Let us be honest, shall we? Even though we are all aware of the health benefits of exercise, let’s face it: it can feel more like a chore than anything else at times. But what if we could make working out as addictive as our favorite video game? Welcome to the world of gamified fitness, where leveling up isn’t just for your role-playing game character, but also for your real-world fitness goals.
The Game Plan
So, what’s the big deal about working out on a gaming platform? The key to success in this endeavor is to turn your workout into a game, complete with points, levels, and rewards. Consider that your favorite gym workout and your favorite video game had a child.
According to brain health coach Ryan Glatt, gamified fitness can influence the brain’s reward pathways, engaging areas responsible for goal-oriented behavior while also increasing levels of neurotransmitters associated with reward and excitability. To put it another way, working up a good sweat isn’t enough; you also need to think about what you’re doing.
The Score
Turning exercise into a game is becoming increasingly popular. The global market for VR fitness games was valued at $111 million in 2022, and it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 39.8 percent from 2023 to 2029.
But it’s not just about virtual reality. This trend also includes the use of fitness video games, such as Ring Fit for the Nintendo Switch and the Zwift app, which turn doing spin workouts at home into a game-like experience.
The Power-Up
So the question is, why should you care? Gamified fitness, on the other hand, can provide instant gratification through a daily reward system, which helps to develop working out as a pleasurable habit. Furthermore, it has the potential to create a dynamic within the team, which may help you stay motivated and accountable.
The Boss Battle
However, it is not all laughter and games. It is possible to have an unhealthy relationship with your devices, just as it is possible to have an unhealthy relationship with any type of fitness tracking. If you find yourself becoming overly competitive or data-driven, it may be time to step back and reassess your priorities.
The Next Level
Despite these potential disadvantages, gamified fitness is creating a new market segment in the world of exercise and engaging people who did not previously enjoy working out. It is more engaging than working out alone and has lower overhead costs than hiring a personal trainer or joining a gym or studio. Furthermore, it provides a higher level of engagement than working out alone.
As a result, why not give it a shot? It’s possible that increasing your fitness routine will provide you with the motivation and drive you’re looking for. Keep in mind that the goal should not be to achieve perfection, but to make progress and improve one’s performance one step at a time.
Are you ready to embark on your journey to better health and fitness? Let’s not completely screw this up and instead collaborate to level up!