Gamified fitness is a relatively new term; however, the concept has been around for a long time.  It boils down to the fact that fitness/workouts/exercise has to be fun for people to be consistent!  Like anything in life, we are more apt to do something if we enjoy it.  In simple terms, Gamified Fitness turns physical activity into a game.

Why Gamified Fitness

There is a reason gamified fitness is a craze and why it works.  The science behind it is that it fuels your motivation by giving you the drive and desire to achieve/finish something. The feeling of accomplishment or excitement causes your body to release dopamine — a neurotransmitter and hormone often referred to as “the pathway to pleasure”.  It’s known as the feel good transmitter, and acts on areas of the brain to give you feelings of pleasure and happiness.  There is often a shortage of dopamine in people who have certain mental health conditions such as depression.  

Regular Physical Activity Boosts Mood 

Exercise is one of the BEST ways to combat depression!  If you suffer from depression, you want to contact a health care professional.  In addition, regular exercise has been proven helpful to boost mood.  Exercise can change the level of chemicals in your brain in a positive way.  They help to increase the good hormones and decrease the not-so-good hormones.  Physical activity such as walking, jogging, yoga or a group fitness class like bootcamp can help you feel more relaxed, happier and less stressed.  Regular exercise can also help you feel better about your appearance, which is another way to boost your mood.

Gamified Fitness and Mood

While consistent physical activity has been shown to boost mood, when you turn that activity into gamified fitness you magnify the effect! Gamified fitness incentivizes progress, and people feel a sense of accomplishment when they reach the next level or reach their goal. Gamification also encourages social interaction, which also has a positive effect on mood.

Our Fit N Fun Games Bootcamp Edition is a perfect example of gamified fitness.  It encourages people to race around the track, completing exercises to get to the finish line first.  The Challenge Cards also encourage people to compete at their highest level to win, and provides a sense of satisfaction when they do.  While the game can be played/worked out to solo, it’s more fun with a group.  However, even when playing solo, you can challenge yourself to do more reps of an exercise, etc. For example, I challenge myself to hold a plank or a wallsit 10 seconds longer each time I play.

If you need more convincing on why gamified fitness is so popular, think of a Fitbit or the Apple Watch.  People are highly motivated to get their steps in or close their rings each day.  It’s even more inspiring when you challenge or follow other people on these devices.  A group workout of our Fit N Fun Games Bootcamp Edition offers the same level of motivation and competition.

Try playing Fit N Fun Games at your next girl’s weekend, guy’s trip or family event.  You are sure to find it fun, rewarding and inspiring — oh, and you’ll get a great workout to boot!  Try it at 10% off with promo code 2024.

Hugs & Health – Michelle

 

**Disclaimer:  Please always consult your physician before beginning this or any exercise program.