Fitness
Why You Should Give Exergaming a Try
Playing video games. Doing squats. Have you ever tried combining these activities into one physical fitness routine … at the same time?
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The latest technology in fitness tracking and video games allows for all kinds of exciting possibilities. Games like Nintendo’s Ring Fit Adventure and even mobile walking challenges, for example, are part of a growing trend of exergaming.
But how do fitness games vary? And will they benefit you if you’re a first-timer starting an exercise routine?
Sports medicine physician, and director of the Cleveland Clinic Esports Medicine program, Dominic King, DO, shares how anyone can make the most out of exergaming and the kinds of benefits you can get from active video games.
What is exergaming?
Exergaming, or active video gaming, tasks players with participating in technology-driven physical activities and exercises. In many cases, exergaming incorporates some form of digital component alongside other technologies. Motion sensors and wearable devices track a player’s movements and in-game progress. As the player accomplishes certain levels or tasks, the player is usually rewarded with some marker of success in the form of in-game trophies and achievements.
Examples of exergaming include games like Just Dance, which has players following on-screen visual cues in order to score points based on their rhythm and accuracy.
Other games rely on virtual reality to create an immersive multisensory environment. In Beat Saber, players have to keep up with the beat of a song by swinging their arms in repetitive, physical movements to slash through multicolored blocks. In the game, the player holds a virtual saber in each of their hands that matches which blocks you’re supposed to smash through. So, it not only becomes a game of rhythm and accuracy, but it also involves a great deal of hand-eye coordination, timing, flexibility and skill.
“Exergaming is a blend of pixels and perspiration,” says Dr. King. “It provides a digital way to stay active and have fun.”
Benefits of playing active video games
Exergaming grew in popularity at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasized the importance and simplicity of home-based exercise as a way to stay active and combat sedentary behavior.
“When gyms closed, people didn’t just stop moving — they innovated,” notes Dr. King, “Exergaming became the hero of home fitness, bridging the gap between staying active and having fun. And it’s still going strong.”
But the gamification of exercise has been around for quite some time. Smartwatches and fitness trackers chart your progress, letting you compete with other people in daily and weekly challenges. Even AMRAP workouts can inspire healthy competition among gym members. But exergaming builds off those concepts by doubling down on technology and a digital approach to physical activity.
“Fitness has finally joined the age of inclusivity. Exergaming embodies the idea that staying healthy should be accessible, achievable and — most importantly — enjoyable for everyone,” he adds.
We know exercise on its own has numerous benefits. Video games have unique benefits, too, that can positively impact your mind and body. And when you marry the two together, these benefits can play off each other to create a unique experience that helps in short- and long-term ways.
The benefits of exergaming include:
Sense of accomplishment
In-game trophies and achievements give you something to focus on other than the work of exercise. “Exergaming takes you into worlds where dragons are slain, quests are completed and calories are burned — all without feeling like a workout. That’s the magic of an immersive experience,” enthuses Dr. King.
Inclusivity and accessibility
Anyone can play an active video game thanks to various accessibility settings and a level of scalability that’s built into the gameplay to match a player’s experience. “Exergaming makes fitness more approachable for people with various fitness levels and ages,” reinforces Dr. King. “It’s a pretty gentle entry point if you’re intimidated by some conventional exercise routines.”
Motivation and enjoyment
For certain populations, exergaming may be more beneficial than other forms of exercise because of its unique approach to physical activity. Take childhood obesity, for example. A 2021 study suggests active video games could be used as part of someone’s treatment plan because its shown positive effects on body mass index (BMI) and cardiorespiratory fitness. And if active video games give someone access to a physical fitness routine that benefits them, it can have a direct positive impact on their physical health.
Reduction of stress
Stress can tend to get in the way of physical fitness and mental motivation. But Dr. King points out that when you’re doing an activity you enjoy, like exergaming, it has the ability to reduce your level of stress as long as you’re enjoying the activity itself. “Gaming has always been about escape, but it’s also about healing. The interactive nature of exergaming can reduce stress, elevate mood and even enhance cognitive function,” he adds.
