Now that the holidays have come and gone, many people’s New Year’s resolutions involve some sort of exercise or routine to get fit. Throughout the years, video games have received a lot of criticism for promoting unhealthy habits. All that has changed with the advent of “exergames”.
Also known as exergaming, these games use technology and gaming to promote healthy physical activity amongst both adults and children. As a result, it is now easier than ever for gamers to not only enjoy playing video games but also to stay fit. Let’s take a look at four games that will aid you in staying fit.
Fitness Boxing
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Imagineer
Publisher: Nintendo
Genres: Sports
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Fitness Boxing is a brand-new game for the Nintendo Switch that gets you up and moving. It incorporates fun, boxing-based rhythmic exercises set to instrumental music of your favourite songs. There aren’t any peripherals that you need to hooked up, just grab your Joy-Cons and you’re set!
After inputting your height and weight, you can setup your fitness goals to target certain muscle groups. Daily workout goals can be set for 15-45-minute sessions. Your virtual trainer gets you bouncing and shifting your weight right from the get go.
Fitness Boxing features a two-player mode, which allows you to train and workout with a friend. I really like the inclusion of a second player as having someone else to workout with at the same time is encourage and inspiring at the same time.
Just Dance 2019
Platforms: Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
Developer:Â Ubisoft Paris, Ubisoft Pune, Ubisoft Shanghai
Publisher:Â Ubisoft
Genre:Â Music
Modes:Â Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating:Â E (Everyone)
The Just Dance series has long been a favourite of mine. Not only is it fun to play with family and friends but it also gives you a great workout. This year, Just Dance 2019 includes 40 new songs. As you play, Just Dance 2019 will learn your dancing preferences and habits. Based on this, the game generates a pre-made playlist and song suggestions.
What I love the most about Just Dance is that it is so fun that you can be playing it for hours without realizing it. You’ll literally be moving your hands, legs, and booty to the beat the whole time. You can play and compete with friends online for even more fun in World Dance Floor. Additionally, there is a calorie-tracking Sweat Mode that is extremely useful.
ARMS
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genres: Fighting
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10+)
Nintendo has perfected the art of taking complex genres and making them accessible and fun for all. They did it with racing (Mario Kart), competitive shooters (Splatoon), platformers (Kirby), and now they’ve done it with fighting. ARMS isn’t an exergame per say but it certainly has the ability to give you a great work out.
One of the aspects that makes ARMS such a great game is that it’s fully playable using motion controls. It introduces us to 10 combatants from around the world, all possessing stretchy arms capable of extending across battle arenas. The motion controls allow you to swing your arms to punch, moving them inwards to block, and curve your punches.
Not only can you get your heart pumping with the movement of your arms, you can also incorporate the use of your whole body to get a total body work out.
Creed: Rise to Glory
Platform: PlayStation VR
Developer: Survios
Publisher: Survios, MGM Interactive
Genres: Sports, Fighting
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
PlayStation VR owners can rise through the ranks to become champion in Creed: Rise to Glory. This virtual reality experience allows you to train alongside none other than Rocky Balboa. Before each fight, you’ll practice your skills through a series of mini-games that will have you dodging and bopping—all set to the Rocky theme song.
The strength at which you punch determines the amount of damage you dish out to your opponents. While the game doesn’t have any particular options for setting up a personal workout, after the first match you’ll start to fill the burn. What I really like about Creed: Rise to Glory is that no matter if you’re on the offense or defense, the fighting mechanics always keep you engaged and in the action.
Video games are a great way to have fun and stay fit
While there are many more games that will help you stay fit, these are my current favourite four games to burn calories. It’s important to remember, that in addition to exercise, a well-balanced diet is an important factor in staying fit. Let me know in the comments section below, which games you use to help stay fit.
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That’s crucial for gamers to at least get out of their chair every couple hours and taking a walk. Wasn’t quite aware of these games, but it looks like they turn “moving” into fun. Congrats to developers. Remember using Playstation Move back in the days to play the sports – so much fun.
Thanks for helping out the community Jon.
Jon, you left off a free phone game that can help too. Pokemon Go has gotten me out walking for many miles, which doesn’t exactly make me fit, but does help me be healthier. That quest to catch them all helps get me and many others outside to walk more.
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