november, 2019 | The Health
Fitness
15
Getting fit
through video
games
Some video games now are shown to provide
more than entertainment
S
ome research shows video games
as one of the major contributing
factors for children obesity and
violent behaviour. However, the
video game industry has evolved
in the last decade from promoting
violence to having a more wholesome, family
friendly theme.
Consoles like the Nintendo Wii, released in
2006, were created to capture the attention of
video game fans to promote a healthier lifestyle
for them.
In 2016, Pokémon Go made its global debut.
To date, it has been downloaded over 1 billion
times and won multiple awards such as the
Best Mobile Game and Best App of the Year.
Forbes dubbed it as ‘The World’s Most
Important Game’ in an article for the innova-
tive augmented reality (AR) gaming mechanic
in addition to bringing potential health ben-
efits to the player.
Healthier gaming sessions
To the video gaming community, the
Japanese video game company Nintendo
has unanimously been seen as a somewhat
quirky company.
Whereas the more popular video gaming
consoles from the likes of Sony Playstation and
Microsoft Xbox focuses more on immersing
themselves in the game through powerful sto-
rytelling and online features, Nintendo likes to
make games that have you jumping around and
do funny movement in front of the TV instead.
Recently however, Sony had also enter
into the more physically-active video games
through their VR (virtual reality) hardware.
With a gadget strapped to the head and cover-
ing the eyes, you will have to stand, duck, turn
around, and extend your arms around the
room while playing the game.
Walking to win
A similar type of experience were made popular
through the launching of the mobile game
Pokémon Go, which was designed to promote
physical activity. “Trainers” are more likely
to spend their days outside in search of these
mystical creatures.
According to scholars, the in-game
mechanics encourages players to walk around
a lot, and are shown to be a good form of l
The VR headset
enables players to
experience video
games in a very
different way, and
encourages them to
move about more than
usual.
ow-impact exercise.
In the US, a research found people who
reached 10,000 steps a day had increased
dramatically within the time the mobile game’s
popularity. Another research reveals a spike in
physical activities by 50 minutes and reduces
sedentary behaviour by 30 minutes a day.
Furthermore, having fun is essential to
fitness success. Walking with Pokémon Go
ensures the players are able to stay motivated,
consistent and overcome their fear of working
out by providing rewards and special bonuses
after the player has walked a certain distance.
Enjoying our exercise
These “augmented reality” mobile games are
known to help people cope with mental health
issues. Since outdoor exploration and coop-
eration is required to progress the game – it
provides an opportunity for social interaction.
A research shows that players are less
anxious about leaving the house, interact with
strangers and visiting new places.
In addition, the exposure to sunlight and
fresh air is beneficial for individuals with
depression and anxiety. Walking for 20-30
minutes daily can help improve our mood.
—The Health