Kara Santos
A lot of people think that playing video games will make you lazy. Most of the time, you just sit on a couch and press buttons. But there’s such a thing as “exergaming,” combining technolog with physical activities. Some video games actually require participants to exercise in order to play. Want a fun way to keep fit indoors? Here are a few video games that will get you moving and sweating in the comfort of your home.
Ring Fit Adventure
A mixture between an RPG (role playing game) and shooter, Ring Fit Adventure for the Nintendo Switch offers one heck of a fun workout. In this game, you battle enemies and explore colorful worlds using real-world movements on your quest to take down a gigantic egotistical dragon. Movements are made via Ring-con wheel and leg strap accessories in tandem with the two connected Joy-Con controllers which track different movements. The result is a fun and breathtaking adventure that will have you fit in real life in no time.
Just Dance 2020
Just Dance 2020 is a dance rhythm game developed by Ubisoft that was conveniently released for multiple platform including the Nintendo Switch, Wii, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Stadia.
Similar to previous game installments, players must mimic the on-screen dancer’s choreography to a chosen song using the using motion controllers (ex. PlayStation move/Kinect) or an internet-connected screen and smartphone with the game’s app. If you want to work up a sweat, Just Dance 2020 will help you get your groove on. The Sweat Mode tracks the amount of calories you burn during your dancing and puts up a playlist of fun, energetic songs to dance along to. The game’s multiplayer mode means you can get friends and family dancing along with you.
Wii Fit
Wii Fit is an exergaming video game for the Wii home video console that makes use of the Wii Balance Board peripheral to track movements. This platform features yoga, strength training, aerobics, and balance games. While the workout activities are not as fun and intense as some other games, the video game has been adopted for use in health clubs around the world and is even used in some nursing homes to improve posture and stretching among elderly patients.
Dance Dance Revolution
Dance Dance Revolution is the pioneering series of rhythm and dancing games. This classic game was originally released in arcade cabinets in 1998 and ported to various video game consoles including the PlayStation, Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, GameCube, Wii, Xbox, Xbox 360 and even PCs. Whether at home, or in the arcade, dancing was tracked with arrow keys activated by dance pads on the ground.
Zumba Fitness
If you’re a fan of Zumba in real life, you might find the video game version just as fun. Zumba Fitness is a video game first released in 2010 based on the Zumba program that was released for Wii, PlayStation 3 with PlayStation Move, and Xbox 360 with Kinect. The Wii and PS3 versions came with a Zumba Belt where the Wii Remote or Move controller is inserted into on the right hip.
The game had 45 pre-set classes along with customizable workouts for those who wanted to adjust the game to their specific routine. Various dance styles were available, including Bollywood, Irish step, cumbia, calypso, and more, making it a fun home workout.
Even if you can’t hit the gym or go for a run in your neighborhood, these games should keep you happy and working out safely at home.
