Every new year, people around the world commit to making changes in their lives. These New Years' resolutions often revolve around self-improvement, and unsurprisingly it's common for resolutions to focus on losing weight, exercising more, and being healthier in general. Many video game fans often also adopt the fitness craze.
Getting into shape is easier said than done, and many hobby gamers often want to spend their free time gaming. After a long day of work, it is possible to work out and play games at the same time. Fitness-centered games are available that can be particularly good times for rhythm or RPG fans.
Ring Fit Adventure
Nintendo's latest fusion of gaming and exercise, Ring Fit Adventure, was a huge success. Since early 2020, copies of the Nintendo Switch game have flown off shelves, especially when most of the world was in lockdown. Ring Fit Adventure combines physical activity with an RPG storyline that features over 100 unique levels. With special Joy-Con peripherals for players' hands and legs, the game requires some real exertion and tracks players' stats, preventing any lazy gameplay. Fans have reported being genuinely exhausted after a play session, but still have fun battling monsters.
Beat Saber
Beat Saber is a staple virtual reality game, and one of the highest-selling VR games of all time. The rhythm game requires players to hit glowing blocks with lightsabers to the beat of popular songs at varying difficulties. Depending on the speed and difficulty of the song, some levels get fast and force players to duck, lean, and reach for their targets. Beat Saber is a game that seems easy, but after two or three songs many players find themselves breaking a sweat in the immersive space-age neon environments. Music lovers and dance fanatics will likely find a lot of enjoyment in this block-battling rhythm game.
The Climb 2
Gamers who are interested in a lower-impact exercise experience may find a perfect time with The Climb 2. This VR climbing simulator offers an immersive experience that makes players feel like they're climbing a skyscraper or mountain. Even though players don't have to physically hold their own weight, they do have to keep their arms lifted and continuously move if they don't want to take a terrifying plummet. The Climb 2 requires a surprising amount of endurance, and is a great workout for anyone wanting to improve their arm and shoulder strength — or anyone wanting to conquer their fear of heights in a low-stakes way.
Just Dance 2022
Rhythm game fans who don't have access to a VR headset don't need to fret, because Just Dance 2022 offers a fun experience similar to Beat Saber. With more than 40 songs that have unique dances included. and over 700 songs available with a Just Dance Unlimited subscription, players should never run out of songs they can dance to. The Just Dance franchise requires players to hit certain dance moves along with on-screen dancers, but since players only have to use one motion controller, there is a lot of flexibility. More hardcore players may hit every beat, jumping and spinning, but newer players might want to just focus on the arm movements. There's no wrong way to play, and it gets people up and moving either way.
For gamers that want to take fitness seriously in the new year, there are a lot more options. Whether tackling a workout resolution solo or with a group, video games offer an exercise alternative that help make getting in shape more fun.