Gaming lovers are a lucky lot. Depending on the mood you are in, there is an option to play chilled games at an incredible site like the Spin City casino, for instance. This will not require you to move up or down. As long as you have your PC, tablet, or phone, you can access all the games you love in the comfort of the location you love best. This can be at your house, office, park, when traveling, or any other place you love. When you feel like moving a little bit for the sake of your health, you can always switch to active video games. What are active video games, and how do they promote physical activity? Get all the answers below.
What Are Active Video Games?
Also known as exergames, these are titles designed to get a player moving. They have revolutionized the gaming landscape by encouraging exercise, movement, and outdoor exploration. Unlike traditional games, they often require a player to engage in physical activity before progressing to the next level. It can be anything from dancing, full-body workouts, or sports simulations. The genre’s popularity is on an upward trend, especially with the introduction of motion-sensing technologies like Xbox Kinect, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation Move, and many more. Read on to get valuable information on how the titles promote physical activity.
They Motivate People to Get Moving in a Fun Way
Most people find it challenging to stick to a regular workout routine because they lack the motivation to keep moving. Some people also say that traditional exercises are usually intimidating or boring. The case changes when it comes to active video titles because they address the issues by making the process of working out fun and something participants can always look forward to. The interactive and immersive nature of the titles keeps gamers engaged. Most people also feel a sense of accomplishment after achieving high scores or completing levels offering players the motivation to keep going at it. For instance, with Ring Fit Adventure, gamers must battle enemies and progress through levels by performing exercises like:
- Yoga Poses;
- Leg Lifts;
The Games Bring the Activities Closer to People
Another way that active video titles promote physical activity is they bring the movement closer to people. Accessibility is something that many people crave for. Some people find it inconvenient to go to a gym that may be far away from their homes or offices or engage in outdoor sports, perhaps because they are uncomfortable in such a setup. Other factors that may get in the way may be:
- Lack of Access to the Facilities;
- Financial Limitations;
- Time Constraints.
The games help to overcome this because a person can easily play them in the comfort of their homes with minimal equipment and on their schedules. It makes it easy for you to incorporate physical activity into your daily life regardless of how busy it may be. Additionally, titles will come with varying difficulty levels and workout options that can be customized, making them ideal for a wide range of fitness levels.
Promotion of Competition and Social Interaction
Some active video titles present multiplayer modes that encourage family and friends to work out together either online or in person. This is an excellent option for players who do not want to exercise alone. The social aspect can make physical activities less of a solitary chore and more enjoyable. When gamers are competing with each other or working together towards a common goal, it helps to boost motivation and offer a sense of community. Titles like Beat Saber and Just Dance allow friendly competition where participants can challenge each other to do better as they compare scores. It adds an extra layer of excitement, making it feel like a game night with people you love rather than exercise.
It is also important to mention that the active video titles help promote healthy lifestyle habits in children who play them. They came at the right time when childhood obesity was a growing concern all over the globe. They are especially fun for the young ones who do not want to engage in traditional exercise options but will gladly move their bodies when they are playing a game they hold dear. For instance, a title like Pokémon Go encourages children to go outside, walk around, breathe fresh air, and explore their surroundings to catch a virtual Pokémon.
Video Games Can Have Similar Health Perks to Jogging
Active video games can be considered a life-saver for gamers who once enjoyed sedentary screen time playing the tilts they loved, promoting diseases like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The genre encourages people to use body movements to score points or control the game. According to research published in Games for Health Journal, active games can have similar health benefits to traditional exercises like jogging on a treadmill. The researcher said they are a good option for people who want to stay active and maintain conditions like type 1 diabetes.