To exercise or to game; that is the question. Or is it? Who says can’t you enjoy the best of both worlds?
When video games first exploded on to the scene all those years ago it was inevitable that their march would eventually leave them at the door of the fitness industry – before they promptly kicked it down.
We’ve danced, boxed and worn away carpets jogging in place (sorry, Mum) to bring you five of the best exercise-centric titles to play in 2021.
This is all gain with no pain (okay, maybe a little pain, but it’s worth it).
Beat Saber
We’re starting off with a cracker that ironically isn’t marketed as an exercise game, but still gets you ducking and dodging while giving your guns a proper workout. Beat Saber sees players don the VR headset and slice blocks with two motion-controlled blades (controllers in reality) to the sound of high tempo music. Think Tron-Star Wars crossover because the day after you will certainly feel the force of Beat Saber.
Additional gear needed to play: Supported VR headset and tracked motion controllers.
Just Dance 2021
Probably the best known game to get you off the sofa and activating those twitch fibres is the legendary Just Dance. The 12th edition of the main series has some 600 tunes for you to boogie to and work up a sweat in the process. Designed for single and multiplayer use, you can face off against mates to find out who is the king or queen of the dancefloor (or living room).
Additional gear needed to play: The Just Dance Controller app to track your moves.
Knockout League
Can’t wait for the proposed heavyweight clash between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury in December? Burn off some excitable energy with this hard-hitting (it’s actually a lot of fun) game. Knockout League immerses the player in the ring as they block and throw back some serious virtual leather against wacky competitors including a pirate and an octopus – seriously how were these guys sanctioned to fight?
Additional gear needed to play: Supported VR headset and tracked motion controllers.
Ring Fit Adventure
The only time you will be sitting down playing this game is when you’re rattling out crunches. Players set out to defeat the bodybuilding dragon Dragaux (who doesn’t stop talking about his muscles), who has thrown the world into chaos. With a band attached to your thigh, you complete tasks, free villages and overcome obstacles by jogging, squatting, crunching as well as squeezing the ring fit (kind of like a Pilates ring). The more effort you put into the exercises, the better your avatar performs. Now that’s definitely a compelling reason to give it your all.
Additional gear needed to play: Ring Fit.
Zumba: Burn it up
No time to get to your Zumba class in the morning? No problem. Zumba: Burn It Up offers high-energy routines to get the juices flowing as well as your hips shaking. With classes led by qualified instructors (these
are recorded), you dance away your exercise for the day, while you pick up some new moves too.
Additional gear needed to play: none
