The best fitness video games can help you roll your passion for gaming and need to exercise into one simple and fun bundle.
Fitness gaming, or 'exergaming', has been around since the '80s. However, more recently, Nintendo has set the 'exergaming' standard following the release of the Wii, which brought more movement than ever before thanks to its unique motion sensor and controllers.
Thanks to this, an array of fitness games are available today, offering diverse options across major consoles. To help your search, we've curated a list based on features, pricing, and reviews, catering to those seeking full-body movement experiences while ensuring ample entertainment value throughout sessions.
Our selection includes games like Ring Fit Adventure, which delivers comprehensive workouts, and Beat Saber, a standout in VR fitness gaming. These titles offer engaging modes and features that encourage whole-body movement, catering to varying preferences and gaming platforms. Whether you aim for an immersive workout or an entertaining gaming session, our list covers an assortment of options.
Best fitness video games
- 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 - best option for boxing
1. Ring Fit Adventure
Best full-body fitness video game
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 absolutely have to check out.
Reasons to buy:
- Great for a full-body workout if you own a Switch
- Its Adventure mode is something you can really get invested in
2. Just Dance 2024
Best fitness video game for dancing
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.
Reasons to buy:
- 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
3. Beat Saber
Best VR fitness video game
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 coloured 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.
Reasons to buy:
- You won't find many games as immersive thanks to it being in VR
- It's strangely addictive
4. Zumba Burn It Up!
Best fitness video game for cardio
Just Dance isn't the only dance game available on the Switch as Zumba Burn It Up! has been designed to give you a taste of the hugely popular Latin-inspired fitness classes.
Zumba incorporates upbeat music and choreographed dances which the game will guide you through to the soundtrack of songs from the likes of Cardi B, Ciara, and more.
If you're a beginner to Zumba then don't worry, you can choose your intensity level for each session, and some songs are slower than others meaning there's room for progression within the game.
If you're interested in getting involved in this style of Latin dance but want to practice in the comfort of your own home, then Zumba Burn It Up! might be for you.
Reasons to buy:
- It's based on the popular Zumba fitness programme
- It's got plenty of intensity levels to suit different needs
6. The Thrill Of The Fight
Best fitness video game for boxing
Seeing as this game is widely regarded as one of the best VR boxing games on the market, it makes sense to label The Thrill Of The Fight as one of the best fitness video games too.
It prides itself on authenticity, allowing you to take on a diverse array of opponents, each with their own distinct fighting styles and techniques. You'll need to be precise and skillful to outmanoeuvre your rival and land that knockout blow, much like you would need to do in real life.
We truly believe this game can improve your boxing skills, as one powerful punch won't cut it to win by knockout. You need to target weak points to further weaken your opponent, thus developing your boxing ability while also delivering a killer workout.
What's more, the game was updated not too long ago, and there's some talk online of a follow-up title on its way. If boxing is what you like to do to keep fit, The Thrill Of The Fight is an excellent VR game worth your time.
Reasons to buy:
- 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 a number of 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.
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