Depending on local Covid alert levels, you may or may not be able to pursue your usual fitness routine. Some nations enter full lockdown, while some are restricted. Sometimes this means you can’t go to the gym or the park. But advances in technology mean videogames are no longer for the couch potato, and some are designed to actually help keep you fit and healthy.
Creed: Rise to Glory
The Rocky movies are among the greatest of all time, spanning six installments and two spinoffs. The latter of which focuses on Apollo Creed’s son Adonis Creed. Like any major movie franchise, Creed has some video games based on it. A VR game released in 2018, Creed: Rise to Glory, is one of the more intense. While it is a fun game, it will tire you out. And it is so physically demanding that a pre-workout stretch is very much advised. In true Rocky-style, you can train with a montage on punch bags, running on the spot, or sparring.
Nintendo Ring Fit Adventure
An evolution of Nintendo’s ground-breaking Wii Fit, Nintendo Ring Fit is available for the Switch only. Rather than asking you to perform specific exercises boringly, you need to complete certain movements. Using sensors, Joy-Con, and a resistance ring, you must guide your character, Drageux, through various scenarios. However, your finesse will count towards successful completion. To keep you engaged, your exercise movements such as squats, situps, and resistance pushing determine how well Drageux completes tasks like killing monsters.
Just Dance
Dancing is one of the most enjoyable ways to stay fit without the awareness that you are exercising. Just Dance was first released in 2009 for Nintendo Wii and is now on the 2022 edition for multiple platforms. The title is a rhythm-based game where you must dance the same way as the in-game dancer using motion-sensing technology. The dancing gets more difficult as you play, but it’s great fun when you can dance like Sherrie Silver to some of your favorite licensed tracks. How well you dance determines your score, and the hook is when you try to beat your highest.
Until You Fall
Released in 2019, Until You Fall is a challenging yet fun sword fighting game for PSVR and Steam. It’s so well designed that you won’t even realize you are getting a workout when you play. The exercise comes in the form of having to dodge swings, hold up your shield, and swing your own sword. But rather than a fun hack and slash combat game, critical timing is also required. In turn, this helps with a cognitive workout as well as physical. You wouldn’t think a game would be so physical, but it’s so intense, you’ll be happy to die for a small respite.
The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim VR
The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim is among the most legendary games ever made. To date, it has sold over 30 million copies. And this includes the iconic VR version. Trekking across the North of Tamriel in VR is a dream come true for millions of gamers. But what is unexpected is just how physical this game is. Like Until You Fall, hand to hand, or sword to shield combat is exhaustive. And the movement required to draw your bow and arrow can become tiresome on your arms. Additionally, you need to physically duck and jump in the game, so your character can avoid danger. A great workout with an excellent excuse to immerse yourself with the hearty Nords.
