Exergaming, The Workout of The Future? Reflection 2

Everyone loves games! Which makes the idea of combining health incentives with game features a no brainier. The term "gamification" is used for "the process of adding games or gamelike elements to something (such as a task) so as to encourage participation", as defined by Webster Dictionary. The gamificaiton of fitness can and is making an impact! According the the article "Just a Fad? Gamification in Health and Fitness Apps", gamificaiton is becoming increasingly popular is now present in a number of health a fitness apps found on the apple app store.

For example, Zombies Run! is a running app that has taken the gamificaiton of fitness to the extreme. The app guides users through "missions" to survive a zombie apocalypse while on runs, adding a fun element to a form of exercise most people hate, running.

On less of an extreme front, many apps use leader-boards, rewards, and trophies to make different types of fitness fun. Popular running apps such as Map My Run, Nike Running Club, and Aaptiv can be linked to social networking accounts to share your fitness accomplishments with friends.

In the wearable health tech industry, Fitbit uses a lot of gamification strategies to keep users active and on their app. It features a leader-board against other users on your friend list, weekly and daily challenges, and personal goals. 

Some of the challenges Fitbit app users can engage in on the fitbit app.

In addition to just fitness apps, exergaming is becoming mainstream with gaming devices like the Nintendo switch, Wii, and Xbox Kinect, video games with exercise features are now an option for avid gamers. Just Dance is a game that allows users to get a cardio workout at home while dancing to hit songs with their friends. It's a ton of fun and a great workout if you've ever played it.

Making fitness fun has the power to engage more audiences. With childhood obesity on the rise, engaging children in fitness is more needed than ever before. Even for adults who do not enjoy fitness, exergaming makes health more fun. Who wouldn't rather run away from zombies, or get up and dance to their favorite song than jog on a treadmill.

With the evolution of technology, I believe that we will see exergaming on an even larger scale. The possibilities for where the fitness industry could go are endless. It opens doors for people in the fitness industry that they may not have had access to before, such a virtual yoga classes, live video cycling classes, and competing for run times with friends across the country.

Additional reading about health gamification and exergaming:

https://www.acsm.org/docs/brochures/exergaming.pdf

http://www.positivegaming.com/positivegaming/benefits/exergaming-benefits

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/exergames-a-new-step-toward-fitness-201203084470

My website:

https://wyomawellness.wixsite.com/wyomawellness