Video games have been trying to shed their reputation as a couch-potato pastime for years now. At the same time, “fitness” has always been seen as gaming’s opposite. However, with the gamification of fitness, it’s time to toss that old script out the window.
By gaming fitness, tech companies have been trying to make workouts as captivating as your favorite video game, driving you to beat your personal best, just like you strive to top that high score.
Let’s take a deep dive into how gaming your fitness can lead to better health outcomes.
Understanding Fitness Gamification
You might be wondering, “What exactly is this fitness gamification you speak of?” In a nutshell, it’s the art of applying gaming mechanics to your fitness regime to make the journey more engaging and, dare I say it, fun!
Fitness gamification involves setting up challenges, tracking progress, earning rewards, and creating a sense of competition—all in the name of fostering motivation and making the pursuit of health a more enjoyable ride.
Let’s check out some examples.
You know how Fitbit used to have Adventures and Challenges that pit you against your friends to see who can clock the most steps? How about the appZombies, Run!, which turns your morning jog into a heart-pumping zombie apocalypse survival mission? All these are prime examples of fitness gamification in action.
There are manyapps that gamify your fitness routine, and with a growing range of options available, you should be able to find the perfect app to level up your workouts and make fitness more enjoyable.
Even exercise equipment like the Peloton bike offers immersive running and cycling experiences through advanced technology and carefully curated content. With HD displays, scenic visuals, and interactive features, devices like this can transport you to virtual landscapes and group workouts, replicating the thrill of outdoor workouts from the comfort of your home.
These game-inspired strategies cleverly tap into our innate love for achievement and competition, giving that extra oomph to our workouts. So, next time you lace up your trainers or hop on that exercise bike, remember—it can be more than just a workout, it’s game time!
The Science Behind Gamification
Let’s take a quick look at your brain to understand the science behind the motivating power of gamification.
The key players in gamification are two neurotransmitters—dopamine and serotonin. Your brain releases these chemicals when you level up in a game, earn rewards, or outpace competitors.
The thrill of accomplishment? That’s dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter related to our body and mind’s reward system. And that sense of belonging when you’re part of a leaderboard or team challenge? That’s serotonin, the “social” neurotransmitter, which contributes to feelings of happiness.
Gamification strategically taps into these reactions. Rewards, badges, or leveling up in a fitness game trigger a delightful dopamine hit, keeping you motivated. Competition, social engagement, and leaderboards stir up serotonin, deepening your commitment to the game and your fitness.
A study published by the journalComputers in Human Behaviorfound that various game design elements, such as badges, leaderboards, and performance graphs, can have specific psychological effects and trigger motivational outcomes.
So, the next time you smash that Fitbit challenge or outpace a fellow Peloton rider, give a mental high-five to your brain.
The Future of Gamified Fitness
The line between gaming and fitness is getting blurrier, thanks to advancements in technology.
In the future, augmented reality (AR) could completely change gamification in fitness. Imagine wearing AR glasses that overlay digital elements in your real-world environment during workouts.
For example, virtual objects, targets, or challenges could appear in front of you as you exercise. Picture yourself running through a virtual obstacle course, jumping over virtual hurdles, or punching virtual targets—all integrated seamlessly into your actual surroundings.
VR games that make you forget that you’re working outalready exist. In the future, these games will be able to transport you to another world while you sweat it out. How about a galactic jog across interstellar landscapes? These immersive experiences will transform exercise into a captivating adventure, making you forget you’re working out—or that you’re still on Planet Earth!
And let’s not forget our friend, AI.Virtual coaching and AI are already changing the way you exercise. It’ll soon be making strides in gamified fitness, too.
Imagine a personal fitness game that’s tailored to your performance, habits, and preferences. It adjusts the difficulty as you improve, suggests workouts based on your progress, and gives you real-time feedback, all while maintaining the excitement and engagement of a video game.
The future of fitness is no longer just about lifting weights or running miles. It might be more about exploring virtual worlds and outrunning aliens—all while improving your health.
So hold on to your fitness tracker, because the future of gamified fitness is shaping up to be a wild ride.
Making Gamification Work for You
To make gamification work for you, define your fitness goals as a starting point. Whether it’s improving cardiovascular endurance, building strength, or increasing flexibility, having a clear sense of purpose will guide you in choosing the right gamified activities that align with your objectives.
Next, explore the wide range of fitness games and platforms available. Take the time to research and try out different options. Consider factors such as gameplay style, level of competition, cooperative features, and the types of exercises involved.
It’s important to consider your preferences when selecting fitness games. Are you motivated by competition and leaderboard rankings? Are you drawn to high-energy activities like dance or boxing? Choose games that align with your preferred style of exercise.
To keep things interesting, mix up your fitness routine by combining gamified workouts with traditional exercises. Variety not only prevents boredom but also allows you to target different muscle groups and challenge your body in new ways.
Introducing Gamification Into Your Fitness Routine
Incorporating gamification into your fitness routine can change your approach to exercise. By infusing elements of fun, competition, and rewards, gamified fitness boosts motivation and engagement.
As technology advances, the future of gamified fitness looks even more promising. So, embrace this exciting fusion of gaming and fitness, level up your workouts, and enjoy the journey towards improved health and wellness. Game on!
