Video games have dominated the market and lured us in with their lifelike graphics and compelling story lines. This ever-changing technology has the ability to immerse us in a fantasy world that makes us practically forget about actual reality. Video games often get a bad rap because of their ability to turn any normal, active adult or child into a professional couch potato.
Not all games are created equal, however. There are some video games that will get you up and moving and even breaking a sweat by the time you are done. Let’s take a look at the benefits of these games and how you can incorporate them in your daily fitness plan.
Get Moving
Active video games such as Wii Fit, Zumba, and Just Dance will get your blood pumping and your heart racing. You will find that your energy levels increase and you will receive the boost needed to jump-start your metabolism. In no time these games will have you sweating like you’ve just been to the gym. The level of activity is up to you. If you’re a beginner you can take it slow or really push your limits if you choose to. Schedule time to “play” a game or two before work in the morning or on your lunch break. It will be much easier to stick to a workout routine if you are having fun at the same time.
Game night
Family games nights are not reduced to sitting around a kitchen table playing monopoly anymore. Game nights have evolved into a fun, friendly competition between family members to see who has the best dance moves, who can get a strike, and who has the best tennis serve. The variety is endless so you never run out of things to do. The important thing is that you are having fun, getting some exercise, and creating a memorable evening with your family.
Added benefits
Video games allow you to have fun and burn calories at the same time, but there are also some added benefits to being a gamer. Studies have shown that people who play video games have better eyesight, great reflexes, and a happier disposition. You are forced to use your brain and think about the next move whether you are playing Just Dance, or Halo and the creative juices tend to flow more freely during this time. The biggest benefit to playing video games is the amount of quality time you can spend with your family all while getting fit.
Video games are no longer just for those that want to sit on the couch all day staring at a television screen. You can incorporate game time into your daily schedule to get a quick workout, or make it a family event and get everyone involved. Video games keep you mind active, your body active, and allows you to create special, fun moments with those you love – oh, and burn some calories while you’re at it.
I have to try these games and it would be fun to play and get a workout with my kids. I never knew video games had such positive benefits so i will be more open to my son playing.
I recently set up my treadmill in front of the television in our bonus room. Now I can play some Minecraft while I walk!
I’m actually looking forward to date night tomorrow night because we are going to do video games LOL. I don’t think I’m going to burn calories but it will be a lot of fun anyway.
I couldn’t agree more: game night can really help get the family going. It’s tons of fun and you can sneak in some exercise here and there (hello, Twister!).
We love the Just Dance game! We definitely get our heart rate up when we play that game, although I have never thought to track my calorie burn from it! I may have to do that next time!!
We play Just Dance together as a family all the time and I also love the Zumba. I think I burn more calories from laughing than dancing though. 😉
I wish we had a family gaming system. Unfortunately, we do not. I could use a Wii, or Switch.
I love wii Fit! It is an amazing way to have fun and also get a workout.
My husband are very active when playing our games. There are even some nights we say we’re too tired to play them, ha!
We have a family game night with the Wii. We love to have bowling matches. It is a great way to be active as a family.
We’ve played some dance games together that were a lot of fun! We did burn a lot of calories for sure.
I’ve never been good at playing video games and my kids always laugh at me. These games, however, are something I know I could do and burning calories while having fun sounds like a plan to me.
I agree, a person can get some exercise while playing a game. One of the things I’m most disappointed about the Nintendo Switch is that it doesn’t have the simple sports games that kept kids moving and having fun like the Wii did, which is why my son has both systems.
With the wii we bowl and play golf and do several other fun activities we are up and enjoying. I’m not one to sit around and watch.
My son actually stands up and plays video games. I think it’s hilarious. When he plays NHL on the playstation he is moving all around the floor…like he’s actually in the game. And he is sweating. So I do believe that you can be a gamer and burn calories. He’s the proof!
My son plays tons of video games, but he’s rarely just sitting around. He’s usually moving and shouting things like “hackers!” and “get this guy on my left.” Ha.
But my daughter likes playing those Just Dance games!
One of my go-to exercises is playing Just Dance for one hour. Not only does it make for a great workout but it’s so fun!
I would dominate at Just Dance when we would do the 99 Luft Balloon dance. My kids didn’t know those moves.
I love all the different gaming options that are available now. We used to play Just Dance all the time.
Family time is always a well spend time. We all love playing video games its fun and very entertaining.
We kind of love the Wii for this reason. The sports is more interactive and forces you to at least move a little.
I am totally in favor of the movement of video games forcing kids to get up and be active. We have a Nintendo Switch and love the more active games.
We used to play Just Dance as a family every so often. It was a lot of fun for us.
Those are the video games I like, the ones that make me more. It’s like having fun and working out at the same time. It kills two birds with one stone.
I like the idea of using these as a fun family game night option. I try to limit the screen time for my whole family, but something like this that gets us all moving is the best of both worlds!
Video games have been changing so rapidly. I love seeing people be active about them!
I love workout routines the correspond to game performance. Video games are actually healthy now!
I love watching my kids playing those interactive video games. I used to participate in those dance challenges. I think I should go back and start again.That was a good workout.
The Just Dance is the best video game I play with the grandkids. We have a lot of fun and I burn calories keeping up with those three!
Yes, this is true and we incorporate this at my job to help patients stay fit as they work out. Thanks for sharing!