Have Fun Getting Fit with Full Body Gaming

One of the most positive changes from developing technologies in gaming is the growing number of games that keep us moving. No longer does playing a console mean that you or your children are google-eyed and crouched in one position for hours. Not only that, games are becoming more social bringing the family together and encouraging interaction. The massive success of the Nintendo Wii proved the appeal of motion-controlled gaming and competitors are not far behind with the release of Xbox Kinect taking the next step in full body gaming.

Active gaming doesn’t stop at consoles – gadget shops and sporting brands are also catching on, developing games that help us to have fun getting fit. For those of you still struggling with your New Year’s resolution to get fit and lose weight, I have the solution. Forget about the exercise and focus on winning! Here are some of my favourite active games available:

Xbox Kinect Just Dance

This may seem like a girlie choice but I’ve tried it and I am definitely all man. Albeit under much duress from my family I joined in at Christmas and it turns out… I got moves. Just Dance for Xbox is a fantastic way to distract yourself with achieving the steps and beating your opponent so much that you forget about it being exercise. We played it so much I am pretty confident that I danced that turkey and mince pie weight off before it had a chance to take hold. Although Nintendo Wii were the first to launch this product, the Xbox Kinect does have a little more freedom without the controller and the results are a lot more realistic with a full body response to each move. If you haven’t tried it yet I highly recommend this game.

Twister Rave Skip It

We have all seen the YouTube videos of people silly enough to play this game on a hill or in a cluttered space, so please – do play this outside on flat ground. Twister Rave Skip It was created by the makers of the classic game Twister. It glows brighter as you improve and changes colour for each level.

Master this game and not only can you skip your way through more than 20 light levels with determined vigour. Skipping also burns up to 119 calories every 10 minutes. If you are planning on buying this for your kids – this kind of energy should also burn them out so you can enjoy a more chilled out evening. This is a great game for your summer holiday or sunny weekends at home in your garden.

Curby / Timebomb with a Twist

Curby and Time bomb are both games played with one small ball. This one may seem a little dull compared to the others but not with this gravity defying ball. With higher bounce that can go in ANY direction this should keep your whole group of friends or family on their feet for hours. As much as I love computer gaming, there really is nothing better than a good outdoor game that keeps everyone giggling and happy. The fact that just one ball has the power to improve everyone’s mood will always reassure me that traditional games will continue to exist. This Waboba ball has a lightweight design and is only 6cm so you could easily take it with you on holiday.

The Future of Gaming: Wearable Technology

I wanted to finish by taking a look at future developments for whole body gaming and I had to share this find. This As Real As it Gets (ARAIG) gaming suit comes with a Decoder meaning that it can work with various consoles. The suit uses 3 forms of sensory feedback: surround sound, vibration and STIMS. What got me excited was a comment from the developer on the vibration motion, he said: “A high powered sniper rifle might create a very strong impact at one location while a plasma rifle might create an average impact at a particular location and then spread out across the body." The idea of wearing a full gaming suit and pretty much being ‘inside the game’ reminded me of my favourite episodes of Star Trek. Could we really be enjoying virtual gaming in our own homes one day? I think so. New build houses will include 3 reception rooms; living room, dining room and a gaming room.

Gaming has always been fun, a great way to help entertain your children or an activity that allows the family to bond. Now that gaming has the additional benefit of helping us become more active – there are no limits. I just hope I am around long enough to experience the great potential of full body gaming in the future.

I hope you enjoyed my article. There are so many great games that can help you get fit having fun. Please tweet me with your ideas @EdwardPhelan1 #activegaming