Improving the physical therapy experience
Exergaming is often used in physical therapy to improve the experience and approach to recovery. For example, in the effort to strengthen and rehabilitate someone’s ankle after a high-ankle sprain, a physical therapist may have them balance on one foot while catching a ball as it bounces off of a trampoline. And someone else who’s trying to strengthen their hips may use virtual reality to rocket a sled forward as they do low and slow squats.
“Gamification isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a game-changer. From inspiring movement to enhancing rehab in orthopaedics, it’s weaving its way into how we approach health at every level,” says Dr. King.
Mental and psychological benefits
“We’ve all watched Netflix on a treadmill, but exergaming takes it to a new level,” according to Dr. King. “By engaging your mind and body, exergaming transforms exercise from something you endure to something you enjoy.”
Active video games engage your mind in a different way and force you to operate on a few different levels with multiple goals in mind.
“When you’re having fun, you forget to quit,” he continues. “Exergaming taps into that joy, keeping you moving longer and stronger without the mental drag of a traditional workout.”
Social support
Some of us tend to perform better when we’re exercising in larger groups. “Exergaming doesn’t just build strength — it builds community,” relays Dr. King. “Whether you’re climbing a leaderboard or cheering on a friend, the social element adds an extra layer of connection.”
How to make the most out of exergaming
If exergaming piques your curiosity, here are some strategies to get you started.
Track your data
Not sure if you’re ready or able to purchase the latest exergaming technology? No problem. At the simplest level, you can grab a pen and paper and keep track of your routine or how your exercises make you feel. Over time, you can use that data to help pivot your focus or improve the amount of reps, weights or other activities you do. Smartwatches and fitness trackers can be the next step when you’re looking to level up your tech.
“The real power of exergaming is in the data — it’s like having a digital coach that tracks your progress and keeps you accountable,” explains Dr. King. “Strength, flexibility and fitness all thrive with that kind of feedback loop.”
Approach exergaming like any other workout
Active video games are fun, but they’re not meant to be solely for entertainment. To make the most out of any exergaming experience, you want to schedule it and plan it out. Put it on the calendar. Make time for warm-up and cool-down. And create a routine.
“Start small but stay consistent,” advises Dr. King. “Pick one day, warm up and dive into a game. Whether it’s a quest or a quick stretch, your future self will thank you.”
Make sure you have proper form
“Yes, it’s a game — but your body is still playing for keeps,” stresses Dr. King. “Controlled movements, good form and realistic goals will protect your joints and make sure you’re winning both on and off the screen.”
If you’re new to exercising, overexertion can cause muscle strains and tendon inflammation. So, take your time increasing the intensity of your exercises and try not to push through any pain. Some discomfort or achiness is to be expected. But if you’re experiencing prolonged pain during or after exercise, you may want to work with a physical therapist or exercise physiologist who can help correct your form or determine the cause of your pain.
Create some goals
“Exergaming’s ‘pick up and play’ vibe is its secret weapon, but it’s just one part of a balanced fitness diet,” clarifies Dr. King. “Combine it with scheduled exercise to unlock its full potential.”
If you’re not sure where to start, you can begin by creating SMART goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. For example, maybe you spend 30 minutes with an active video game one day a week and then, scale that up to two days a week once you’re comfortable. Over time, you can build in other exercises, too.
“People often focus on hitting a specific weight or reaching a fitness milestone, but the real game-changer is consistency,” he notes. “Think of it as leveling up every day — stay consistent, and all your other goals will naturally fall into place.”
Why we should look to exercise as a fun activity
Exercise can be daunting because it can seem like a lot of work. But exercise, and the negative perception of it, doesn’t have to be that way.
“Exercise often gets a bad rap as just another chore on the to-do list,” recognizes Dr. King. “But when it becomes an engaging, immersive activity — like exergaming — it stops feeling like work and starts fitting seamlessly into your daily and weekly routine.”
How you exercise is entirely up to you. For some, it’s squats. For others, it’s swimming. And if active video games are enough to give you joyful movement, perhaps it’s your path forward into physical fitness. As long as you’re exercising in some way, you’ll reap the benefits.
