2013 is here and it’s time to get a start on those New Year’s resolutions. Whether your reason is health, confidence or pure aesthetics toning up and losing weight is always on the top of the resolutions list. For gamers turning your console into an exercise tool can get you right on track and make your workouts fun.
Here’s a look at some of the best fitness games available for whatever console you use.
Xbox: The Kinect for Xbox 360 opens up a plethora of kinesthetic opportunities for games.
"Kinect Sports"- Sports fans will enjoy this game that allows you to get moving indoors as you compete in 6 different sports from soccer to track and field. All you need is a Kinect Sensor and you’ll be sure to work up a sweat.
"Dance Central"- Giving gamers the opportunity to get their groove on to popular music "Dance Central" will track the calories you burn and get you moving whether your feet hit the right moves or not. It’s a fun party game that also makes for some awesome cardio.
"Kinect Adventures!"- One of the first games for the Kinect technology this game gets you moving while completing objectives like a river rafting race. Perhaps less intense than a dance or sport game it certainly is fun and great for kids and families.
Wii: Nintendo’s unconventional controller lent itself to some fun active games like bowling and with some accessories you’re Wii or Wii U can become your best exercise resource.
"Wii Fit Classic": This great little game guides you through yoga, Pilates, and aerobics exercises to stretch your muscles and strengthen your core through the use of a Balance Board. There’s even some sport games like skiing to get you moving. The game is a staple for those with a Balance Board for their Wii.
"New U Mind Body: Yoga & Pilates Workout"- This new game is great for building strength, balance, and flexibility. It works together with the Wii MotionPlus and a Balance Board. Great for beginners or avid yoga goers this game is great for core exercises but not so much in the cardio department.
"Wario Ware Smooth Moves"- This game has all the fun of a Mario party game with fast paced movements that are sure to work up a sweat. This game doesn't really feel like work and really is a fun game that just happens to require a lot of calorie burning to play.
PS3: The PlayStation has an accessory called the PlayStation Move. There are a handful of games that utilize the peripheral that are sure to make your at home workouts easy and fun.
"Sports Champions"- Exclusive to the PS3 this game allows players to simulate a wide variety of Olympic games from archery to table tennis to volley ball.
"Dance Dance Revolution"- The original dance game franchise is still going strong and could very well be the most fun you could have while exercising. Even if you can’t make your feet hit the right moves you’ll still be burning calories trying to hit those floating arrows in time with the music. If you’re playing old school with a PS2 any used game store probably has one of the many DDR games with dance pad controllers for a bargain. Get your groove on and your work out finished.
Many fitness games are available for all major consoles. Whether you've invested in a PlayStation Move, Xbox Kinect or Wii Motion Plus or Balance Board these games will be a great addition to your workout routine.
"Zumba Fitness"- Get in on the Zumba craze as easy to follow trainers will guide you through some hot routines to get you in shape. The game comes with a special belt for hands free play. It also gives you 20 different dance styles to try out and over 60 routines to follow along with.
"EA Sports Active"- This game is the whole workout package. You can set goals, keep track of stats and records and create a personalized training program as if you were working with a trainer at a gym. There is a wide selection of sports related activities which will be a real asset to your workout routine.
Don't let the weather or the craziness of life get in the way of your New Year's exercise resolutions. Utilize your gaming console for a quick and easy in door workout that will be a lot of fun too.
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