Getting kids up and moving isn’t always easy, but what if you could combine the fun and excitement of a game with the benefits of exercise? That’s the idea behind the gamification of fitness.
At the recent PHA Summit, PHA partner Blue Goji showed off its immersive motion-based virtual reality games that put you right in the center of the action. For example, Trail Run takes you through a colorful forest alongside your very own 4-legged running companion, while Goji Farm is a farming resource game where you grow crops to make delicious, healthy smoothies. You earn Goji coins — which unlock various new features — by exercising.
For those looking for even more ideas to keep their family moving when stuck indoors, we’ve rounded up a few more ways to stay active from the comfort of your living room:
LeapFrog. Ideal for younger children, this gamified, fitness-focused activity tracker features a brightly colored wrist-mounted wearable that encourages active play and healthy habits. The screen shows cartoon animals that encourage the wearer to engage in active play such as “hop like a frog” or “jump like a kangaroo.” The more activities you do, the more points you earn, which unlock adorable virtual pets.
Atari Fit. With this app for Androids and iPhones, players workout individually or with friends and earn points that unlock classic Atari games like Pong and Centipede. With over 150 exercise routines and custom programs, you’ll get fit, stronger and healthier with full-body circuit workouts, running programs and conditioning routines.
Of course, Nintendo Wii U, Kinect for Xbox, and Sony Playstation Move also offer a wide assortment of games that engage the user in active play. From Zumba to Just Dance, and from bowling to yoga, there are endless games and sports that you and your family can enjoy all year long, no matter what the weather.
