong burns:
At 130 Pounds: 240 Calories
At 155 Pounds: 280 Calories
At 190 Pounds: 350 Calories
At 225 Pounds: 410 Calories
At 250 Pounds: 450 Calories
So if your burn, on average, 300 calories per hour playing for 5 hours/week over 6 months, it will result in:
300 Calories x 5 Hours x 25 weeks = 35,000 Calories Burned (10 lbs/5 kg lost)
Ping-Pong Playing Options:
Playing Ping-Pong At Home:
The best option to play the game is to find a few willing friends, get a table and play at home. This will however require a total investment of around $300.
Find A Partner:
If you don’t have too many friends interested in the game, you can find potential partners with the Ping-Pong section at meetup.com.
Playing With a Robot:
If you’d prefer to play alone (and you’re willing to make the $700 investment) get Robo-Pong. Similar to a tennis ball machine, Robo-Pong shoots balls at you from the other side of table.
Find a Table Tennis Club:
Finally, USA Table Tennis lists a large number of Table Tennis Clubs with a map and a drop-down menu to find them in your state.
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