Exercising at home has never been more relevant or important. If you're looking for a new regime and prefer to have fun while you exercise, why not consider a video game for exercise? There are so many games to choose from and they all focus on different activities. You can box, run, or dance your way to fitness!
We chose Beat Saber by Beat Games as our favorite video game for exercise. It's the perfect balance of fun and exercise and is both challenging and easy to play. We've also put together a top 10 list for you to consider and created a handy buying guide to help you make your choice!
We've searched the Internet to find the best video games for exercise available. We've picked a variety of games, so no matter what you're looking for, there's something for you!
$79.99
Platform | Nintendo Switch |
---|---|
Exercise | Mixed |
Peripherals Needed | Ring Fit (included) |
$0.00
Platform | Android, iOS |
---|---|
Exercise | Walking |
Peripherals Needed | None |
$29.99
Platform | Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii, PS4, Xbox One |
---|---|
Exercise | Dancing |
Peripherals Needed | Depends on the system |
$0.00
Platform | Android, iOS |
---|---|
Exercise | Running |
Peripherals Needed | None |
$0.00
Platform | Android, iOS |
---|---|
Exercise | Running, walking, or cycling |
Peripherals Needed | None |
$24.99
Platform | PS4, PC, Oculus Rift |
---|---|
Exercise | Mixed |
Peripherals Needed | VR headset |
$59.95
Platform | Nintendo Wii, Xbox One, Xbox 360 |
---|---|
Exercise | Zumba |
Peripherals Needed | Kinect (Xbox) |
Image | 1 ![]() Beat Games | 2 ![]() Nintendo | 3 ![]() Niantic, Inc. | 4 ![]() Ubisoft | 5 ![]() Six to Start | 6 ![]() Location Games | 7 ![]() SUPERHOT Team | 8 ![]() FitXR | 9 ![]() Majesco | 10 ![]() Nintendo |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Beat Saber | Ring Fit Adventure | Pokémon Go | Just Dance 2020 | Zombies, Run! | Run an Empire | SUPERHOT VR | Box VR | Zumba Fitness World Party | Arms |
Features | Ignite Your Sabers to Destroy Boxes and Get Fit | Exercises and Minigames for All Ages | Catch Pokémon While Going for a Walk | Easy-to-Follow Dance Routines Set to Popular Music | Immersive Audio Adventure to Accompany Running | Build an Empire as You Exercise | Immersive Fighting VR Game | A Boxing-Based VR Game That Makes You Sweat | A Wide Variety of Zumba Routines for All Levels | Colorful Gameplay for the Entire Family |
Price | $29.99 | $79.99 | $0.00 | $29.99 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $24.99 | $29.99 | $59.95 | $49.99 |
Platform | PS4, PC | Nintendo Switch | Android, iOS | Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Wii, PS4, Xbox One | Android, iOS | Android, iOS | PS4, PC, Oculus Rift | PS4, PC, Oculus Rift | Nintendo Wii, Xbox One, Xbox 360 | Nintendo Switch |
Exercise | Dance | Mixed | Walking | Dancing | Running | Running, walking, or cycling | Mixed | Boxing | Zumba | Boxing |
Peripherals Needed | VR headset | Ring Fit (included) | None | Depends on the system | None | None | VR headset | VR headset | Kinect (Xbox) | None |
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Before buying a video game for exercise, there are a few points you should take into consideration. Take a look at our buying guide to help you make the best decision for you!
Video games for exercise come in many different forms. Many of these don’t need any special equipment other than the console to play it on and enough space to move. However, this isn’t true of all exercise games.
Some games put you in the middle of the action by utilizing the virtual reality capabilities of the console. To play these, you’ll need a VR system. Sometimes you can get this as a bundle package with the exercise game, but you may need to purchase it separately.
For other games, such as Ring Fit Adventure, you’ll need an additional peripheral that is designed especially for that game. In these instances, the peripheral and game usually come bundled together. Make sure you have the budget and space required to play the game.
Exercising with a video game should be fun, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be effective at the same time! A good video game for exercise should have a structured program that will adapt to your base level of fitness and help you get fitter.
Like any exercise program, you should be able to measure your progress through the game and increase the level as you get in better shape. Look for games that have the facility to record your progress and adapt as you improve.
The key to any kind of exercise program is consistency. Any video game for exercise that you buy should make you want to return to it frequently and make it part of your regular routine. This is why you should choose a game that has a format that appeals to you.
If you like music and dance, look at games based around dancing or Zumba. If you prefer your exercise to be more traditional, then there are plenty of games that are built around more typical forms of exercise such as aerobics, boxing, or walking.
Ultimately, you want to choose a game that doesn’t just help you to exercise but is also fun. Colorful graphics, interesting avatars, and a variety of activities will all keep you coming back for more.
Another way to keep you coming back to a video game is to play it with other people. Some games, such as those based around dancing, can support multiple players at once. Other games will allow you to add profiles for multiple people so although you’ll have to take your turn, you can share the game and compare scores if you wish.
If you’re feeling especially competitive and want to get some tension and stress out of your system, why not challenge someone to a friendly boxing match? You can land punches on your friend’s avatar without causing a single real-life bruise!
Video games can be an effective and fun form of exercise. However, if you're looking for a more traditional way to burn some calories, we have some recommendations for you!
We found that the best video games for exercise are challenging but still fun to play. It's important to choose a game that you will play repeatedly while getting a good workout.
Whatever video game for exercise that you choose, we hope it helps you get fit and puts a smile on your face!
Author: Kellie Lacey
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