Playing table tennis has many benefits, such as strengthening the brain and protecting the eyes.

Table tennis is a "national sport" and an exercise "artifact" for people of all ages. Research shows that students’ eyesight has improved obviously after participating in table tennis training. Table tennis can also improve reaction ability and flexibility, which is beneficial to the heart, lungs, waist, shoulders and cervical vertebrae.

First, safety. Compared with other ball games, table tennis is light and fast, and the physical damage caused to the opponent after bouncing is almost zero. Football and basketball, which have direct physical confrontation, are more likely to hurt people. Therefore, table tennis is suitable for all ages.

Second, protect your eyes. Ping-pong balls come and go fast, and the landing point is near or far, or left or right. To judge accurately, the eyes must keep a close eye on the ball and the brain must judge at high speed, which has a good effect on adjusting vision. Primary and middle school students with heavy schoolwork often play table tennis, which can effectively improve the function of ciliary muscles and prevent myopia.

Third, strengthen the brain. It is helpful to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, delay cerebral arteriosclerosis in the elderly and maintain thinking and memory.

Fourth, strong body. Playing table tennis is aerobic exercise, which can exercise cardiopulmonary function and visceral system and improve basal metabolism.

Fifth, reduce rigidity. Playing table tennis can exercise the muscles that support the balance of the body, move the parts that are usually motionless, and relieve the symptoms of back pain or stiff shoulders. Although playing table tennis has many benefits, there are also taboos, especially for the elderly, we should pay attention to the following points:

Exercise fully and turn around to warm up. Wrist, elbow, shoulder, knee, ankle and other joints should be fully active before playing ball. Playing table tennis is the same as playing tennis, and there are many turns, so it is necessary to warm up by turning.

Calm down and control the intensity. Middle-aged and elderly people can also play table tennis, but it is best to focus on fitness and play less games, not to mention being upset because of winning or losing at one time. People with poor heart function should pay special attention to it regardless of strength.

Pay attention to the surroundings, deduct less and prevent more. The playing field should be smooth and free of obstacles, and be careful not to hit the back wall or baffle when hitting the ball backwards. Old people should defend more, smash less, and don’t save the ball too actively to avoid injury. ▲