Slay the Dragon, Stay in Shape!

WASHINGTON — If your idea of working out includes slaying dragons, dancing on a glowing floor, or boxing a virtual opponent in your living room, congratulations! You’re part of a growing fitness trend known as exergaming, where physical movement meets digital play. 

While it may sound like a passing fad, there’s actually solid science behind why these games work, and why they don’t. Here is everything you need to know about the fun fitness trend.

What Is Exergaming?

Exergaming, short for exercise gaming, refers to digital games that require physical movement to play. Think of it as active gaming, where you can’t just sit and press buttons. You have to move your body to move your character. The American College of Sports Medicine even dubbed it “the future of fitness,” especially for kids and teens who already love screens but need more physical activity.

Unlike traditional video games, which encourage extended sedentary time, exergames swap that sitting for squatting, jumping, dancing, or balancing, helping turn screen time into step count. 

History of Exergaming

Although it has gained momentum in recent years, exergaming is not brand new. The concept has been around since the early 1980s, starting with the Atari Joyboard, a balance-board controller that mimicked skiing. Then came Bandai’s PowerPad, a floor mat game that let players run, hop, and stomp their way through virtual worlds — a precursor to today’s Dance Dance Revolution.

Fast forward to the 2000s, and systems like the Nintendo Wii and Xbox Kinect brought full-body movement to the mainstream. As screen time increased, often clocking in at four to five hours a day for some Americans, developers saw an opportunity: what if we could channel that sedentary time into time to move?

Examples of Exergaming

These are some of today’s most popular exergames, offering everything from cardio to coordination training, and in some cases, even a little competition.

• Just Dance: Follow on-screen choreography to pop hits. Fun, sweaty and surprisingly intense after a few songs.
  
• HoloFit: A VR fitness game that puts you on a virtual rowing machine, bike, or elliptical in immersive environments like space or ancient Babylon.
• Wii Sports: The original for many; play tennis, box, bowl, and much more by mimicking the real-life motions.
• Ring Fit Adventure: Nintendo’s action-meets-workout game. Battle monsters by doing squats, presses and yoga poses.
• iWall: A motion-sensing wall screen that tracks your body for games involving agility, balance and speed.
  
• Dance Central: A rhythm game that scores your moves while you dance to hip hop, R&B and club hits.
  
• Beam Floor: An interactive floor projection system for group play, ideal for kids and therapeutic environments.
  
• TWall: A light-up wall used for reaction drills, hand-eye coordination and fast-paced cardio.
  
• Fitness Boxing: Jab, hook, and uppercut your way through rhythmic routines to the beat.
  
• Dance Dance Revolution: The arcade classic. Step on the arrows in time with the music and let your heart rate soar.

Health Benefits of Exergaming

Here’s what the research says about what exergames can actually do for your health:

• They count as real exercise: A 2024 review of 29 studies found that many exergames reach moderate to vigorous intensity, enough to be considered legitimate cardio exercise.

• They feel easier than they are: Because you’re focused on gameplay, your brain registers less effort, making it more enjoyable, especially for beginners.

• They can be high-intensity: Some games offer bursts of intensity comparable to high-intensity interval training, while keeping it fun and varied.

• They are good for older adults: A 2024 study suggests that exergaming may improve balance, cognition, and mood, and many report enjoying the social interaction it often provides. That said, setup and support matter; accessible instructions and follow-ups are key for adoption.

• They may be comparable to traditional exercise: A 2023 review suggests that exergames offer physical and cognitive benefits similar to those of conventional exercise for older adults, although further research is needed.

• For kids and teens:
  • A 2018 review found that exergaming can boost physical activity levels in children. 
  • A 2024 review suggests that exergaming may improve cognitive flexibility, coordination, and motor skills in children, although the research is still evolving.

Game Over? Only If You Let It Be

Exergaming isn’t a magic bullet, and it won’t replace a structured strength-training program. It doesn’t build muscle mass or bone density as effectively as resistance training does. Plus,people may lose interest once the novelty wears off.

However, if you’re looking for a fun way to move more, sweat a little, and break up sedentary screen time, exergaming is a creative and engaging option. Whether you’re dancing, boxing, or dragon-slaying, the important part is this: you’re not just playing the game. You’re in it.

Our website content, services and products are for informational purposes only. The Well News does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have medical concerns or questions, discuss with your health care professional.

You can reach us at [email protected] and follow us on Facebook and X