Longevity Athletics debuts table tennis robot (video)

A lifelong love of table tennis inspired Longevity Athletics owner Aaron Gilbert to provide a table and training robot to his fitness center’s members in order to become Maricopa’s first and only USA Table Tennis affiliate.

USA Table Tennis is the national organizing body of professional table tennis. It organizes tournaments and events around the country, so Gilbert is hoping to host tournaments and “open play” competitions in Maricopa as part of Longevity Athletics’ affiliation.

“There’s a couple (affiliated) clubs in Phoenix, but there is nothing in Maricopa,” Gilbert said. “So I thought, ‘Why not just have a table here’ for members to play or for anyone in the community who’s interested in learning how to play.”

Gilbert has also brought in a table tennis robot to use as a training tool to help beginners and experienced players alike. The robot constantly serves balls to help players develop quick hands and reflexes. The machine can be put on a timer or endless loop, and as long as it has four or more balls available, it will keep serving.

“Table tennis is a sport I happen to be very fond of,” Gilbert said. “The challenge for me in playing it and enjoying it so much is that it’s hard to find people to play with who share the same viewpoint as I do.”

In January, Gilbert plans to host an event for members of the community to get more information on getting involved with USA Table Tennis and Longevity Fitness.

For more information, visit www.longevityathletics.com or visit Longevity’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/longevityathletics.