“Exercise should never feel like punishment,” emphasizes Dr. King. “It’s an investment in a longer, healthier, happier life. Whether you’re navigating virtual adventures or crushing a dance routine, exergaming proves that workouts can be as fun as they are effective.”
Fitness
How Jeremy Clarkson Reset His Health and Fitness at 66 – Walking, Pilates and Trying ‘Not to Die’
Rewind a decade or so, and Jeremy Clarkson had a particular disdain for exercise, healthy eating and denying himself life’s pleasures. He never worked out, smoked 40 cigarettes a day and, in his own words, drank four pints of wine daily. Now, at 65, his entire outlook on health and longevity has shifted.
At the heart of Clarkson’s desire to change are his young grandchildren.
‘I’m not going to dwell on the joys of being a grandparent because what can be said about it has already been said. But I have decided that it is so wonderful that I want it to go on for as long as is humanly possible. Which means I must do everything in my power not to die,’ he wrote in his column forThe Times.
And the British TV personality has certainly had a couple of wake-up calls.
After being admitted to hospital with pneumonia in 2017, Clarkson then suffered what he described as ‘really bad coronary artery problems’ at the end of 2024. Documented in the latest series of Clarkson’s Farm, he experienced a ‘sudden deterioration’ in his health and needed a stent fitted to restore proper blood flow.
Why Clarkson Finally Started Taking His Health Seriously
Since then, he has taken up reformer Pilates, had a pickleball court installed at his Oxfordshire home and started going for walks when the weather is just right.
‘Eventually, I decided that organised, indoor exercise was not for me and decided instead to do walking. Not when it’s raining obviously. Or if it’s too cold, or hot. And not if I’m busy. But on a reasonably temperate Sunday morning, I’d get out there and pootle along,’ he wrote.
‘So far I’ve relied on luck to keep me alive. But I’m in sniper’s alley right now and I have to work at dodging the bullets. Two years ago, I saw old age as a wearisome tangle of tubes and knee-replacement surgery. Now though, thanks to my grandchildren, I’m actively looking forward to it.’
Clarkson’s comments highlight just how much his attitude to ageing has changed.
‘I’m buying time. It hurts and it’s expensive. But it’s better than wasting your money on a new watch.’
The Diet Changes Behind Clarkson’s 3-Stone Weight Loss
Diet has also become a key part of his health overhaul.
He now eats burgers wrapped in lettuce rather than buns and opts for alcohol-free versions of his Hawkstone beer. Underpinning much of that change has been a microdose of the GLP-1 medication Mounjaro, which Clarkson credits with helping him lose more than three stone in six months by suppressing his appetite – although he admits he doesn’t particularly enjoy the experience.
‘When you are on Muntjac [his name for Mounjaro] you can come down in the morning and idly help yourself to a small handful of sunflower seeds,’ Clarkson said. ‘And it’ll feel like you’ve just finished a massive Christmas lunch. You’re stuffed.
‘So you find yourself living a minibar existence. Tiny packets of milk, sachets with only three grains of sugar in them, vodka in thimbles. That’s not living, though. That’s existing.’
If there’s one thing Kori Sampson knows, it’s how to optimise your body composition for performance. To tap into his knowledge as an elite athlete and coach, we asked him to create a 4-week plan to help you move faster, recover quicker and keep pushing when the fatigue sets in – all while improving your muscle-to-fat ratio.
Ready to build muscle, burn fat and come out the other side looking, feeling and performing better? Click here to get 14 days of free access to the plan via the Men’s Health app.
Ryan is a Senior Writer at Men’s Health UK with a passion for storytelling, health and fitness. Having graduated from Cardiff University in 2020, and later obtaining his NCTJ qualification, Ryan started his career as a Trainee News Writer for sports titles Golf Monthly, Cycling Weekly and Rugby World before progressing to Staff Writer and subsequently Senior Writer with football magazine FourFourTwo.
