The best fitness video games can seamlessly combine your passion for gaming with your need to exercise, making workouts fun and engaging. They've evolved significantly too, with "Exergaming" going from strength to strength since the '80s, with Nintendo's Wii setting new standards for movement-based gaming with its motion sensors and controllers.
Today, a variety of fitness games are available across major consoles, offering full-body movement experiences while keeping you entertained. To help you sift through them, we've created a list that includes standout titles like Ring Fit Adventure, which delivers comprehensive workouts, and Beat Saber, a leader in VR fitness gaming. These games can provide diverse modes and features that cater to different preferences, ensuring an immersive workout or an entertaining gaming session.
Best fitness video games - Quick list
- Ring Fit Adventure - best game for a full-body workout
- Just Dance 2024 - top choice for dancing
- Beat Saber - best VR fitness game
- Zumba Burn It Up! - an excellent option to improve cardio
- The Thrill Of The Fight - the best option for boxing
Ring Fit Adventure
Best full-body fitness video game
* prices are accurate as of the most recent update, but may be subject to change
Why we chose Ring Fit Adventure
Nintendo has taken the crown as one of the best manufacturers of fitness games in recent years with titles like Wii Sports, Wii Fit, and now the Ring Fit Adventure for the Nintendo Switch.
This fitness-themed RPG will see you, accompanied by the Pilates-esque ring, track down and defeat an evil dragon called Dragaux. The gaming package includes a Ring-Con used to perform its dynamic and strength-building exercises as you fight off enemies, tackle tough rivers, and run through challenging landscapes.
All in all, you won't find much better for 'exergaming' than Ring Fit Adventure. So, if you own a Switch, it is one you have to check out.
TL;DR - Why you should play
- Great for a full-body workout if you own a Switch
- Its Adventure mode is something you can really get invested in
Just Dance 2024
Best fitness video game for dancing
- Amazon - $32.97 / £25.99
- Nintendo Store - Free Download (Subscription needed for more content)
- Walmart - $19.93
* prices are accurate as of the most recent update, but may be subject to change
Why we chose Just Dance 2024
The Just Dance franchise has been around since 2009 and continues to be a fun way of getting a cardio workout in whole dancing along to some of the most popular songs across all eras of music.
The latest edition features 40 new hits and universes to explore, with even more songs available with Just Dance+. It also offers a Workout Mode which tracks your calories and time spent dancing so you or a top fitness watch doesn't have to.
What's great about Just Dance is you can play it with friends both locally and online, even with your friends still dancing away on the 2023 edition. You don't have to though, as pretty much every song can be enjoyed solo, allowing you to get a great workout in while listening and dancing to your favourite tunes.
TL;DR - Why you should play
- It's incredibly fun if you don't take it too seriously
- You can play it with tons of your friends, even if they don't own a console themselves
Beat Saber
Best VR fitness video game
* prices are accurate as of the most recent update, but may be subject to change
Why we chose Beat Saber
If you own a VR headset then Beat Saber should be the perfect game to get you moving and exercising whilst having fun destroying flying colored blocks with your light sword.
As you progress in Beat Saber, the challenge escalates from easy to hard, making the blocks faster and tougher to hit. But fear not! The game offers helpful options like no-fail mode, song slowing, and a dedicated practice mode. These tools ensure you can tackle tougher levels without getting overly frustrated, allowing the game to stay fun for all ability levels.
The thrill of Beat Saber lies in its ability to keep you engaged and on your toes while exercising your upper body. With its escalating difficulty levels, it's not just a game; it's an immersive workout experience that promises excitement and rewards as you master each level.
TL;DR - Why you should play
- You won't find many games as immersive thanks to it being in VR
- It's strangely addictive
Zumba Burn It Up!
Best fitness video game for cardio
* prices are accurate as of the most recent update, but may be subject to change
Why we chose Zumba Burn It Up!
Zumba Burn It Up! offers a fun alternative to Just Dance on the Switch, bringing the energy of Latin-inspired fitness classes right into your home. The game guides you through choreographed routines set to upbeat tracks from artists like Cardi B and Ciara, making it a lively and engaging way to get moving.
Whether you're new to Zumba or a seasoned dancer, the game lets you choose your intensity level, so you can progress at your own pace. With a mix of slower songs and high-energy beats, it's perfect for anyone looking to practice Latin dance while enjoying a workout.
For those who want to dive into this vibrant style of fitness without leaving home, Zumba Burn It Up! could be just what you're looking for.
TL;DR - Why you should play
- It's based on the popular Zumba fitness program
- It's got plenty of intensity levels to suit different needs
The Thrill Of The Fight
Best fitness video game for boxing
- G2A - $13.47 / £10.22
* prices are accurate as of the most recent update, but may be subject to change
Why we chose The Thrill Of The Fight
The Thrill Of The Fight is widely regarded as one of the best VR boxing games and an excellent fitness option. Its focus on authenticity allows you to face opponents with unique fighting styles, challenging you to outmaneuver them and land precise knockout blows, just like in real boxing.
This game can genuinely improve your boxing skills, as winning requires more than just powerful punches. You'll need to target weak points to wear down your opponent, offering a great workout while honing your technique.
With a relatively recent update too, and rumors of a sequel on the horizon, The Thrill Of The Fight is a must-try for anyone looking to box and stay fit in VR.
TL;DR - Why you should play
- A very realistic representation of boxing, even down to the cardio involved
- It's quite cheap as far as video games go
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
With a large number of fitness video games on the market, you may have a few questions about them but don't worry because we're here to clear up some of the most common queries.
How long should your fitness video game workout last?
The answer to this question depends on many factors which include personal preference, time available, current fitness levels, and so on.
With games like the Ring Fit Adventure, you are tasked with completing levels that normally take around 5-10 minutes to complete so, after tackling a few of these, you should have experienced a relatively challenging workout.
Ultimately, spending at least 30 minutes exercising should ensure you've worked enough to reap the benefits of the fitness game in question.
How often should you play a fitness video game?
The frequency with which you should play a fitness video game depends on several factors, including your fitness level, overall health, and goals. However, if you struggle to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, then you may want to consider around three to five workouts per week, which ensures you have enough rest days for proper recovery.
It's important to note that each workout doesn't have to be identical. For instance, you can focus on building muscle using weights and general gym equipment three sessions a week. Then, to add variety and enjoyment, you might choose to do a few dance workouts on something like Just Dance for the remaining two sessions.
Ultimately, the choice of exercises is entirely up to you and your preferences. The key is to find a balance that keeps you motivated and helps you achieve your fitness goals.
What console do you need to play fitness video games?
To play fitness video games, you typically need a console that supports motion-sensing technology, such as the Microsoft Xbox Kinect, the Sony PlayStation Move, or the Nintendo Wii, Wii U, or the Switch.
These consoles use motion controllers or a camera to track your movements and translate them into actions within the game. Some newer consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S also have motion-sensing capabilities, but it's important to check the requirements of the specific fitness game you want to play to ensure it is compatible with your chosen console.