How Gaming Workouts Helped Me Stay Active

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I’ve never considered myself a gamer—except for the golden days of the Nintendo 64 in the 90s when Mario Tennis was my jam. Despite being around many who get lost in the immersive worlds of gaming, I never quite understood the appeal. That is, until now.

Pandemic Life and the Need for Creative Outlets

Living in Ottawa during the third lockdown—what I lovingly call the "super lockdown"—has been challenging. With the closure of outdoor amenities like parks, hiking trails, and even golf courses, my go-to methods for burning off stress and maintaining mental health have been off-limits. As a mental health worker who relies on exercise to manage anxiety, I had to find an alternative.

Enter the Nintendo Switch.

While my initial attempts with games like Overcooked left me more stressed than entertained, I discovered the joy of exercise-based games. They’ve not only spiced up my at-home workouts but also helped me rediscover a sense of fun and flow in physical activity.

The Games That Changed Everything

1. Just Dance

As the name suggests, Just Dance is all about moving your body to the rhythm of the music. Its simplicity is its charm. Dancing is one of the best ways to complete the stress response cycle by releasing pent-up energy.

Even with my husband and dog watching, I dance like no one’s there, letting loose and burning calories in the most joyful way.

2. Ring Fit Adventure

This game combines agility courses and “workout monster” challenges using a Pilates-inspired resistance ring. It’s fun, engaging, and customizable—you can mute the in-game music and play your favorite high-BPM playlist instead. The best part? It doesn’t feel like working out.

Both games have been lifesavers during the pandemic, showing me that exercise doesn’t have to feel forced or boring.

The Hidden Bonuses of At-Home Workouts

These games have taught me to enjoy working out at home, a challenge for many because it often lacks the atmosphere of gyms or outdoor spaces. But I’ve found silver linings:

• Comfort and Convenience: You can wear whatever (or as little) you want, with zero judgment.

• Freedom to Improvise: Start or end with a glass of wine—it’s your workout, your rules.

• Sense of Control: In these games, I’m the one in charge, immersed in a story I enjoy and achieving a state of flow.

Why It Works

Gaming workouts are an escape from the exhausting reality of pandemic life. They combine fun, movement, and stress relief, making it easier to stay active at home. Whether you’re dancing your heart out or conquering agility challenges, these games remind us that exercise can be playful, purposeful, and enjoyable.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash