Let’s face it: the vast majority of young adults in the United States are gamers. What was once a hobby reserved for a few has now become a mainstream pastime that supports an industry worth billions of dollars. However, while gaming is a generally safe and fun way to unwind at the end of the day, it does have its drawbacks.
The primary drawback is that gaming is a (mostly) sedentary activity, though some games do allow you to get up and move around. In any case, if you’re like the vast majority of gamers, you spend your free time sitting down in front of your TV or computer screen. Over time, this can cause a wide array of health issues if continued long term. So, in today’s post, we are going to look at a few different ways to stay in shape as a gamer!
Address Problems As Soon As Possible
Are you feeling pain in your lower back? Is your neck starting to hurt when you look from side to side? Have you noticed that your vision is not as good as it once was? These are all the kinds of problems that you should address as quickly as possible. Rather than waiting for them to get worse, you should speak to a healthcare professional and, if necessary, get treatment. For example, if you noticed a lump growing on the side of your foot, you wouldn’t hesitate to contact the experts at a medical center like Northwest Surgery Center. Similarly, if you notice health problems anywhere else in your body, you should report those to a professional as well.
Invest In “Physical” Games
While most games just require you to hold a controller or manage a mouse and keyboard, there are thousands of games out there that require you to get up and move around. From Dance Dance Revolution to Wii Fit, there is a relatively long history of game manufacturers designing games to help gamers maintain a healthier lifestyle. You may not think that they are as “fun” or “relaxing” as other games, but if they help you get in a mini-workout from time to time while gaming, that’s still a huge win!
Set a Timer for Movement Breaks
If you’re like many of your fellow gamers, you enjoy long gaming sessions. Though these can be extremely fun, they are also not all that good for you. Your heart and cardiovascular system require movement to stay healthy. So, even if you want to enjoy gaming for hours on end, you should set a regular timer so that you can take breaks from your game to get up and move. Even if you just stand up, stretch, and walk around the neighborhood for a few minutes, it can help your body stay happy and healthy!
Avoid Ready-Made Meals & Junk Food
It’s an unfair stereotype that gamers are all bad eaters. However, there’s no denying that gaming and eating junk food often go hand in hand. So, rather than reaching for a bag of chips while you’re gaming, look for fruits and vegetables as replacements. Additionally, try to avoid quick, ready-made meals, as they are generally packed with extra salt and sugar. Instead, take the time to make your own meals!
Did you find our guide on how to stay in shape as a gamer useful? If so, be sure to check out some of our other great posts on Geek Extreme today!
