Video Game Workouts

When video  games came out in the late ’70s & ’80s and people complained about them because they assumed that they had no benefit other than a form of entertainment. Fast forward to 2012 and we are using video games in a number of different ways. Kids play video games to help them learn how to read, apply math skills and learn problem solving skills. While not all video games are educational kids seem to be getting a lot more out of games than just entertainment.

The video game industry is reportedly more lucrative than ever before. According to JoyStick.com the video game industry was a 74 billion dollar industry in 2011. This is up from just 18 billion in 2008. The good news for consumer beside rising game prices is that there are more people making video games than ever before. This allows there to be more video games and thus more options for consumers. One of the newest game fads has to be games that get users active. This is a new idea considering the majority of games take little to know physical activity.

I recently learned something quite interesting about video games. Many young people have developed incredible hand, eye, and brain coordination in playing these games. The air force believes these kids will be our outstanding pilots should they fly our jets.- RONALD REAGAN, Aug. 8, 1983

Even though Nintendo Wii came out a few years before, when Xbox released Kinect in November of 2010 the world was introduced, the first motion control system capable of tracking the player in 3D space without the need for a controller. This opened the door to using your body as the controller. This innovation to traditional gaming gets kids off the couch and allows them to enter the game. What these same kids don’t realize is that they are burning calories while they slay dragons or play running back from the Miami Dolphins.

Game designers took these ideas and really ran with them. Games that are based around fitness are the new fad in working out and gaming and have become some of the funnest ways to start getting in shape. Why buy a gym membership or a personal trainer when you can get one to come to your house through your Xbox or Wii. While there are a ton of these fitness games coming onto the market there are some games that will give you the most fun, complete and overall best workout.

Video Games Workout Reviews

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2012 is a workout video game that allows you over 90 hours of workouts pre programmed right into the game. You will need some weights, a yoga mat and some time because these workouts can get intense but if you are looking for results this maybe the game for you.

Just Dance 3 is a fun for everyone dance game that gets you up and moving. This game has 40 songs that you can cardiograph dance routines to. You can dance with friends to get points and challenges or play against your friends to see who can do all of the best moves.

Zumba Fitness Rush  is a latin inspired workout that combines 42 songs routines and 24 different styles of dance to get you one of the best cardio workouts around. If you have ever paid for a zumba class you know that they are not cheap. Buying this game can save you money in the long run.

 Ea Sports Madden 2013 is a great get up and move game for people out there that might not want to dance or do zumba. The new madden allows users to use voice commands. While you still use the controller you will be surprised how fun and exhausting it is calling out plays and changing formations with the new features.

There are tons of games out there that are combining fitness and game play. I would love to hear from you and what games you play that help you get in shape and the ones that have you loving working out. Remember you can make working out fun and start loving exercise. Check out a related blog: Apps that help you lose weight.  Join the conversation on Twitter @FunFitnessFrank. Enjoy working out everyone!