Introduction
The joys of video gaming are endless. Who hasn’t enjoyed the satisfaction of beating a level, discovered the perfect controller or console to suit their needs, or beat their friend at a game they’ve wanted to play for ages? But there’s an unexpected benefit to playing video games: you’re helping your health as well. That’s right! Studies show that playing games can stimulate mental acuity and improve eye-hand coordination. It may even reduce depression and stress. Video games can also help people lose weight, especially since many modern consoles now come with motion sensors that enable users to become more physically engaged in gameplay. We’ve compiled some tips for how you can use these new gaming systems and accessories to improve your health while getting the satisfaction of winning!
Play a Nintendo Wii
For fun, you can play a Nintendo Wii. The games are great for your health. You’ll be able to lose weight, prevent diabetes and heart disease. Plus the game will be fun!
Use a game to get motivated.
If you want to get fit from a game, use one that motivates you and makes you want to be healthier. You should play a game that:
- Is competitive (you can compete with yourself, other people or the game itself)
- Is challenging (the goals are difficult enough that they require some effort)
- Is rewarding (the reward is more than just beating the levels—it’s getting better at something)
Play DDR.
Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) is a game that gets you moving. It requires you to step on arrows that appear on the screen in rhythm with the music. This can be played alone, or with friends – either way, it’s a fun way to get fit!
The good news is that DDR has been around for over 20 years and it’s still as popular now as when it was first released. There are many different versions of the game available but they all require the same basic movements: stepping forward and backwards, side stepping and turning around in place while staying within your designated square.
Play sports video games.
Sports video games are a great way to get exercise. The action on the screen mimics real life, but it’s much less strenuous than actually running around a football field or playing basketball in an actual game. They can be played online with friends, which keeps you motivated and engaged in the game for longer periods of time than if you were playing by yourself. You can also play sports video games on a console or PC; some even run on your phone or tablet! If you have access to internet, there’s probably a free app for any kind of sport that interests you—you don’t need to spend money on expensive equipment like a bowling ball or baseball gloves if all you want is some exercise!
Play Guitar Hero and Rock Band.
Playing video games is a great way to learn new skills. A lot of popular video games teach you how to play various instruments, whether it’s the guitar or drums, bass or piano. If you want to learn how to play an instrument yourself but don’t know where to start, try playing one of these games and see if it helps you get started on your journey towards becoming a rockstar!
Play games that get you off the couch.
Once you’re comfortable with a game and can play it without thinking too much, you’ll be ready to move on. The next step is to select a game that will get your heart rate up and make sure that you’re getting a little exercise while playing.
Some great options are:
- Wii Fit – This game is all about balance, which means it’s not just good for your body but also for your mind. If you have trouble balancing, this might help improve that skill set!
- Dance Dance Revolution – DDR has been around for some time now, but there are still new versions coming out every couple of years. It’s fun because it gets people up off their butt and moving around the room in time with the music! Whether or not it helps improve cardio health depends on how often someone plays; but either way, DDR will definitely force players into an athletic stance (similar to yoga poses) as well as teach them new dance moves they can use later in life—and maybe even at parties if they’re brave enough!
Exercise during cut scenes.
Don’t just sit there. Do something.
- Walk around your house while you’re watching TV (like I do).
- Stretch while you’re playing video games.
- Get up and get a glass of water instead of taking a drink out of the can or bottle that’s right next to you.
Don’t just sit there… do something else!
Playing video games can be fun and good for your health!
Playing video games can be fun and good for your health! Video games are all about playing, so if you’re looking to get in shape while having a blast, here are some of my favorite ways to do just that:
- Play with friends. If you have friends who also like to play video games (or even if you don’t), try making a pact with them to go on walks together after school or work. You can also play sports outdoors together in your neighborhood park, or even just compete in a local tournament at some nearby arcade! Some of my favorite places include the gaming center called GameStop since they have lots of different kinds of consoles available there; one time I went there with this guy named Jim who was really nice but had no idea what any buttons were doing on controller #2 except when he played as Mario because then he knew how much damage his fireballs did per second–that’s why we clicked so well together!”
Conclusion
Now that you’ve completed this blog post, it’s your turn to start gaming for a healthier lifestyle!