Exergaming for Fun

Some of the most popular exergames have sold millions of copies. This, of course, is because they are fun and they bring a new and different pleasure to daily life. Many exergames are geared towards dancing, which is one of the most fun and natural ways to exercise our bodies. And for those of us who love to dance, exergames provide a great alternative to hitting the clubs on a Monday night! In one study of Dance Dance Revolutution™ gamers report that they play for the following reasons in descending order of importance: to have fun, play with other people, workout, dance, meet other people who play, enjoy the challenge of the game, and to be admired for showing off their skills. In essence, exergaming is so appealing because it is engaging and it fosters social interaction.

If dancing is not your thing, check out a workout game called EyeToy: Kinetic™. The EyeToy™ device uses a camera pointed at the player to detect the player’s physical movements and to translate this into the game setting. EyeToy: Kinetic™ offers a variety of workouts such as combat, in which players kick and punch images of falling objects. Other activities include active cardio exercises, gym workouts, karate moves, toning exercises, yoga, and tai-chi. A virtual trainer moves the player through a 12-week fitness program that becomes increasingly challenging over time.

A community has built up alongside the exergaming industry with forums, blogs, chat-rooms and even tournaments geared toward exergaming. This provides venues where people can meet, socialize, compete, show off their skill and bond over a common passion. Often, it is a common bond with others that can make exercise go from a chore to a joy!