OFM Health: Be the Healthy Gaymer You Deserve to Be
Like many others, I grew up around video gaming systems. The now-ancient D-pad with the A and B action buttons only utilized your thumbs and likely contributed to my now-worsening carpal tunnel. But these days, folks have access to gaming systems where you can connect with people around the world, create your own virtual reality, and even achieve your personal exercise goals!
Just as RPGs and other types of games have gained the momentum of graphic improvements and complexity of content, games that allow the user to stand up and move have grown to be more interactive and fun. Not only is this kind of engagement fun, but the benefits of physical activity are key to reducing the risk of so many chronic diseases –heart disease, diabetes, and cancer–just to name a few. I have done the leg work, pun intended, to showcase the most advanced workout games on the market today.
Ring Fit Adventure: Nintendo Switch
This RPG requires the Ring Fit device, which is included with the purchase of the game. The game places you in battle with a dragon in Story Mode, where you squat and crunch your way to the end through worlds of monsters and collectable items.
Mini games are also included that allows the user to focus on isolating specific areas of the body where muscle tone is most desired. The Ring Fit device is basically a large wireless resistance-band wheel that attaches to a singular Switch controller.
There is also a leg strap to catch lower body movements. Each level offers nonstop exercise for periods of two to 10 minutes, during which the user jogs and jumps (sometimes through literal hoops) to accomplish the goals within the game and progress to the next stage. Pick up magical potions, defy your enemies, and purchase additional gear in shops to help you defeat each baddie along the way.
BOXVR: Playstation VR (PSVR)
This game has been called one of the best VR fitness titles out there. Basically a boxing game, the user has to punch their way around targets while blocking and avoiding barriers by squatting or straight-up dodging. This fairly intense fitness game is just that–so don’t expect exciting baddies and complex worlds to travel through.
The curated workouts give you a variety of sessions to engage your upper and lower body for anywhere from two to 60 minutes. The virtual leaderboard makes your workouts more competitive, so grab your friends and vie for the highest score! Though featured as a PSVR game, BOXVR is also available on Steam, Oculus Quest, and Oculus Rift.
Beat Saber: Steam
This VR game is pretty straightforward, but super engaging and fun. You barely notice you’re burning calories and picking up your heart rate as you swerve through flying blocks while swinging your arms to slice as many as you can. One unique feature of this game is the adrenaline-pumping music, perfectly crafted to the rhythm of gameplay. Listen to jams from top artists such as Billie Eilish, Green Day, and BTS.
If the game seems too easy at first, just increase your level of difficulty all the way to Expert+, which will have you panting and maybe even sore the next day. The interactive elements come in two forms: party mode and multiplayer. Party mode features a leaderboard where friends from around the globe can compete, while multiplayer allows for friends to play together at the same time. Though featured as a Steam game, Beat Saber is also available on PSVR, Oculus Quest, and Oculus Rift.
Just Dance 2020: Xbox One + Kinect
An update to an oldie-but-goodie, this game allows the user to dance up a sweat to the latest hits by artists such as Ariana Grande, Lil Nas X, and Billie Eilish. For those who have a hard time maintaining regular physical exercise, dancing has always been a more fun way to attain cardio goals. If you are looking for a challenge, gameplay increases in difficulty so you can always keep working up a sweat.
This game brings hardcore cardio into your living room, and some platforms require no console camera or motion controls with the use of the Dance Controller smartphone app. The interactive functionality allows up to four players, and Co-op Mode allows multiple users to combine scores against a common opponent. The main interface features Just Dance Unlimited, where you can download more songs and content, World Dance Floor, with community events and tournaments, and All Stars Mode, where you can access a digital catalog of music from the last ten years of the game!
If you’re like me, the gym just doesn’t always cut it. Driving home from work in the snow or rain, for example, is a sure-fire to way make sure I go straight home and take a nap in lieu of working out. Games such as these can get someone moving while having fun in the peace and quiet of your own space.
Remember that the importance of exercise is not to achieve socially-pressed body standards, but to achieve and maintain a body that supports health (not disease). While weight-bearing movements support lean body mass which promotes the body’s metabolism and overall functionality, cardiovascular activities help strengthen the heart and lungs while sweating out toxins. At the end of the day, the key to optimizing health is not which activities you do, but keeping moving and most importantly–having fun doing it.
