Wigan man launches living room table tennis workouts to keep us fit and active during lockdown

A Wigan man is encouraging people from across the globe to stay active at home by taking part in his online table tennis classes.
Steve Rowe delivers one of his lessonsSteve Rowe delivers one of his lessons
Steve Rowe delivers one of his lessons

Steve Rowe’s Aerobic Table Tennis project was founded to ease youngsters into the sport through rhythmic exercise sessions which utilise table tennis moves. The project started right here in Wigan in 2011, in Steve’s living room before expanding across the world, with Steve jetting off to the likes of Canada and Spain to introduce the project to local schools and clubs.

But since the nationwide lockdown was imposed, Steve’s usual physical classes have come to a sudden halt.

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And Aerobic Table Tennis has now returned to its humble beginnings, with Steve recording the lessons in his own home for everyone across the world to watch and replicate.

Steve, who also runs Wigan Table Tennis Club, said: “I’ve been contacted by a lot of people from around the world saying ‘Steve, why don’t you do some aerobic table tennis from your home and take it into other people’s homes?’

“The reason being, of course, we are being asked by all the governments around the world to stay indoors.

“The schools are also closed which means the children are also at home, so we need to try and keep everyone fit and active. And what better way to keep fit and active than using the fantastic sport of table tennis! I’m going to be bringing aerobic table tennis into your home.”

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Steve previously said: “It started as a way to get kids more active and keep fit

“It began in my living room, playing table tennis to the beat of music.”

“I visited a few schools in Wigan, doing lessons for free just to introduce it to them, and the reaction I got was very positive. So I made it my mission to make it a worldwide programme.”

Steve’s work soon caught the eye of table tennis clubs around the world, leading to a launch of the project in schools across Toronto in Canada, to which Steve is a frequent visitor.

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It has also been exhibited at the World Table Tennis Championships in Sweden.

See Steve’s videos at youtube.com/aerobicttA message from the Editorial Director, Gillian Parkinson:

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