7 games that help you stay active while having fun

Check out our pick of video games guaranteed to jazz up your mundane workout

Not everyone is an exercise enthusiast, and for some, spending hours at a gym mindlessly running on a treadmill can be incredibly boring. Thankfully, there is a way to game the system. Here’s a list of some games that will jazz up your workouts and help you burn the extra calories.

Ring Fit Adventure

Nintendo possibly started the fitness gaming trend back in 2007 with Wii Fit. Their latest foray into the genre is Ring Fit Adventure, a Nintendo Switch Exclusive. While Wii Fit was purely fitness and a rather serious programme, Ring Fit Adventure is a proper role-playing game. You play an adventurer who has to defeat the evil muscle-bound dragon called Dragaux by doing specific exercises along with the provided ring. The game seems simple enough but scales up in difficulty depending on your fitness level.

Most sessions on the game last for around 30 minutes, and after each workout session, you can test your heart rate using the IR sensor on the switch controller. Working out regularly helps you level up your character, which unlocks more exercises and challenging levels. Doing a level well also earns you more in-game currency, which can be used to purchase outfits, health potions and power-ups.

Website:Ringfitadventure.ninetendo.com

Price: ₹ 9,499

Just Dance

Who doesn’t like dancing? The game Just Dance features the latest tracks along with dancers that tell you how to dance along. The levels range from beginner to expert, and in the newest version of the game, users can choose specifically designed workout sessions. Just Dance doesn’t use traditional gaming controllers; instead, it uses your phone via a companion app to track your movements.

If you spring for an unlimited subscription, then you can have access to over 600 songs with more added all the time. The best part is that you can play it on almost any device—it’s even available on your browser via Just Dance now. We, however, recommend buying the latest version of the game as the fitness tracking options are only available on Just Dance 2022.

Website:Ubisoft.com

Price:₹2,799 onwards

Beat Saber

This is one of those must-have virtual reality (VR) games. The premise is simple: you have two different coloured lightsabres in each hand, and you have to destroy the colour-coded neon boxes hurled at you. All of this is synced with the music, making the gestures of destroying these boxes akin to dancing. The game is exhausting but fun—play the tougher songs, and you’ll be gasping for air within minutes. The great thing about Beat Saber is the massive roster of music with varying difficulty levels to constantly keep you on your toes.

Website:Beatsaber.com

Price: ₹ 699 onwards

Supernatural VR Game

A fitness-based VR game that uses virtual reality to coach you to better fitness levels. Supernatural features high-resolution 360-degree images of picturesque locations where you have to work out and follow instructions from your coach, who is available throughout your workout. The coach constantly motivates you, giving you tips to get the most out of your session. Unlike most games here, Supernatural is not a one-time investment and has a subscription module with a free trial month. The plus points: you do get new workouts regularly for your money, and their library is jam-packed with great music.

Website:GetSupernatural.com

Price:$179 a year

Superhot VR

The objective in Superhot is simple: move from location to location while avoiding bullets, throwing stars and assassins. Time only moves when you do—essentially, the entire game is in bullet time. There is no regenerating health bar or ammo drops. You have to pick up weapons from your fallen enemies and slice, punch and bullet storm your way through the game. Visually the game is very simplistic and feels almost like you are in a low-res version of The Matrix.

Despite this, Superhot somehow feels incredibly violent. All the ducking, sidestepping, slashing, and punching can compound over time, giving you a fantastic workout. The better you are, the more complex the game gets and dying usually means you have to start from the beginning all over again.

Website:Superhotgame.com

Price:₹599 onwards

Knockout League

A virtual reality boxing game, Knockout League’s whole cartoon approach may look like it isn’t a serious boxing game, but play for a few minutes, and you will know how serious the game is. The aim is to climb the ladder of increasingly tough fighters—each one has a tell and a super move. As you progress, you will need to identify and learn how to avoid being caught in a super move; this usually involves ducking, moving to the side or simply executing a well-placed punch. A couple of rounds are enough to get the wind knocked out of you.

Website: http://www.knockoutleaguevr.com/

Price: ₹ 529 Onwards

Fit XR

Another excellent option for VR enthusiasts, especially if you are the type that prefers to work out with some company. Fit XR lets you do so with your friends or other players, allowing you to compete for improved results. You can see their avatar next to you while playing and chat with them while in session. The social component is unique to this game. Fit XR has a wide selection of mini-games that players can use to get their desired results. New workouts are added every day, and the music selection is pretty good. You can try the programme for free for seven days, after which you have to pay a monthly membership fee.

Website:Fitxr.com

Price: $9.99 a month

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