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With the coronavirus forcing millions to stay indoors – again – it’s worth remembering all of the games that can help you stay fit in isolation.
This article has been updated since its original publication.
You don’t need the latest console or beefy home PC to get fit with gaming – there are plenty of options for consoles of every generation. Here are some of our favorites.
Just Dance (Wii, Wii U, PS4, PS4, X360, XBO, Switch, PC, iOS, Android)
Just Dance is one of the most accessible fitness titles out there and is available for almost every console, computer, and mobile device. Just Dance is released annually so you can choose from a wide variety of titles, with some of the earlier games being sold cheaply as chips.
If you’ve never played Just Dance the concept is simple: you just dance. Symbols in the game perform movements that you can mirror, from simple toe taps to frenetic beats. At the end of each dance, you have had a good, heartbreaking workout.
Just Dance is great fun and a solid alternative to the gym.
Beat Saber offers a similar concept to Just Dance in that you use pop beats to get your heart rate up. In this VR-exclusive title, players are in control of two “lightsabers” (not to be confused with the Star Wars lightsabers) that they use to break through oncoming blocks that match the rhythm of the game’s songs.
Blocks fly towards you from above and below, so you’ll need your wits (and good reaction time) to get through this hectic game.
You can check out the full heartbeat action below:
While Beat Saber looks more like a stationary game, it gives you solid workout for your upper body, especially your arms.
If you don’t already have a copy of Ring Fit Adventure, you’re out of luck here as the game sells out almost everywhere. But if you’re one of the lucky few who already own the game, Ring Fit Adventure makes a fantastic workout companion.
In fact, the game almost seems designed for situations like this. Ring Fit Adventure is a complete game about staying fit with players completing a variety of workout-based levels. To defeat enemies, players must crouch, drop out, and kneel on the knees to achieve victory, with jogging being a primary movement mechanic.
A level of Ring Fit is sure to get you puffing and puffing, but the best part is that there is an exciting little story about your fitness adventure that you want to hold out for as long as possible.
Make sure you set your own pace – you don’t have to go as fast as these speedrunners. Since the levels are divided into smaller quests, you can do the best training for yourself.
Fitness boxing for Switch has largely flown under the radar, but it’s great for a workout and more accessible than Ring Fit. In it, the players take on a kind of rhythm game in which they don’t dance but have to hit blocks to the beat.
It’s fast paced and difficult to master, but it certainly gets the blood flowing and should be great for your upper body strength.
Fitness boxing doesn’t have a lot of content, but if you want to improve your arm strength and reaction time, it will surely keep you busy.
Maybe it’s time to dust off your balance board as the Wii Fit games can be of great help during this busy time. While both Wii Fit and Wii Fit U are more geared towards balance and relaxation than a long, sweaty workout, they still keep you active and moving.
Exercising as simple as working on your balance can help you relax and get your fitness goals back on track at the same time.
Both games have a variety of low to high intensity mini-games for you to go through so you can work on any strengths you want. If you don’t already own the console or games, you can usually get a Wii for under $ 50 and the game will cost you around $ 5 at your local game store. It’s a simple solution to a tricky problem.
Arms (switch)
Arms isn’t just a fitness game, but you can still get a hell of a workout if you’re up against a worthy opponent. The game uses mechanics similar to fitness boxing in that you use the Switch’s controllers to “box” opponents.
Arms takes place during a fighting tournament in which players are tasked with defeating a series of increasingly stronger, large-armed enemies. You have to crouch and wave to bypass the enemy defenses and strike quickly into their blind spots.
It’s great for being active and is a grossly underrated game as well.
Image: Kotaku
If you self-isolate because of the coronavirus, you are not leaving your home. But if you’re not sick and still stuck at home, a quick walk around your neighborhood is no fault to catch a Rogue Pokémon or two.
Pokémon Go’s simple mechanics make walking fun and a great way to keep your brain busy if you get bored easily with simple exercises.
If you are embarking on an adventure in the next few weeks, be sure to follow the advice of your community and health authorities. Right now, taking a stroll with Pokémon Go is a great and rewarding way to stay active and healthy.
Recording room (PCVR, PSVR, PC, PS4)
Do you fancy basketball, table tennis, mini golf or just time to hang out? You can do this in the recording room. The game is basically a social space for people to create spaces that play what they want. It started with simple table and fitness sports, but now includes a slew of first-person and third-person shooter missions, paintball, better tools for creating virtual environments, and more.
Rec Room is free on all platforms and a patch was added after it launched so you can play it on a regular PC. However, it’s best in VR, and that’s also what gives you the most practice.
What are your plans to stay fit in isolation? Feel free to share your tips in the comments below!
