Why Ping Pong is a Fun Way to Improve Cognition Health

Why Ping Pong is a Fun Way to Improve Cognition Health

Ping Pong can be a fun way to spend time with your friends, enjoy time with the family, or simply just get some outdoor exercise. But experts say there’s more to this game than just simple, old fun. As it turns out, the movements and the concentration required to be somehow good at passing a small plastic ball using paddles is helpful for the brain.

Now, if you’ve ever played professionally or you’ve watched professionals playing, you know this backyard game can be quite demanding. It’s a combination of aerobic exercise, strategy, and split-second decision making that keeps the brain in constant charge. As a result, players (both pro and amateur) are in for some delicious brain treatment (memory and focus) and improved motor skills.

But let’s have a look at how the game impacts cognitive health.

Keeps the Heart Pumping

The brain, just like any other organs, needs oxygen to function at optimum levels, which is why there is a strong connection between a healthy brain and a well-functioning heart. Now, as we grow old, the heart’s activity may get faulty if we don’t have a constant exercise routine or eat healthily. But, if you’re a regular ping pong player you don’t have to worry too much.

The game requires quite a strenuous aerobic exercise that keeps the heart pumping and the blood flowing. Furthermore, it was scientifically proven that aerobic exercise is beneficial for the brain as it stimulated the production of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophicfactor) which supports new cell growth in the brain.

Gets You Outdoors

Of course, this happens if you get an outdoor ping pong table, here’s a list of reviews I recommend, or go to an establishment that has the necessary equipment installed outdoors. While it’s not the same thing as playing tennis, table tennis is still fun to play outside. It’s also a fantastic way to breathe in some fresh air and let the eyes to rest in natural light.

Being outside is helpful for the brain and it’s important to make sure you work out as much as possible.

Expands the Brain

If you are a regular player, chances are that by now your brain has changed (for the good). The game stimulates certain areas of the brain to expand because it requires good hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and quick thinking.

Studies show that the more we practice a skill, the more growth we should see in the brain area that controls it. This is a good thing because it keeps the main organ of our body working hard.

Memory Improvement

The increase in BDNF helps fend off all sorts of brain diseases that involve memory and motor skills (Alzheimer and Parkinsoncome to mind). This means the hippocampus (the only brain structure that is still making new cells in adulthood) gets bigger and can store more memories.

Improved Focus

The game is notorious for the level of focus it requires. After all, you have to know where the ball is coming from and strategize where to send it to hit the best spot in a split-second. You also have to focus on keeping the body in check and observe your adversary’s movements well enough to anticipate his/her next few moves. All these trainthe attention center and make you more aware of the things going on around you when you’re not playing.

In Conclusion

Overall, ping pong is a fun-to-try sport, with lots of benefits and no negative impact on your wrists or bones. But, if you don’t enjoy it, there are other ways to improve your brain through exercise. For instance, leg exercises are also proved to be helpful.

Regardless of the path you choose, it’s important to stay active throughout your entire lifetime. You will reap the benefits in your old age, when you’ll still be able to walk and move freely!