Are you still stuck at home because of the Covid-19 pandemic? Or are you allowed back into the outside world but want to avoid going to the gym?
Or maybe everything is fine, but you just don’t want to pay for a gym membership? I know I definitely don’t!
I know, I know… Why the heck do you want to play a video game to exercise? Well… I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty sick of not fitting into my clothes. Plus, it’s a one-off payment for a lifetime of exercise.
That means I’m saving money!
Side note: Most of these games are Switch-related because let’s be honest, we ain’t moving one inch if we’re playing on the Xbox or PS. Not unless you’ve got Kinect/Move anyway but who does?
Here is a list of video games that you can play in the comfort of your own home, and still shed some Gs.
Fitness Boxing (Switch)
Not gonna lie, this is the only game in my list that I actually own.
You’ll learn various combinations of punches, dodges and blocks in either 15-, 20-, 30- or 45-minute total workouts. It most definitely works your arms and glutes, and it does give you a cardio option. You could also do your exercises with a friend in co-op or versus modes, even if you only have one pair of Joy-Cons!
I did a 30-day challenge last October. Although I didn’t lose much in terms of grams, I did feel fitter and looked slimmer. So, if you’re looking for something easier to get through but still get a good workout, you might want this.
Fitness Boxing is US$49.99 on the eShop.
Ring Fit Adventure (Switch)
From what I’ve seen on YouTube, this game really gives you a well-rounded workout. Ring Fit goes one above Fitness Boxing and has you doing yoga poses and overhead presses.
For me, it was either Ring Fit Adventure or Fitness Boxing. Ultimately, I went with Fitness Boxing because you need the extra gear (and a bit more money) to play it. You won’t be able to play the game without the ring-con and leg strap so, the game isn’t sold digital-only.
Ring Fit Adventure is US$79.99 – you can find it on Amazon here.
Just Dance (Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One)
Do you just wanna dance? This game is for you.
Just Dance is a decade-old franchise all about dancing. And if you know dancing, you know that dancing is definitely a workout. Dance along pop-tunes by yourself or with up to three other friends.
Just Dance 2020 is available on the eShop. Here it is on the PS Store and the Microsoft Store (when did it change from Xbox Store??).
Zumba® Burn It Up! (Switch)
This one is a dancing workout game based on the dancing workout phenomenon: Zumba.
Zumba® Burn It Up! is veeeery similar to Just Dance. Just with different moves and different songs.
Find Zumba® Burn It Up! on the eShop.
Beat Saber (PS/PC VR)
I almost played this at a VR studio in Malaysia. I still want to play it now, though!
If I had to describe this game in one sentence, I would say Beat Sabre is Guitar Hero meets lightsabers. You use your VR controllers as lightsabers, and you slash at boxes coming at you along to the beat of songs.
How does that give you a workout? You’ll have to trust me on this one, or try it out for yourself!
Beat Saber is US$14.49 on Steam and US$29.99 on the PS Store.
Mario Tennis Aces (Switch)
I would say that Mario Tennis Aces is similar to Wii Tennis. Swing your Joy-Con and hit that tennis ball!
You play tennis against various members of the Mario universe and compared to Wii Tennis, this game actually requires skill. You’ve got a story mode to play if you like, play a tournament against the computer or online (against real people!), and a free-play mode.
Mario Tennis Aces is US$59.99 on the eShop.
BoxVR (PC/PS VR)
This game was suggested by my Giga Bit patron, Dylan. Thanks, Dylan!
According to Dylan, this game is a bit more hardcore than Fitness Boxing. Where Fitbox simply gets you to hit the right kinds of punches at the right time, this game gives you higher scores when you punch harder.
BoxVR is US$14.49 on Steam and US$29.99 on the PS Store.
Jump Rope Challenge (Switch)
This is the most recent, and the most random, exercise game of this list.
Created by Nintendo devs to get them moving while working from home, this game is exactly as advertised – you jump “rope”. That’s all. You can set a daily goal, pick up your Joy-Cons and get hopping. On your own, with your friend, that’s entirely up to you.
This game is FREE on the Nintendo eShop until September 30th, 2020.
So, that’s a bunch of video games that you can play to stay fit at home. Do you play any of these games? Do you have any other suggestions? Let me know in the comments!
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Plug/Play by Blaise 