Work up a sweat with these fun fitness games.

So you bought a Nintendo Switch during the Circuit Breaker, mostly because your kids were clamouring for one and you thought it would keep them occupied during the lockdown. Now that the Animal Crossing craze is over and the kids are back at school, you’ve done what every good parent should and restricted their gaming hours. As a result, that (once) shiny new Switch is now locked away gathering dust in your drawer for most of the week. What if I told you there was a way to get more out of your expensive purchase?

Not just for kids

Now if you’re thinking that “Gaming is childish and a waste of time”, we beg to differ. More than just a device to play cutesy games, the Switch can actually help you to keep fit and burn some serious calories! There are a myriad of game titles out there with motion controls that perfectly integrate fitness with fun, making for an effective and safe indoor workout during this pandemic. Let’s face it – for us over 40, we’re far removed from the days when we could chiong through the night and still turn up for work at 9am. It’s probably a good idea to start moving and keeping yourself in shape! So why not give these games a spin and put some fun back into your workouts:

Level 1: No Sweat, Chicken Feet 

Sports Party

If you’re looking to start with something light and fun with the whole family, Sports Party is right up your alley. It won’t help you burn a ton of calories, but you can still get a light workout while helping your little ones learn some sports movements in this beach-themed game. Sports include frisbee, skateboarding, golf, beach tennis and more. It’s easy to pick up and go, so you’ll be having fun with the family in no time! Up to 4 players can play, with options to customise the appearance of your avatars, which should prove to be a big hit with the kids.

Level 2: Boleh, lah!

American Ninja Warrior

Taking it up a notch is this simulation game of the popular game show American Ninja Warrior. If you’ve ever seen the participants jump, sprint, and swing their way across the obstacle course and thought “I think I could do that…”, here’s your chance to put that to the test (sorta). Take on iconic challenges like the Salmon Ladder, Warped Wall, Log Grip and see if you have the chops to become a real Ninja Warrior. With an enthusiastic crowd cheering you on, you’ll find real satisfaction in finally overcoming the obstacles and standing victoriously on the winner’s podium.

Mario Tennis Aces

One of the more popular games on Wii Sports was Tennis, and it’s not difficult to see why. Easy to pick up but hard to master, the racquet game is brought to life in your living room by the lovable characters from the world of Mario. Slice, lob, and smash your way to victory in this remarkably accurate simulation of real-world tennis, which mixes in quirky power-ups that let you do fun stuff like destroying your opponent’s racquet. It might not deliver an intense workout, but swinging those Joy-Cons around can definitely work up a sweat and get your heart pumping.

Level 3: Wah, Shag man!

Ring Fit Adventure

An adventure game that’s also a surprisingly vigorous workout, the flagship exercise game for the Switch delivers an engaging storyline, fitness-centric tasks and a ton of mini-games. Players are taken on a quest to explore a fantasy world filled with monsters which must be defeated using exercise movements like jogging, sprinting, yoga poses and more.

The game comes with special accessories, the Ring-Con and Leg Strap, which are used to track your movements. There’s even a customisable workout routine creation mode for those who are really serious about burning those calories.

Zumba: Burn It Up!

For those looking for a fun but no less demanding workout, this Zumba focused dance-along game offers high-energy routines to get your cardio on. Dance along to over 30 chart-topping hits with real-life, on-screen instructors that keep your energy up. The game does a good job of creating a motivational party atmosphere in your living room, and you can almost imagine you’re rocking to the beats in a high-tempo gym class. There are different levels tailored to your fitness, and you can even earn extra points as you learn dance styles from around the world.

Exercise from the comfort of your home

If you’re worried about working out in a gym full of sweaty and panting people, these exercise games on Nintendo Switch can help burn some calories from the safety of your living room. You’ll have some fun at the same time too, so why not give them a try today!