How to Get Fit While Playing Pokemon Go
Pokémon Go is more than a mobile game; it’s become quite the sensation! With more than 7 million downloads of the game already, it’s safe to say it’s not likely to go anywhere anytime soon. When we think of video games, it usually involves sitting for hours in front of a screen with little to no movement or activity.
The opposite is true with Pokémon Go, since the more you move, the better your chances are in getting to the next level. Its engagement has led to official meetups and informal gatherings of people banding together on the hunt for Pokémon. There has been a gamification to exercise which are keeping people entertained and in shape.
Automatic Exercise Incentives Built Into the Game
The goal of the game is to track down all the Pokémon available, which are scattered throughout the city in different locations. Yelp has even joined the Pokémon craze by adding PokéStops to reviews so users know if they’ll be able to catch one next time they’re dining out, going to get a haircut, or hitting the gym.
What does this all mean for fitness? One of the best types of exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels is walking. In order to track down as many Pokémon as possible, you’ve got to get moving. In the same way step trackers like Fitbit made walking a competitive goal to see who can get to 10,000 steps fastest, Pokémon encourages people to explore the city by getting out and walking.
Pokémon Go has a feature called Lucky Egg, which is when the player earns double Experience Points (XP) for free rather than making an in-app purchase. To gain the coveted XPs, players must incubate and hatch Pokémon Eggs. How do they achieve this? By walking anywhere from 1.2 to 6.2 miles, whatever is required, to hatch the egg. One such egg hunt will easily get in your daily recommended steps and exercise.
Plan a Day with Pokémon Go and Get Fit
Planning a day for playing Pokémon? Here are a few ways to get in a good workout at the same time:
Take the stairs. In areas where you’re tracking down Pokémon, take the longer route to get there or opt for stairs, instead of the elevator or flatter areas. You’ll still get to your destination, while also giving your quads a workout and getting your heart pumping a little more.
Bring your dog along. When you bring your pet along, you and your dog get the daily exercise you need. Your pup will be happy and so will you. A winning situation all the way around.
Dress accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and loose-fit clothing to stay outdoors longer and enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and feeling of triumph as you track down more Pokémon.
Pack snacks. Rather than stopping at the closest convenience store to fuel up, make sure you pack a few healthy snacks or bottled water to stay hydrated and healthy while out and about.
Think about life before Pokémon Go and how much you fit in exercise to your daily routine. The gaming sensation has created a way to burn calories while still having fun. Even if you’ve kept with a regular exercise program before Pokémon resurfaced, it’s still a great way to shake things up and keep yourself from getting into a workout rut.