We all know that gaming is fun, but what if, instead of developing sedentary habits, video games could help you become more active?
Modern gaming consoles have been able to track your whole-body movement for a while. Technologies like PlayStation Camera and Xbox Kinect offered players immersive, full-body experiences.
More recent devices like Ring Fit for Nintendo Switch and Meta Quest offer even more accessible and engaging games. Despite this technology, active gaming never quite reached mainstream popularity. While fitness video games are still released, they remain niche rather than a prevalent way of engaging with video games.
But luckily, the path to better well-being is not dictated by popular trends. In fact, the path and the tools to get in shape with video games have never been more advanced. With tools like Virtual Reality (VR), which combine a high level of immersion with traditional workouts, the way to better health became much more palatable for people with sedentary lifestyles.
How Video Games Can Improve Your Fitness
Not everyone can find the gym environment welcoming, and video games could be a bridge for people wanting to explore an active lifestyle within their own space. By removing the pressure of being observed or judged, active play video games allow people to explore cardio-based routines at their own pace while incorporating competitive elements to keep the users coming back.
Sure, video games won’t replace heavy weightlifting, but they can still help you build endurance, burn calories, and establish positive active habits.
Stay Motivated
One of the biggest challenges in fitness is being consistent, and this is usually caused by a lack of motivation. This is exactly where video games shine.
Rewards and Levels
It’s no secret that games are designed to keep you engaged; this is their main goal. This taps into your brain’s reward system and makes you want to keep going. Meta-analyses confirm that gamified interventions promote physical activity participation across various populations. As a result, these gaming experiences offer a sense of accomplishment through leveling up, rewards, or hitting high scores. For anyone struggling with motivation, this immediate feedback could be encouraging to pursue longer-term results. Lastly, when your workout is also a game, you’re more likely to:
- Show up consistently.
- Push yourself to beat your previous score.
- Enjoy the process.
A Little Bit of Competition
Many fitness games include leaderboards or personal records. Competition is better known for being a means to improve effort-based attention. You can compete against friends or simply try to beat your own best performance. Competitiveness consistently keeps the workouts fresh and challenging.
A Balanced Fitness Routine
Video games can support your fitness goals, but they might fall short of being a complete activity alone. Active gaming always works best when combined with other healthy habits.
You could still benefit from:
- Stretching and flexibility routines.
- Strength training with weights.
- Walking daily.
- Understanding nutrition and hydration.
Set Realistic Goals
Maybe you want to be more active, lose weight, or simply feel more energetic. Whatever your goals are, keep them simple and realistic; otherwise, it’s really easy to get frustrated. Consistency matters above all else when it comes to long-term goals. It’s recommended to start with small habits lasting 15 to 20 minutes, two to three times a week.
As you track workouts and share personal data through fitness games, consider your online privacy. If you’re gaming on PlayStation or an Xbox, a console VPN can help protect your internet connection by encrypting traffic between your devices and the wider web. While not essential for the experience, an extra layer of security can help you feel at ease if you’re concerned about your health data being exposed while working out or connecting with other fitness enthusiasts.
Mental Health Benefits You Shouldn’t Ignore
Research from 2024 has shown that active video games can have significant mental health and academic benefits for college students.
Additionally, another study has indicated that video games can potentially be useful and effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. As a result, if you feel better mentally, you’re more likely to stick with healthy habits.
Final Thoughts
If you’re concerned about your fitness goals, don’t give up on video games. There’s more than one way to make them work for you and help you stay active.
If video games are a positive aspect of your life, consider changing the type of games you play instead of simply getting rid of them. Don’t forget that intention is ultimately the key difference between staying healthy and succumbing to a sedentary lifestyle.
