Do you want to get in shape but find traditional exercise routines boring? Exergaming might be the perfect solution for you! Exergaming, or exercising through video games, has become increasingly popular over the years. With different gaming platforms offering a range of exergames, there’s something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best exergames available across platforms, so you can find a fun and effective way to get fit.
Best Exergames for Mobile
Exergaming is a great way to get fit while having fun, and with the rise of mobile gaming, there are now a variety of exergames available for your smartphone or tablet. Here are some of the best exergames for mobile:
1. Pokemon Go:
Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that took the world by storm when it was released in 2016. The game requires players to walk around in the real world to catch Pokemon, battle at gyms, and hatch eggs.
The game’s popularity led to an increase in physical activity, with players walking an average of 2,000 to 3,000 extra steps per day. The game also encourages social interaction, with players meeting up at popular landmarks and forming communities to help each other catch rare Pokemon.
Also read: Pokemon Go Squirtle Community Day: Full Guide
2. Zombies, Run!:
Zombies, Run! is a running app that turns exercise into an immersive audio adventure. The app places players in a post-apocalyptic world where they must collect supplies while avoiding zombies. The app features over 200 missions, each with its own story and objectives.
The game’s audio cues make it feel like a real-life game of tag, with the player as the protagonist. The app also tracks the player’s progress, including distance traveled, calories burned, and time spent running.
3. Just Dance Now:
Just Dance Now is a mobile version of the popular Just Dance console game that requires players to dance along with on-screen choreography. The game is a rhythm game and features a wide variety of songs and dance styles, from pop to hip-hop to Bollywood.
The app uses the player’s smartphone as a motion controller, with the on-screen avatar mirroring their movements. The game also includes a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other in dance battles. Just Dance Now is a fun and engaging way to get moving and improve coordination, while also enjoying some great music.
4. Fitocracy:
Fitocracy is a fitness app that gamifies workouts by awarding points and achievements for completing exercises and reaching fitness goals. The app includes a library of workouts, with step-by-step instructions and video demonstrations.
The app also allows users to track their progress over time, including strength and endurance gains. Fitocracy also offers a social component, allowing users to connect with friends and join groups to share their progress and receive support.
5. Superhero Workout:
Superhero Workout is a game that combines bodyweight exercises with a superhero theme, allowing players to save the world while they exercise. The game features a variety of workouts, each with its own superhero-themed story and objectives.
The game also includes a customizable workout builder, allowing players to create their own routines. Superhero Workout is a fun and engaging way to get in shape, while also feeling like a superhero.
6. Ring Fit Adventure:
Ring Fit Adventure is a mobile companion app for the Nintendo Switch game of the same name, which requires players to perform physical exercises to progress through the game. The app includes a variety of workouts, including yoga, strength training, and cardio.
The app also tracks the player’s progress, including distance traveled and calories burned. Ring Fit Adventure is a great way to get in shape while also playing a fun and engaging video game.
Also read: Nintendo Switch Sports Review: How To Play Solo? When Will More Sports Be Added
7. Walkr:
Walkr is a game that encourages players to walk more by turning their steps into fuel for a virtual spaceship that explores different planets. The game features colorful, cartoonish graphics and a variety of planets to explore.
The app also includes a social component, allowing players to connect with friends and compete in challenges. Walkr is a fun and creative way to get motivated to walk more and explore the universe.
8. Sweatcoin:
Sweatcoin is an app that rewards users with virtual currency for walking or running outside, which can then be used to purchase real-world rewards. The app uses the phone’s GPS to track the user’s steps and convert them into Sweatcoins.
The app also includes a marketplace, where users can redeem their Sweatcoins for rewards such as gift cards or fitness gear. Sweatcoin is a great way to get motivated to walk more and earn rewards for being active.
9. Stridekick:
Stridekick is a social fitness app that allows users to compete in step challenges with friends and track their progress together. The app features a variety of challenges, including daily step goals and group challenges.
The app also includes a leaderboard, allowing users to see how they stack up against their friends. Stridekick is a fun and social way to get motivated to walk more and improve overall fitness.
10. Freeletics:
Freeletics is a fitness app that offers personalized workout plans and coaching, using gamification to keep users motivated and engaged. The app includes a variety of workouts, from bodyweight exercises to running and HIIT.
The app also includes a social component, allowing users to connect with friends and join groups to share their progress and receive support. Freeletics is a great way to get in shape and improve overall fitness, while also feeling like a part of a supportive community.
Best Exergames for PC
Exergaming is a fun and effective way to get in shape, and with the popularity of PC gaming, there are now a variety of exergames available for your computer. Here are some of the best exergames for PC:
1. Beat Saber:
Beat Saber is a virtual reality game developed by Beat Games. The game requires players to slash through blocks with glowing sabers to the beat of music. The game’s intuitive gameplay and immersive graphics have made it one of the most popular VR games available.