During his two-and-a-half years there he wrote news stories for the website and features for the magazine, while he also interviewed names such as Les Ferdinand, Ally McCoist, Jamie Redknapp and Antonio Rudiger, among many others. His standout memory, though, came when getting the opportunity to speak to then-Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher as the club won League One in 2023.
Having grown up a keen footballer and playing for his boyhood side until the age of 16, Ryan got the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland national futsal team eight times, scoring three goals against England, Scotland and Gibraltar. Now past his peak, Ryan prefers to mix weightlifting with running – he achieved a marathon PB of 3:31:49 at Manchester in April 2025, but credits the heat for failing to get below the coveted 3:30 mark…
You can follow Ryan on Instagram or on X
Fitness
Fitness coach debunks 8 ‘crazy’ exercise myths women still believe: From periods and workouts to weightlifting
Despite growing awareness around fitness and women’s health, several outdated exercise myths continue to persist. From misconceptions about strength training to beliefs surrounding periods, pregnancy and weight loss, many women still receive advice that isn’t backed by science. These myths can not only slow progress but also discourage women from prioritising their health and fitness. (Also read: Can eating too much protein be harmful? Experts explain why excess intake may do more harm than good )
Fitness coach Zoe recently addressed some of the most common misconceptions women continue to hear in a June 12 Instagram post titled, “craziest exercise myths women still hear.” Here’s what she had to say:
1. Periods mean complete bed rest
According to Zoe, menstruation does not mean you need to stop exercising altogether. “No. You can train. Just adjust intensity if needed,” she wrote, explaining that while energy levels may fluctuate during different phases of the menstrual cycle, movement and exercise can still be beneficial.
2. After marriage or kids, fitness is not important
Many women are often made to feel that fitness should take a back seat after major life changes such as marriage or motherhood. Zoe strongly disagrees. “That is exactly when it becomes more important,” she said, highlighting the need to maintain strength, mobility and overall health while navigating increased responsibilities.
3. A C-section means your core is gone forever
Recovering from a Caesarean delivery can be challenging, but Zoe says it doesn’t mean women should give up on rebuilding strength. “Wrong. It means you need rebuilding, not giving up,” she wrote, emphasising that gradual rehabilitation and proper training can help restore core function.
4. Walking around the house is enough exercise
While daily movement is important, Zoe points out that it isn’t the same as a structured workout. “No. That is movement, not full training,” she explained, noting that a balanced fitness routine should include strength, mobility and cardiovascular exercises.
5. Sweating more means more fat loss
Many people associate excessive sweating with effective fat burning, but Zoe says that’s a common misunderstanding. “No. It means you are hot,” she wrote. Sweat is the body’s cooling mechanism and does not necessarily reflect the number of calories burned or fat lost.
6. Running will ruin your uterus, boobs or joints
This long-standing myth often discourages women from running or high-impact activities. “No. Poor preparation and weak support is the issue,” Zoe said, stressing the importance of proper training, supportive gear and gradually building endurance.
7. Women should only do yoga, not weights
Strength training is still viewed by some as a male-dominated form of exercise, but Zoe believes women benefit greatly from lifting weights. “Women need strength too,” she wrote, highlighting how resistance training supports muscle mass, bone health, metabolism and overall fitness.
8. Carbs at night make you fat
Carbohydrates often get unfairly blamed for weight gain, especially when eaten in the evening. “No. Overeating does,” Zoe explained, pointing out that overall calorie intake and dietary patterns matter far more than the timing of carbohydrate consumption.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
For Hobart teacher Mary Holton, health means everything.
She started feeling the squeeze from cost-of-living pressures when fuel prices spiked again.
“Going out for just fitness alone was a bit much,”
she said.
Mary Holton says since joining the group, her fitness across the board has improved. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Many Tasmanians are feeling cost-of-living pressures in a very physical way, with locals saying exercise routines are being dropped, health appointments delayed and wellbeing pushed to the bottom of the list as budgets tighten.
Ms Holton relies on multiple physiotherapy sessions each week, but says paid fitness classes simply are not an option.
“That costs … so to actually go to other classes as well, it’s out of my budget really.“
Ollie Mathewson conducts a free workout session. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
National data shows that almost half of Australians already fall short of minimum physical activity guidelines, and rising prices are making even basic care unaffordable for many.
