No parent wants their child stuck to a screen all the time. But what if the screen motivates them to get up and be active? Let’s take a look at fitness video games.
Winter in Minnesota means being indoors a lot. When frigid winds are blowing, it’s tempting to snuggle in with activities that aren’t very- well, active.
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Kids need to move. All of that energy has to go somewhere. If you’re stuck inside, get them moving with these entertaining and engaging games.
Ring Fit Adventure
Do your kids like role-playing games? How about you?
Ring Fit Adventure is one of Nintendo’s
best-selling fitness video games. In this role-playing game, the player goes up against a bodybuilding dragon. To defeat the evil dragon, the player runs, squats, punches, and performs other exercise moves.
The game comes with a plastic ring, about the size of a steering wheel. It also has a strap that goes around your thigh. One Joy-con controller connects to the ring. The other goes in the thigh strap.
This exercise game starts easy but quickly ramps up to a challenging cardio workout. With 100 levels and 20 worlds to explore, you and your kids will get hours of fun with this game.
Just Dance 2020
Get your dance moves on! Just Dance 2020 is loaded with current hits that will make everyone in the house get up and get moving.
Players watch the animated dancers and copy their moves. Choose your song and get your groove on!
You can build your own playlist to suit your musical preferences and physical ability. Here are a few of the available tracks:
- I Like It – Cardi B.
- The Time – Black Eyed Peas
- God is a Woman – Ariana Grande
- Old Town Road – remix by Lil Nas X, with Billy Ray Cyrus
- Plus, all sorts of selections for whatever gets your groove on.
Just Dance Kids Mode is a fun option for younger kids. With songs like Baby Shark (do do do do do do), Happy Birthday, and Kitten Kitchen, even toddlers will want to get up and shake their booty.
Just Dance 2021 will hit the shelves on November 12, 2020. The playlist includes Blinding Lights, Senorita, and dozens of other hit songs.
The Nintendo Switch is an excellent platform for Just Dance. The Joy-con motion controllers are easy to hold as you move to the beat.
Fitness Boxing
This game really packs a punch. Learn to jab, hook, and throw an uppercut in this fitness video game.
The virtual personal trainer is wildly adaptable.
Choose from several different characters. Customize skin tone, clothing, and other features. This part feels a bit like playing with dolls. And really, who doesn’t love playing with dolls?
Fitness moves are timed to energetic music. You can choose a faster version of each song to really get a good workout.
You can customize the length of your workout. If you only have ten minutes to spare for boxing, you won’t have to quit in the middle of your program.
You can also change which muscles you’re focusing on. If it’s leg day, this game will spool up a leg program. If you’re looking to work your triceps, they’ve got you covered.
Hand one of the Joy-con controllers over to your little one and let them train with you. This is an activity the family can enjoy together.
The game also has a player vs. player mode. Turn that sibling rivalry into a little healthy competition. With the exercise and entertainment, your kids will receive, it’s a win for everybody.
Fitness Boxing comes with a playlist of popular songs that will make you want to move. From Lady Gaga to Lipps Inc., there’s something for everyone.
The newest version, Fitness Boxing 2 Rhythm and Exercise, is slated to be in stores on December 4, 2020.
How Much Exercise Do Kids Need?
Kids tend to be loaded with energy. If they’re awake, they’re usually moving. So, do parents really need to make sure they exercise?
Children have some of the same hurdles as being active as adults. They have to sit still for hours at school. Lots of afterschool activities and other hobbies don’t involve physical activity.
Learning to engage in purposeful activity is a skill your child will benefit from throughout their lifetime. While your child might not be excited about the idea of a fitness class right now, a fitness game has a different appeal.
The CDC recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every day for kids age 6-17. Exercise helps kids develop healthy hearts, lungs, and bodies. It can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Fitness video games are a great way to get your kids to work up a sweat and have a great time doing it.
What About The Switch Lite? Does It Play Any Fitness Video Games?
The Switch Lite is a smaller, cheaper version of the Nintendo Switch. Besides being smaller, there are some significant differences between the two units:
- The Switch Lite does not connect to your TV or to any other screen. Anything you play will only be displayed on the 5.5-inch screen. That’s about the size of an iPhone 6.
- The original Switch has a 4 by 9.5-inch screen. When you do choose to play directly on the Switch, you’ll be able to see what you’re doing.
- The Switch controllers have a wide variety of color options for the controllers. Switch Lite has built-in touch controls.
With the fitness games, the Joy-Cons need to be able to detach to play, so you need a regular Nintendo Switch Console for these titles.
Don’t wait until boredom has your kids climbing the walls. Join Twin Cities Kids Club today. Get discounts for all sorts of wonderful activities in the Twin Cities. Connect with local businesses, and hear the latest local news and events to keep your whole family entertained!