Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Not all of us have the time to work out at the gym. And let’s face it, some of us would rather exercise from the comfort of our own homes. This is where video games can help. A great alternative to traditional workouts, fitness video games are a fun way to burn calories. Check out the following titles and stay in shape.
Just Dance
Just Dance is all about working up a sweat while learning cool dance moves. The game utilizes motion controllers or your smartphone to detect whether you are following the on-screen movements. Simply download the free Just Dance Controller app and you are ready to go.
Burning up to 200 calories in half an hour, Just Dance supports multiple players, making it great for family workout sessions. Plus, it comes with a special kids mode, so the little ones can dance to their favorite tunes. For adults, the latest version of the game features 40 choreographies with hits such as 24K Magic by Bruno Mars and Despacito by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee.
Just Dance is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Switch and Google Stadia
Ring Fit Adventure
Designed to burn up to 100 calories in 15 minutes, Ring Fit Adventure is a role-playing game that utilizes Ring-Con (a Pilates-style ring inspired by the German exercise style) and Leg Strap accessories to keep track of your movements. The game features over 100 levels in a variety of different worlds, and even lets you check your heart rate using the Joy-Con.
Ring Fit Adventure comes with multiple modes, says Klaus Peters from the fitness platform fitforBeach.de. “The game’s main Adventure mode sees you traverse a fantasy world where you battle virtual enemies and refill your health meter by doing yoga poses. You can also opt for the Quick Play mode where you engage in fitness-related minigames or customised exercise routines in the Custom mode.”
Ring Fit Adventure is available on Nintendo Switch
Beat Saber
Immerse yourself in a fantasy world, as you slash virtual music beats that fly towards you at an increasing speed using colored lightsabers. The game also forces you to dodge a variety of obstacles to ensure a whole body workout. According to the Virtual Reality Institute of Health and Exercise, your efforts will burn between six and eight calories a minute (that’s between 90 and 120 calories every 15 minutes).
Beat Saber is available on PC compatible VR headsets, PlayStation VR and Oculus Rift.
Zumba: Burn It Up
If you enjoy dancing around your kitchen, but don’t quite have it in you to join group zumba classes at your local gym, Zumba: Burn It Up might just be for you. The game offers 30 different easy-to-follow classes led by real-life instructors. Plus, you can choose the length of your sessions (15, 30 or 45 minutes) and intensity level. The game also features an optional on-screen calorie counter and step tracker, if you want to monitor your progress.
Zumba: Burn It Up is available on Nintendo Switch
