8 Video Games to Help You Stay Fit in Lockdown

Using video games to stay fit might seem like something of a contradiction. After all, the gaming industry has a reputation for making people less healthy. But the truth is that there are plenty of titles that can help you build up a sweat while playing. Thanks to modern technology such as virtual reality, motion sensing, and camera tracking, fitness games are on the rise.

That’s good news for millions of people around the world right now. With the COVID-19 pandemic preventing us from staying as active as we normally would, people need alternative methods of exercise. Thankfully, many of these video games are not just great for getting healthier — they’re actually a lot of fun for the whole family.

So, get ready to get some new workout ideas for you and your loved ones while you can’t get to the gym. Here are eight video games to help you stay fit in lockdown.

Ring Fit Adventure

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Nintendo has been at the forefront of fitness games since the release of the Wii. The Switch has carried on that tradition with the Nintendo EPD title Ring Fit Adventure. The game essentially combines the fitness genre with action-RPGs to provide a more entertaining experience. Players set off on an adventure to defeat bad guys and explore the world in a charming story. Using different forms of exercise to move around and attack, it is easy to get out of breath very quickly. The game comes with its own special controller attachment as well to track movements effectively.

Just Dance

Platforms: Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Google Stadia, Wii, Wii U, Xbox 360, and Xbox One

Just Dance is one of the best games to stay fit. As you might have guessed from the title, it’s a dancing game. Players have to mimic certain dance moves shown on the screen in time with the music. There’s no other mechanics outside of that main gameplay loop either, making it accessible and easy to play. Furthermore, every title comes with a nice selection of tracks, from pop music to ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s classics. What’s more, the title is available on practically every platform imaginable and new entries are released every year.