Video Games That Can Help With Fitness

For years, certain critics have gotten on their high horses, condemning video games for steering young people away from exercise. But what if we told you that video games could help you get more physical activity?

Here is a list of electronic games that will not only entertain you but also ensure that you get your heart racing and (hopefully) help you lose some weight.

Are you ready to exercise like it’s 2016 again? While Pokémon GO might not be the phenomenon it was when it first arrived on the scene, it’s still great for video game enthusiasts looking to get some exercise. If you lived under a rock when it dropped, Pokémon GO encourages players to go out for a walk while pursuing little monsters that randomly spawn across the world. If you’re looking to play a game while increasing your step count, this could be the game for you.

Find out more about Pokemon GO here. 

Remember Wii Sports? Back in 2006, this game had every bloke and his grandmother flailing around their living rooms while playing virtual bowling, tennis, golf and baseball. Well, Switch Sports is its spiritual successor, which will have you taking on your friends and family in the likes of volleyball, soccer and sword fighting alongside a couple of returning classics. Play it with your mates for the most amusing results.

Find out more about Switch Sports here.

This critically acclaimed game involves going on a fitness adventure — and you don’t even have to leave the house. In this title, you team up with a talking pilates ring and traverse across a vast land to defeat a body-building dragon. While playing Ring Fit Adventure, you must grip a physical cardio ring and strap on a leg band. These are used to perform strength and stretch exercises. Likewise, moving across the vast plains in the overworld requires you to jog on the spot, which obviously helps with cardio. Between the main story, the mini-games and free workout modes, there is plenty of fun to be had with this one.

Find out more about Ring Fit Adventure here. 

Bring all the fun of the outdoors into your loungeroom with Family Trainer. Like Ring Fit Adventure, this game utilises a strap-on leg band to help you translate physical exercise into on-screen action. With over 12 fun-filled mini-games like kayaking, obstacle course races and mine cart racing, you’ll be running, squatting, jumping and stomping your way through a strenuous workout. By the way, did we mention it was multiplayer?

Find out more about Family Trainer here. 

Beat Saber is a virtual reality rhythm game during which the player wields a pair of virtual lightsabers and slashes approaching blocks which appear in sync with the beats and notes of popular songs (kind of like Darth Vader at a rave). If you play this game properly, you should be able to work up a bit of a sweat swinging your virtual sticks around, and likewise, it should provide a bit of a workout for your arms.

Find out more about Beat Saber here. 

Dancing is a great way to burn calories, but if you don’t have the time or inclination to head out to a disco, just grab a copy of this game. Featuring stacks of tracks from some of the world’s biggest musical acts, the objective of this game is to match the choreography displayed by virtual dancers on the screen, while ensuring the moves are executed in time with the music. Not only can Just Dance be played solo, but you can play it with mates, too, making it the perfect game to break out during a particularly rowdy party.

Find out more about Just Dance here.