TABLE TENNIS

Table tennis (also called ping pong) is a sport in which two or four players hit a lightweight ball back and forth using a table tennis bat. The game takes place on a hard table divided by a net. Apart from being a fantastic physical work out, table tennis is also a great mental work out. You have to plan strategies and decide what spin to put on the ball, whilst trying to stay one step ahead of your opponent and react to the shots they are playing all at the same time. Decisions have to be made in split seconds, this increases concentration levels, short term memory and decision making ability. All this mental exercise boosts hormone levels and keeps the brain young, which can slow the progress of cognitive decline that occurs with ageing. It is also a sport that is good for social bonding, with its friendly but competitive nature.