Will Table Tennis Help Lose Weight? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Whoever said losing weight couldn’t be fun is completely wrong. Tennis table is a fun way to burn calories, and if you enjoy it there’s a good chance you will stick to it. The problem many people face when it comes to losing weight, is sticking with their exercise routine. 

Many workout routines that are meant to help you lose weight can be boring, especially for people who don’t like to exercise regularly. Since you aren’t used to it, you’re more likely to give up more so if you aren’t enjoying the process.

Will table tennis help lose weight? Yes, absolutely. Table tennis offers a more fun and competitive way to burn calories compared to other same all boring routines.

will table tennis help lose weight

How Many Calories Can I Burn Playing Table Tennis?

The average beginner is likely to burn anywhere from 200 to 350 calories, if they participate in a one hour session of table tennis. That is just a standard leisure game with no extra force or movements. If the player were to add in some additional footwork and some smashes, then they could up that to burning 500 calories.

If you and your competitor create more challenges that involve body movements during your game, then you’re likely to burn more calories each time you play. When you pair regular games of table tennis with a healthy diet, you’re on the right track to achieving your weight loss goals. 

Which Areas of the Body Get a Workout From Table Tennis?

Table tennis isn’t just a few flicks of your wrist. In order to do well in this sport, you must think of it as a full-body workout. Not only will you burn more calories that way, but you will also greatly improve your game.  If you are playing properly, then your legs will receive a very good workout. This includes your quad and calve muscles.

Another area of your body that a good game of table tennis will stretch is your hips. While your lower body gets a great workout during this game, your upper body doesn’t get ignored either. Your oblique and abdominal muscles get a good stretch as you work to hit the ball. 

You rely heavily on your arm muscles during table tennis as well. A good game will stretch your forearms, biceps, triceps, and shoulders. As you can see, it’s not just your wrists moving when you play this game. 

Why It’s Easier To Stick To Table Tennis Than Other Workouts

Your mental state plays a bigger part in your weight loss journey than most people give it credit for. If you’re not feeling good with your workout routine then there’s a good chance you won’t be successful at sticking to it. Table tennis works your concentrations just as much as it works your muscles.

Since table tennis also activates a person’s mind and gets them in the competitive spirit, they are more likely to continue with regular games in the future. There is also a social aspect revolving around the game, which helps people get in the habit of scheduling games into their calendars.

As players become more involved in the game, they begin to encourage one another along with their weight loss journeys. If two players who have similar goals in mind continue making time to play table tennis together. This helps give both players the mental boost they need to continue trying to lose weight.

Other Benefits of Table Tennis

Table tennis can help you become a better player in other games too, because it’s a fast-paced game that could help you improve your reflexes. You really have to act fast in order to hit that ball on time in a game of table tennis.

Another reason table tennis is great for you is that it can help you improve your hand and eye coordination by keeping you mentally alert. You can read more about the amazing benefits of table tennis here.

Final Thoughts:

Will Table Tennis Help People Lose Weight?

Table tennis is a fun and leisure sport that can actually help people lose weight as well. Although the game can be just some light hearted fun often times, you can certainly step it up to make for a more competitive game.

You don’t need to participate in a heavy workout with a lot of weights to start losing weight. Some fun and energizing activities like table tennis can help set you on the right path.