Gaming has become the go-to form of entertainment for millions around the world. As a hobby, gaming often requires players to spend hours in front of their screens as they work to accomplish their goals. As fun as this can be, there is a downside: gaming is sedentary by nature and those extended hours in front of TV and computer screens can cause gamers to go a long time without any physical activity. However, it doesn't have to be that way. As counterintuitive as it may seem, gaming and fitness can go hand in hand.
While gaming is a mostly sedentary activity, there are things you can do to ensure you get the movement you need in, even during extended gaming sessions, to keep yourself fit. The best way to do that is by incorporating a simple fitness routine into your gaming schedule. That way, you can improve your physical health and gaming performance. In this article, we look at how to balance gaming with physical fitness to make sure you stay active and healthy while enjoying your favorite games.
Understanding the Physical Strain of Gaming
Not all games require a big time commitment, and if you mainly play casual games, you probably won't have to spend as much time adapting your fitness routine to gaming as more hardcore gamers. Still, things like wrist strain, back pain, neck stiffness, and poor posture can creep in regardless of the types of games you play. These issues stem from the fixed seating positions and repetitive movements that many of these games require.
One popular game that is played sitting down is poker. With online casinos becoming more and more popular, more people are playing poker online than ever before. As anyone who's played the game knows, poker sessions can quickly become long drawn out affairs as players decide whether to fold, call, or raise. That's why many poker players make a point of maintaining healthy habits to make sure they're at the top of their game. Prolonged sitting is a part of the game, but players can do things like stand up and stretch to minimize the physical strain and fatigue that can come from sitting for long periods.
It's not just poker; the same is true whether a person is playing a casual game like Candy Crush or a battle royale title like Fortnite. Multi-hour gaming sessions can take their toll, but if they take breaks, move around, and make sure they have an ergonomic chair with lumbar support, then players can enjoy their favorite titles without physical strain.
Quick and Effective Fitness Tips for Gamers
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Vinicius "amnx" Amano
There's no need to complicate things when introducing physical activity into your gaming routine. You're more likely to stick with a fitness regimen if you keep it simple. For example, you should make it a point to do easy stretches before and after your gaming sessions to prevent muscle stiffness and improve circulation. Stretches like wrist rolls, shoulder rotations, and leg stretches can all help alleviate tension in areas that are most likely to suffer from strain during longer gaming sessions.
You should also take advantage of the natural breaks in gameplay when the screen is loading, or your character is respawning to do brief exercises like push-ups, squats, or planks, which will allow you to work in some movement without interrupting your gaming experience. If you're a serious gamer who regularly spends hours gaming, you should consider a standing desk or under-desk bike to keep moving as you play. Jumping jacks and brisk walking between games are ways to get cardio while gaming and will help you keep your energy levels high.
Fitness-focused games are another way to combine entertainment with physical fitness. If you own a VR headset, you can play one of the games that require moving your entire body to complete tasks. Games like Beat Saber or Ring Fit Adventure combine fun gameplay with fitness challenges to keep you entertained and in shape.