Consultant clinical psychologist academic Kimberley Norris says this is exactly how unhealthy patterns begin.
“We tend to focus on the most stressful thing first … and health is one of those things we don’t think about until things go wrong,”
Professor Norris said.
Kimberley Norris says humans tend to focus on alleviating stress first and foremost, and warns de-prioritising health can become a cycle. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
For Ms Holton, going to a free workout group in her local community was a game-changer.
“Came down and absolutely loved it. It’s really nice to have a group and it just keeps growing,” she said.
Finding a free exercise group has drastically improved her health, as noted by her GP, and she is part of a growing trend.
Free exercise classes become a lifeline
At a community exercise class in South Arm, south-east of Hobart, the mood is upbeat, with laughter, movement, and a sense of relief.
Participation has more than doubled in the past year, with more than 100 Tasmanians now involved.
Trainer Ollie Mathewson said the surge was unmistakable.
“It’s free of charge for everybody … and over the last 12 months I’ve noticed a lot more people starting to come along,”
he said.
Ollie Mathewson says attendance at his classes has almost doubled over the past year. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Across greater Hobart, free and low-cost alternatives are multiplying and include walking groups, community-run circuits, and morning and afternoon fitness meet-ups.
Tasmanians are increasingly organising their own solutions.
Mr Mathewson said connections drive outcomes.
“A lot of people talk about weight and strength, which are obviously insanely important, having other people there to push you single every week makes it a hundred times easier.“
Professor Norris said one’s health can be prioritised for free.
“What we know about health is, it’s more about sustainable wellbeing, it’s about quality of life,” she said.
“So rather than focusing on how much you can deadlift, how far you can run, it’s about how your life has improved and how close your life is to the way you want to live it.”
She said free options were vital because once people stop moving, it becomes harder to start again.
“If we develop routines in which health is not a priority, then we almost get stuck in this cycle of health always being last.“
Health appointments being delayed or dropped
For some Tasmanians, the financial pressure is forcing even tougher choices.
Amy Dakin says she can’t even think about getting a gym membership with all the other costs of living on her mind. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Amy Dakin, who lives with a compromised immune system, often has no choice but to delay essential care.
“My health needs to be prioritised, but your bills come first, really,” she said.
Jordyn Rowbottom says she’s not the only one changing her hobbies to save on costs. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Jordyn Rowbottom has seen the same pattern around her.
“People are being forced to cut what they can access,”
she said.
Professor Norris warns that these short-term decisions can create long-term harm, not just for individuals, but for the broader health system.
She said the combination of financial pressure and reduced physical activity would create a public health challenge.
Trainers adapting to shrinking budgets
Personal trainer Nickola Orr works with clients across different income levels, ages and needs.
She said affordability now shapes almost every program she designs.
“You want to make sure they can get as much help as they can within their price range,”
she said.
Nickola Orr is concerned about access to fitness and health services in the face of rising cost pressures. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
With the median individual spend on fitness in Tasmania sitting at almost $600 last year, Ms Orr said the warning signs were already visible.
“We’re going to see more results of long-term neglect; higher injuries, more need for mental health assistance. It’s going to snowball.”
Her concerns echo Professor Norris’s academic findings that once healthy routines break down, the consequences ripple for years.
“The changes are very small … while they add up over time, there is no immediate impact,”
Ms Orr said.
Calls for more free and low-cost options
Mr Mathewson hopes the success of free community classes will inspire governments and private operators to expand accessible fitness programs.
“More free options would be a great thing. There are a few now, but there should be more,” he said.
The Tasmanian government has said it will release its 20-year preventive health strategy this month, titled The Health Revolution.
A Department of Health spokesperson said the strategy “will address the broader social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health and wellbeing”.
“Specific issues about access to health services and programs are being considered through the Access to Health Services project, a Commonwealth-State partnership.
“The Health Revolution will complement that project by addressing the root causes of poor health and the underlying conditions to make it easier for Tasmanians to live well.“
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