The global iGaming industry has seen an exponential rise in recent years with no signs of slowing down. Online gaming includes different types of games, from RPGs and FPSs to online poker. According to data from PwC’s Global Entertainment and Media Outlook, the gaming industry was worth $214.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $321.1 billion by 2026. These numbers don’t only show a rise but highlight a possible problem, as online gaming can be detrimental to fitness. When it comes to physical fitness, it’s important to get the blood flowing and move the body around, which is something most gamers don’t get a chance to do. For example, a professional online gaming tournament, like League of Legends, will run for around 7-8 hours. Those who play online poker can easily be involved in long drawn out tournaments. As a result, being sedentary for long periods of time can cause
health implications and lead to unwanted weight gain. The good news is there are ways online gamers can keep fit and healthy whilst playing, and here are some of them.
1. Stationary Bicycle
If you have the space for a stationary bicycle, this is one of the best ways you can get a workout while on a break. Bikes are efficient at burning calories and they are effective in helping to blast body fat while strengthening your leg muscles, abdominal core muscles and even the heart and lungs. Plus, it’s a low impact exercise routine, so it is easy on your joints. If you’re playing in an online casino and you go bust, a stationary bicycle is the perfect way to blow off some steam while exercising.
2. Treadmill
One of the most convenient ways to exercise is to run, and a treadmill set up beside your battle station is the perfect combo. This machine is excellent for cardio exercise, thus beneficial for heart health, and is a great way to burn calories in a short period of time. Every treadmill has offers various routines and it’s up to you to choose which one you feel like doing. If you feel like doing a long distance normal-paced walk, a run up a hill, or short but fast sprints – the choice is yours! Challenge yourself and say that for every 10 minutes spent on the treadmill, you can play an online game for 1 hour, and you’ll feel amazing!
3. HIIT Workouts
If you’re a hardcore gamer and want a hardcore workout, then high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts are for you. These are efficient exercises that can get you to seriously sweat, build muscle and lower your blood pressure and blood sugar at the
same time. HIIT workouts combine alternating short bursts of explosive routine exercises with short recovery periods. The routine exercises may include any combination of jump squats, plank to hip dips, push-ups, and mountain climbers, to name a few. Once you’ve put your weapons down between shoot ‘em up levels, jump into some HIIT exercises and you’ll be fired up again in no time. Taking care of your health is important, but it can be difficult to find the time, especially if you are a passionate gamer. Luckily, there are some short and impactful workouts gamers can do to keep fit while still getting all the game time they need. Try these workouts out and feel like a physically fit winner!