“Not Your Average” At-Home Workouts By Story Sheidow
JUMP ROPE
GET YOUR 10,000 STEPS
the first time allowed users to play things like tennis, bowling, and boxing in an interactive format at home. Now, with the release of Ring Fit for the Nintendo Switch, the company has taken fitness gaming one step further, introducing Ring Fit Adventure; in which players use a leg strap and pilates-style “ring-con” ring to play several gaming types: things like action-packed battle RPGs (role playing games), quick-play obstacle course- type games (think Donkey Kong meets virtual reality), and even more formal custom workout games mixing classic exercises with mini games, all to keep you engaged and entertained. And if Ring Fit isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other options for active gaming. Switch has several active games in their lineup that require only their standard “joy-con” controller to play. Just Dance 2020, Fitness Boxing, and Zumba Burn It Up each offer a unique exercise experience, catering to many styles and fitness levels. Playstation 4 (or PS4) also offers some possibilities in the world of “active gaming,” both for their regular console, and with their VR add-on. Though not as extensive as with the Switch, there are still several choices if that’s the console you currently have access to. And VR consoles, such as Oculus, offer even more options.
Jumping rope is nothing new – I’m sure many of you remember skipping in gym class during elementary school. Well, it’s back and is being embraced by fitness experts and influencers from all over. Sites like YouTube and Instagram feature jump rope challenges and free skipping workouts, such as the “1000 Jumps a Day” challenge, for example. Jumping rope can burn 200 to 300 calories in just 15 minutes! It not only helps you build muscle, but will even increase your bone density and improve coordination. And the cardiovascular health benefits are through the roof! You’ll be amazed at how tiring it is – and to think we did this for PLEASURE when we were kids? Overall, if you’re tired of average at- home exercise and you’re looking for something a little different requiring minimal equipment – an activity that’s fun too - then maybe jumping rope is for you.
If there’s one thing that many fitness influencers swear by, it’s getting in their 10,000 steps a day. Did you know that walking 10,000 steps can burn between 300 and 400 calories? That’s double the burn of an average 30-minute workout! And while those steps may have been part of our daily lives pre-COVID, with folks now working from home and going out less, getting in 10,000 steps each day can sometimes take an extra effort. While you don’t need watches like a Fitbit or Apple Watch to make a step goal and track your steps – many smartphones have built-in step counters - having one offers the bonus of games, community support, and even friendly competitions to help keep you motivated. Reaching your step goals can sometimes be the push you need to get outside for a stroll, walk to work instead of drive, or even just get the vacuuming done!
ACTIVE VIDEO GAMES
Nintendo has long been the forerunner when it comes to incorporating fitness into gaming. The introduction of Wii Fit, made for their Wii system, was wildly successful with people of all ages, offering games and accessories (such as their balance board) that for
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