Also read: Best Music and Rhythm Games
The game offers a range of difficulty levels, allowing players to progress at their own pace and challenge themselves. Beat Saber has also become a popular choice for fitness people, as the game requires players to move their entire body and can provide a challenging full-body workout.
2. BoxVR:
BoxVR is a virtual reality boxing game developed by FitXR. The game combines workouts with rhythm-based gameplay, requiring players to punch and block their way through a variety of boxing-based workouts.
The game also offers a range of workout types, allowing players to customize their workouts to their own fitness level and goals. BoxVR has become a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts, as the game provides a challenging full-body workout while also being fun and engaging.
3. Supernatural:
Supernatural is a virtual reality workout app developed by Within Unlimited Inc. The app offers personalized workouts and coaching, using music and gameplay to keep users motivated. The app features a range of workout types, including cardio, strength, and yoga, and offers a variety of music genres to choose from.
The app also includes a social component, allowing users to connect with friends and workout together. Supernatural has been praised for its immersive graphics and intuitive gameplay.
4. Synth Riders:
Synth Riders is a virtual reality rhythm game developed by Kluge Interactive. The game requires players to move their bodies to the beat of electronic music, using their hands to grab and hit targets in time with the music.
Synth Riders has been praised for its unique gameplay and immersive graphics, and has become a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts looking for a fun and engaging way to get in shape.
5. Audioshield:
Audioshield is a virtual reality game developed by Dylan Fitterer. The game generates obstacles based on the beat and rhythm of the music, requiring players to punch and block their way through the music.
The game offers a range of music genres, allowing players to customize their workouts to their own fitness level and preferences. Audioshield has become a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts, as the game provides a fun and engaging workout experience while also being highly customizable.
6. PowerBeatsVR:
PowerBeatsVR is a virtual reality game developed by Five Mind Creations. The game combines full-body workouts with rhythm-based gameplay, featuring a variety of music genres and workout types.
PowerBeatsVR has been praised for its unique gameplay and immersive graphics, and has become a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts looking for a fun and engaging way to get in shape.
7. Thrill of the Fight:
Thrill of the Fight is a virtual reality boxing game developed by Ian Fitz. The game simulates realistic boxing matches, providing a challenging and intense workout experience.
The game offers a range of opponent types, allowing players to customize their workouts to their own fitness level and goals. Thrill of the Fight has become a popular choice for people looking for a challenging and engaging way to get in shape.
8. Sprint Vector:
Sprint Vector is a virtual reality racing game developed by Survios. The game requires players to run, jump, and fly through obstacle courses, providing a full-body workout experience. The game offers a range of race types, allowing players to customize their workouts to their own fitness level and goals.
Sprint Vector has been praised for its unique gameplay and immersive graphics, and has become a popular choice for fitness fans looking for an engaging way to get in shape.
9. Holodance:
Holodance is a virtual reality game developed by narayana games. The game combines dancing and rhythm-based gameplay, allowing players to create and import their own music.
The game offers a range of dance styles, allowing players to customize their workouts to their own fitness level and preferences. Holodance has become a popular choice for fitness players looking for a fun and engaging way to get in shape while also expressing their creativity.
10. AudioTrip:
AudioTrip is a virtual reality game developed by Kinemotik Studios. The game requires players to move their bodies to the beat of music while exploring immersive environments.
The game offers a range of music genres, allowing players to customize their workouts to their own fitness level and preferences. AudioTrip has been praised for its immersive graphics and intuitive gameplay, and has become a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts looking for a fun and engaging way to get in shape while also exploring new virtual worlds.
Best Exergames for Console
Exercising through video games is an enjoyable method to stay in shape and with the increase in the popularity of gaming consoles, there are now numerous exergames accessible for your home entertainment system. Presented below are some of the top exergames for console.
1. Wii Fit Plus
Wii Fit Plus is an exercise video game developed by Nintendo for the Wii console. It was released in 2009 as an enhanced version of the original Wii Fit game. The game uses the Wii Balance Board, a unique peripheral that tracks players’ movements and weight distribution, to provide an interactive and immersive exercise experience.
Wii Fit Plus features a variety of workouts and balance games designed to improve strength, balance, and flexibility. The game offers a range of difficulty levels and workout types, so players can customize their workouts to their own fitness level and goals. The game includes over 60 activities, such as yoga poses, strength training exercises, and balance challenges, as well as new games like Rhythm Kung Fu and Perfect 10.
Also read: What is the Most Trending Game right now? + The Best Video Game to Play
2. Kinect Sports
Kinect Sports is a collection of sports-themed mini-games developed by Rare for the Xbox 360 console. The game uses the Kinect sensor, a peripheral that tracks players’ movements and allows them to control the game using their body. Kinect Sports was released in 2010 and offers a range of sports-themed mini-games, including soccer, track and field, boxing, beach volleyball, table tennis, and bowling.
The game offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing players to compete against each other or work together as a team. Each of the mini-games is designed to provide a workout and improve players’ fitness level in a fun and engaging way. For example, the track and field mini-game requires players to run in place and jump to clear hurdles, while the boxing mini-game requires players to throw punches and dodge their opponent’s attacks.
3. Just Dance
Just Dance is a rhythm game developed by Ubisoft for various consoles, including the Nintendo Wii, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. The game was first released in 2009 and has since become one of the most popular dance games in the world. Just Dance requires players to dance along with on-screen choreography, using motion controls or a smartphone app to track their movements.
The game requires players to move their entire body, providing a full-body workout that can help improve cardiovascular health, coordination, and flexibility. Just Dance also offers a social and interactive experience, allowing players to dance along with friends and family members and share their performances on social media.
4. Ring Fit Adventure, Again
Ring Fit Adventure is a fitness adventure game developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch console. The game was released in 2019 and quickly became a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts. Ring Fit Adventure requires players to perform physical exercises to progress through the game, using the Ring-Con, a unique peripheral that tracks their movements and provides resistance..
The game features an RPG-style adventure mode that allows players to explore a colorful and immersive world, battling enemies and collecting items along the way. The game includes a variety of workout routines, including yoga poses, strength training exercises, and cardio workouts. Each workout is designed to provide a fun and engaging way to improve players’ fitness level, while also advancing the storyline of the game.
5. Zumba Fitness
Zumba Fitness is a dance fitness program created by Colombian dancer and choreographer, Alberto “Beto” Perez, in the 1990s. The program combines Latin and international music with dance moves to create a fun and engaging workout experience. Zumba Fitness classes are typically led by certified instructors and are available in gyms and fitness studios all over the world.
The Zumba Fitness program incorporates a variety of dance styles, including salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, and hip-hop, to create a high-energy and calorie-burning workout. The program is designed to be accessible to people of all fitness levels, with modifications available for beginners and advanced options for more experienced dancers.
6. Dance Dance Revolution
Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) is a rhythm game that was first released in 1998 by Konami. The game is played using a dance mat, which is a controller that players stand on and use to step on colored arrows in time with music. The objective of the game is to score points by accurately timing your steps and following the on-screen prompts.
DDR features a wide range of music genres, including pop, rock, techno, and hip-hop. The game includes both single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing players to compete against each other or work together as a team. DDR also offers a range of difficulty levels, from beginner to expert, making it accessible to players of all skill levels.
7. EA Sports Active
EA Sports Active is a fitness video game developed by EA Sports for the Nintendo Wii console. The game was released in 2009 and offers a range of customizable workouts and fitness programs designed to help players improve their overall fitness level. The game requires the use of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers, as well as resistance bands and a leg strap.
EA Sports Active features a variety of workouts and activities, including cardio, strength training, and balance exercises. The game offers a range of difficulty levels and workout types, so players can customize their workouts to their own fitness level and goals. The game includes over 25 activities, such as running, boxing, and squatting, as well as custom workouts designed by fitness experts.
8. Fitness Boxing
Fitness Boxing is a fitness video game developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch console. The game was released in 2018 and offers a range of customizable workouts and fitness programs designed to help players improve their overall fitness level. The game requires the use of Joy-Con controllers, which players hold in each hand and use to punch and perform a variety of boxing moves.
Fitness Boxing features a variety of workouts and activities, including cardio, strength training, and agility exercises. The game offers a range of difficulty levels and workout types, so players can customize their workouts to their own fitness level and goals. The game includes over 20 songs, each with its own choreographed boxing routine, as well as custom workouts designed by fitness experts.
9. UFC Personal Trainer
UFC Personal Trainer is a fitness video game developed by THQ for various gaming consoles, including the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii. The game was released in 2011 and offers a range of customizable workouts and fitness programs designed to help players improve their overall fitness level, based on the training methods used by professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters.
UFC Personal Trainer also includes a variety of mini-games and quick play modes, allowing players to focus on specific workouts or compete against each other in multiplayer mode. The game is designed to be accessible to players of all fitness levels, offering a range of difficulty levels and workout types.
10. Nike+ Kinect Training
Nike+ Kinect Training is a fitness video game developed by Nike and Microsoft for the Xbox 360 console. The game was released in 2012 and offers a range of customizable workouts and fitness programs designed to help players improve their overall fitness level. The game requires the use of the Kinect motion sensor, which tracks players’ movements and provides real-time feedback on their performance.
Nike+ Kinect Training is a fun and engaging way to get in shape and improve your overall fitness level, using the training methods and techniques of professional athletes and trainers. Its customizable workouts and interactive features make it easy to track progress and set new fitness goals, while its combination of strength training, cardio, and other exercises provides a well-rounded workout experience.
In Conclusion
Exergames are a great way to get fit and have fun at the same time. With so many options available across different platforms, there’s something for everyone. Whether you prefer dancing, boxing, or running from zombies, exergaming can be a fun and effective way to reach your fitness goals. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?
