The best fitness video games blend your love of gaming with your need to stay active, turning exercise into something you actually look forward to.
“Exergaming” has come a long way since the early days of the ’80s, with Nintendo’s Wii famously bringing motion-controlled workouts into the mainstream. Today, things are even better. Modern consoles, VR headsets, and PCs offer full-body, high-energy experiences that can genuinely break a sweat while keeping you entertained.
To help you find the right fit, we’ve rounded up the best fitness games across Switch, VR, and beyond.
Full-body workout
Innovative fitness game using Ring-Con, combining exercise and adventure for Nintendo Switch players.
Dance away
Fun, social dance game offering cardio workouts with popular songs and multiplayer options.
VR/fitness combo
Serious cardio
Latin-inspired dance fitness game with customizable intensity for fun home workouts.
Complete boxing
VR boxing game offering authentic fights, fitness benefits, and skill-improving gameplay.
What is the Best Fitness Video Game?
If we had to pick just one, Ring Fit Adventure comes closest to the complete package. But it’s far from the only great option.
From VR rhythm games to dance workouts and boxing sims, there’s something for every play style and fitness level — and this guide covers them all.
Why we chose Ring Fit Adventure
Ring Fit Adventure is about as close as gaming gets to a full-body gym session.
Nintendo has long dominated the fitness space with hits like Wii Sports and Wii Fit, and this Switch title takes things even further by turning exercise into an RPG adventure.
Using the included Ring-Con and leg strap, you’ll jog in place to move through levels, perform squats, presses, and yoga poses to attack enemies, and battle your way toward defeating the villain, Dragaux.
It’s surprisingly challenging, endlessly charming, and incredibly effective. If you own a Switch, this one’s practically essential.
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.
Why we chose Just Dance 2026
If cardio is your goal, it’s hard to beat Just Dance.
The long-running series remains one of the most fun ways to burn calories, letting you dance along to chart hits and throwback favorites. The 2026 edition includes 40 new songs like "Houdini" by Dua Lipa and the option to dance with up to six players in local multiplayer!.
There’s also a Workout Mode that tracks calories and play time, making it easy to monitor your progress without extra gear.
Best of all, you can play solo, with friends, or online — so it doubles as both a party game and a legit sweat session.
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.
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 while 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.
Why we chose Zumba Burn It Up!
Want something dance-focused but different from Just Dance? Zumba Burn It Up! brings the vibe of a Latin-inspired fitness class straight into your living room.
With choreographed routines set to upbeat tracks from artists like Cardi B and Ciara, it’s energetic, colorful, and easy to follow.
You can choose your intensity level, making it great for both beginners and seasoned dancers. The mix of slower songs and high-energy routines keeps things balanced and helps you build stamina over time.
It’s basically a Zumba class without leaving the house.
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.
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 its latest update enhancing things, 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?
Aim for at least 30 minutes, but shorter sessions can still be effective.
The ideal workout length varies based on your fitness level, goals, and available time. Games like Ring Fit Adventure break activities into levels that usually take 5–10 minutes each, so completing a few in a row can add up to a solid session.
For general fitness benefits, aiming for around 30 minutes of active play per session is a good rule of thumb. That said, even shorter bursts can be beneficial, especially if done consistently.
How often should you play a fitness video game?
Three to five times per week is a great starting point for most people.
Your optimal schedule depends on your current fitness level and goals, but if you're using fitness games as your main form of exercise, try to aim for at least three sessions a week, ideally up to five.
This gives you room to rest and recover while still building a habit. You don’t have to do the same activity every day, either. Mixing in dance games, strength-focused levels, or yoga routines can keep things fresh and target different aspects of your fitness.
What console do you need to play fitness video games?
You'll need a system with motion controls like the Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, Xbox Kinect, or PlayStation Move.
While newer systems like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S may support some motion features, it's crucial to check each game’s compatibility before purchasing. That said, the Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2 remain two of the most active platforms for modern fitness games like Ring Fit Adventure or Just Dance, though.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're into dancing, boxing, or full-body workouts, there's something for everyone across various consoles and platforms. So, pick a game that suits your style, get moving, and make your fitness journey an exciting adventure!
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