As the novelty of summer wears off and the hours start to drag on, it’s easy to fall into a routine of lounging around and staring at screens for long stretches of time. Sound familiar? Don’t worry – we have a solution that combines the best of both worlds: video games that encourage physical activity and teach healthy habits!
via Giphy
Exercise video games combine the excitement of virtual adventures with the physical benefits of real-world play. This list of titles is designed to get players up and moving, transforming gaming from a sedentary pursuit into an active, engaging experience. And the best part? You won’t even realize you’re exercising!
Many exercise video games also incorporate educational elements, teaching players about proper form, nutrition, and the importance of staying active. So, are you ready to discover the games that will make summer break a time of excitement, fun, and healthy habits? Let’s dive in and explore some of the best exercise video games on the market today!
You’ve likely heard of the Just Dance series before (Ra-Ra-Rasputin, anyone?), and Just Dance 2024 is the latest installment in Ubisoft’s best-selling series. With an incredible lineup of 40 new songs from popular artists like Miley Cyrus, Rosalía, and Britney Spears, this game is guaranteed to get players of all ages grooving to the beat.
But Just Dance 2024 isn’t just about busting a move – it’s a full-body workout disguised as a party. The game features a dedicated Workout Mode that incorporates fitness-focused choreography, allowing players to track calories burned and break a sweat while having a blast. With the new Challenge Mode, dancers can test their skills against other players worldwide, competing for top spots on the leaderboard.
What sets Just Dance 2024 apart is its stunning visuals and attention to detail. The game’s choreography is performed by real dancers in elaborate costumes, with facial expressions and backgrounds that make each routine feel like a professional music video. Too hot to exercise outside? Boogie your way to a healthier, happier summer!
If you want to be truly immersed in your workout, try Beat Saber for the Meta Quest! This VR experience puts players in the middle of a neon-lit world where they must slash through incoming beats with two glowing sabers. This game is the perfect combination of fast-paced gameplay and customizable difficulty levels!
As players slash and dodge their way through each song, they’ll get a full-body cardio workout without even realizing it. Plus, with multiple levels of intensity to choose from, everyone from beginners to fitness buffs can find a challenge that suits their needs. The game’s stunning visuals and pulse-pounding soundtrack create an experience that’s as entertaining as it is physically demanding.
For a more laid-back approach to exercise gaming, check out Ring Fit Adventure for the Nintendo Switch. Part traditional RPG adventure, part full-body workout, the game includes a special Ring-Con accessory that players squeeze and pull to control their character’s movements. As they jog in place and perform various strength exercises, players navigate a fantastical world filled with monsters to battle and treasures to collect.
Ring Fit Adventure also has an emphasis on proper form and technique, and provides real-time feedback on players’ posture and movement, helping them to avoid injury and maximize the effectiveness of each exercise. There’s a wide variety of workouts to choose from – including yoga, strength training, and aerobics – so there’s always something new and challenging to try.
Of course, no discussion of modern exercise games would be complete without mentioning the phenomenon that is Pokémon GO. While not explicitly designed as a fitness game, this mobile app has inspired millions of players around the world to get outside and explore their neighborhoods in search of virtual creatures. By tying in-game progress to real-life movement, Pokémon GO makes walking and running feel like a scavenger hunt rather than a chore.
But the benefits of this augmented reality app go beyond just physical fitness. As players navigate the world around them, they’ll also be learning valuable skills like map reading, spatial awareness, and problem-solving. The game also includes opportunities to connect with other players at real-world events and gatherings, fostering a sense of community and social interaction that’s lacking in many single-player video games.
So this summer, why not challenge your kids to catch ’em all – both in the virtual world and in the great outdoors? With the game above, staying active has never been more fun or rewarding!
And if you’re an organization looking to bring the power of exercise gaming to a specific audience, don’t forget to reach out to us at Filament Games! With 18 years of educational gaming experience, we’re eager to create new and innovative ways to make fitness fun and engaging for learners of all ages.
More ways to get active with games: