Five fitness video games that will make you sweat

Planning home workouts is an easy task. But the real challenge lies in getting out of the comfort of your couch. A good solution would be to incorporate some fun into your workouts, which can be achieved through fitness video games. They’re fun, encourage you through points, and help improve your overall cardio. These are some of the best you could play.

Just Dance (PlayStation and Xbox systems, Nintendo Switch, PC, Android and iOS)

This movement-based rhythm game helps you flex those muscles as you dance through a collection of classical and modern music. During each song, players are tasked with matching a set of moves displayed on their television screens and are rewarded for being accurate.

Just dance. (Image credit: Ubisoft)

The 2022 version also features a ‘Gym Sweat’ mode, which allows one to create their routine, custom playlist and track calories burned. The game is available on all major platforms including mobile devices through the Just Dance Now app. Players can sync it up with a screen or the official website and use the device’s motion controls to dance.

Physical Boxing (Nintendo Switch)

For fans of the fighting arts, Fitness Boxing is a great way to look forward to those preliminary fights. The game is available exclusively on Nintendo Switch and assigns a virtual trainer as you progress towards your goals. It uses Joy-Cons for motion detection and offers workouts where you need to hit and dodge based on music.

Physical boxing. (Image credit: Nintendo)

The game software calculates the approximate BMI (body mass index) and prescribes an exercise routine. One can set different difficulty levels, customize their trainer’s appearance and unlock more songs that offer a challenging experience.

Ring Adventure (Nintendo Switch)

Ring Fit Adventure combines the joys of a open world role playing game with intense pilates sessions. The Switch game comes with two physical components: a flexible Ring-Con and a leg strap, with which it tracks movement and pressure. Players take control of a custom character and embark on an exciting adventure as they explore worlds, level up using earned XP, and battle enemies.

Ring adventure. (Image credit: Nintendo)

Each move is exercise-based, for which you must hold certain poses or squat as directed on the screen, or squeeze and release the ring to fire projectiles. Routines are fully customizable and there are a variety of competitive mini-games to try when you have a friend over.

Zombies run! (Android-iOS)

Zombies run! it’s as close as you can get to a real-life undead encounter, offering the right amount of motivation for those looking to get in some cardio. The immersive mobile game asks players to run around the city and collect supplies through audio logs. If you are being chased by zombies, the app warns you and asks you to speed up.

Zombies run! (Image credit: Six to Start)

Record the distance traveled, time and calories burned on each mission using the phone’s GPS. There’s also a story element, discovered as you run, along with custom training missions and the ability to sync and share progress with other players online.

Zumba Burn it! (Nintendo Switch)

Zumba Burn it! (Image credit: Nintendo)

This Latin-inspired fitness game combines intense workouts with exciting music. Like other Switch fitness titles, it relies on Joy-cons to track movement and lets you choose from 30 intensity classes, depending on your preference. On screen, you’re greeted by real-life instructors who keep you motivated and guide you through the physique of your dreams. It can be played with up to four players at a time, and the online aspect allows you to share personal goals and achievements with friends.