Anyone who gambles a lot inevitably spends many hours sitting. But that doesn’t mean that gaming and exercise have to be a contradiction. From walking pads to VR headsets to apps that turn your steps into adventures: There are now numerous ways to integrate fitness into your everyday gaming routine without having to forego your favorite games.
Gaming on the treadmill: The simplest solution for more exercise
If you play on the console, you can place a walking pad or a treadmill in front of the screen. Even walking slowly will ensure that you accumulate several thousand steps during a longer gaming session. Even a leisurely pace of 3 to 5 km/h brings significantly more movement into everyday life than sitting for hours.
Games such as:
- Firewatch
- Blue Prince
- Crime Scene Cleaner
- The Long Dark
- Death Stranding
- Skyrim
Or whatever game you want to play. A recommendation from us: Choose a game in which you don’t have to look back and forth too quickly. You can quickly lose your balance on the treadmill.
Height-adjustable desk: Sit less, move more
A height-adjustable desk is now almost standard equipment in many home offices. So why not benefit from it when gaming? Simply switching between sitting and standing relieves strain on your back and neck. In combination with a walking pad, it even creates a little cardio workout while playing.
Exercise bike and bike stand: collect kilometers while gaming
Not everyone feels comfortable on a treadmill. Pedal trainers or bicycle roller trainers are a particularly practical alternative. With the latter, you clamp your normal bike into a special stand and pedal on the spot. We recommend either playing on the console or with a handheld.
Mini stepper: The stable alternative to the treadmill
If you have problems with balance while playing on the treadmill, you should look at a mini stepper. These devices take up little space and allow you to move around without having to constantly walk. Controller players in particular benefit from the greater stability compared to a treadmill.
VR treadmills: If you really want to run through Skyrim
For particularly ambitious gamers, there are now VR treadmills like the Omni One or Kat Walk C. This allows you to actually move through virtual worlds instead of just using the analog stick. In games like Skyrim VR, this feels amazingly immersive while still providing plenty of movement.
Beat Saber, Pistol Whip and Co.: Fitness through VR
VR is now one of the most effective forms of active gaming. Some games you can check out:
- Beat Saber
- Pistol whip
- Thrill of the Fight
- Les Mills Body Combat VR
- Supernatural
Depending on the game, you’ll work up a sweat and often completely forget that you’re training. This particularly reminds us of the times of Wii Sports. After all, the boxing matches here also made you sweat a lot.
Pokémon GO and other AR games
Pokémon GO has shown for years that exercise and gaming go well together. Anyone on the move can catch Pokémon, complete routes or take part in community events. Other AR games also rely on the same principle and reward every additional step.
Zombies, Run!: The fitness adventure for joggers
Many people find jogging easier when there is a goal. That’s exactly what Zombies, Run! relies on. As you run, you experience a story, collect resources and escape from virtual zombie hordes. This makes the running session feel more like a game than a workout.
Make your steps an adventure
Not every fitness app has to focus on calories and workout plans. Some turn movement directly into a game. Apps like Fantasy Hike use your real footsteps to let you travel through fantasy worlds. With every walk you progress further on the map, unlock new locations and track your progress like in a role-playing game.
Smartwatches, smart rings and fitness trackers: your Pip-Boy for real life
Fitness trackers, smart rings and smartwatches provide you with valuable data while you play. Many devices record:
- Steps
- heart rate
- Training time
- Calorie consumption
- Sleep
- recreation
- Stress levels
Especially when playing on a treadmill, you can quickly see how much movement you have actually accumulated during a session. This actually feels a bit like a real Pip-Boy from Fallout.
Use loading screens and defeats wisely
Even small breaks can provide exercise. Possible rules:
- 10 push-ups after each boss death
- 20 squats after a defeat
- 30 second plank during matchmaking
- Stretching exercises in the loading screen
That sounds simple, but it adds up to a surprising amount over weeks and months.
Gaming and fitness are no longer mutually exclusive. From walking pads to VR fitness to smartwatches and apps that turn your steps into adventures, there are now more ways than ever to incorporate exercise into everyday gaming life. Small changes are often enough to turn sitting for hours into a much more active leisure activity.