What’s up fellow gamers! My name is (Erosium) and I’ve been a gamer for 25 years, I started out on Diablo 1 and now I have been playing the likes of World of Warcraft and other games for 20 years! I love long gaming sessions, its a place of comfort for many of us but the unfortunate thing that happens to gamers like us, is that we tend to develop aches and pains from a lack of stimulated muscles, we either become overweight or underweight depending on how much you eat. Keeping your body healthy, supple and strong while being a gamer can be really tricky. I managed to get myself into shape whilst being a hardcore gamers, here’s some Best Exercises For Hardcore Gamers To Level Up Your Fitness!
For more information about health, fitness and even nutrition check out Thriverous.com a website dedicated to exercise, health and fitness. They have really good information for people looking to get into good shape.
Best Exercises For Hardcore Gamers – Workout at Home!
Gamers like to spend 8-16 hours a day playing games! The unfortunate thing that happens to gamers like this is that we tend to develop aches and pains from a lack of stimulated muscles. Maintaining your health and being a gamer can be really tricky. I managed to get myself into shape whilst being a hardcore gamers, here’s some at home workout exercises I did with dumbbells and body weight to get fit and be a hardcore gamer.
Upper body exercises for Gamers
- Bicep Curls, Hammer Curls and Tricep Extensions.
- Shoulders Press, Lateral Raises, bent over lateral raises.
- Pushups and on floor Chest Press.
- Bent over rows and pull-ups if strong enough.
- Forearm curls (Important for gamers, helps reaction speeds).
- Grippers.
Lower body exercises for Gamers
- Bodyweight Squats to failure x 3 times with 90 seconds rest.
- Dumbbell Lunges
- Shoulder Dumbbell Squats
- Calf Raises.
- Dumbbell Deadlifts
Hand exercises for Gamers
This one is hard because you ideally need some hand exercise equipment such as a gripper.
- Grippers to Failure each hand with 90 seconds rest x 3 times.
- Thumb Abduction
- Wrist Extension
- Individual Finger Flexion
- Supine Flexors Stretch
- Opposition Finger-Tap:
- Finger Abduction
- Palms Stretching
- Thumb Tip Flexion
Weights for Gamers to Workout at Home
Here are some weights and grip trainers I have used and found to work perfectly for enhancing my grip strength, finger dexterity and overall body strength.
Adjustable Dumbbells for gamers
Grip and Finger Strength Trainer for gamers
Grip Strength Trainer Kit for gamers
Why Gamers Need Fitness
We gamers need fitness to combat increased sedentary behavior and physical & mental fatigue from long gaming sessions. Having a good diet and plenty of exercise makes for a happier, longer life with better gaming sessions!
Increased sedentary behavior
I know sitting down for hours with a controller in hand is part of the gaming lifestyle. It’s easy to get caught up in leveling up, chasing high scores and exploring virtual worlds.
My chair has practically molded to my shape, I admit it, but that’s exactly why fitness needs to make its way into our gamer routine. Think about this: an active body supports an active mind – critical for sharp reactions during intense gaming sessions! So pull away from the screen regularly and throw some physical activity into the mix.
Jumping jacks while waiting for a game to load or squats between matches could make a massive difference over time – not just for your character’s level but for your health too!
Physical and mental fatigue
Sitting in the same spot for hours can really take a toll on your body and mind. Constant gaming sessions often lead to sore muscles and a tired brain, making it hard to keep up with those critical split-second decisions that make or break your game.
Your reaction speed might drop, and before long, you’re missing cues and losing matches.
Tackling physical activity head-on can be the game-changer you need. By building an exercise regimen into my daily routine, I’ve noticed a boost in cognitive function and my mental wellness has skyrocketed.
Improved overall health and well-being
Tackling fatigue, both physical and mental, is just the start. Elevating your wellness game means stepping up the exercise regimen for sustained health benefits beyond the screen. Regular movement boosts cardiovascular fitness and strengthens muscles, translating into more durability during marathon gaming sessions.
Think about it: increased endurance lets you outlast opponents with ease.
Incorporating strength training and cardio into your workout routine does wonders not only for your avatar but for your real-life self too. You’ll notice improved stamina which can keep you alert during those critical in-game moments where every second counts.
Plus, the feel-good endorphins released during exercise make conquering virtual worlds all the more satisfying. It’s not just about avoiding that end-of-level boss; it’s about becoming a healthier version of you who can take on anything life throws at them—both on-screen and off.
Tips for Incorporating Exercise into Gaming Routine
Start with simple exercises like squats, push-ups, and lunges before gradually increasing the intensity. Set achievable goals and prioritize taking breaks to stretch and move around during gaming sessions.
Start with simple exercises
Keep exercising and diet really simple, the more complicated it is, the more unlikely you will follow it!
Set achievable goals
Walk 8000 – 10000 steps a day, if you dont have a tracker then download google fit to your phone as a substitute. Thriverous has a great article about the benefits of 10,000 steps a day, worth a read! Setting daily steps or workout frequency can help maintain consistency while gaming.
Gamify your Fitness
As gamers we like targets, goals and progress. So why not do what I did and target or goal your own fitness levels? On your calendar draw a smiley face for every day you did 8000 – 10000 steps and an X for every day you didn’t do it. See if you can reach 7 days in a row. If you can do that then up the anti and go for 28 days! See how long you can go without destroying your win streak. Do the same with your workouts and diet and you will become fit in no time at all!
Take breaks to stretch and move
When it comes to achieving achievable goals, it’s important to remember that taking breaks to stretch and move is just as crucial. Finding a good balance between gaming and physical activity can be challenging, but incorporating regular breaks for stretching and movement can make all the difference. Here are some simple exercises you can do during your gaming sessions to keep your body limber and prevent stiffness or soreness:
- Stretch your arms and shoulders by reaching them overhead and holding for 10 seconds on each side.
- Stand up and perform a few squats or lunges to get your lower body moving and increase blood flow.
- Roll your wrists and ankles to maintain flexibility in your joints.
- Perform neck rolls to release tension in the neck and shoulder area.
- Take a brisk walk around the room or do some jumping jacks to get your heart rate up.
Conclusion Gamers Fitness – LETS GO!
Alright, fellow gamers, it’s been a wild ride sharing my gaming journey with you, from the early days of Diablo 1 to the epic adventures in World of Warcraft and beyond. Now, we all know the struggles that come with being glued to our screens for those marathon gaming sessions – the aches, the pains, the battle between becoming a tank or a rogue in the real world (weight gain or loss, you know the deal).
But fear not, my gaming comrades, because I’ve been in the trenches for 25 years, and I’ve cracked the code to staying fit and healthy while on that gaming grind. It’s not an easy feat, but just like leveling up a character, it’s all about finding the right strategies. I’ve spilled the beans on the best exercises for hardcore gamers in my article, and trust me, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill workouts. We’re talking about leveling up your fitness game so you can crush it in the virtual world and the real one.
So, whether you’re a night elf, a space marine, or anything in between, let’s break the stereotype that gamers can’t be fit. With a mix of dedication, the right exercises, and a bit of XP grinding in the gym, we can all achieve a healthier, stronger, and more epic version of ourselves. Keep gaming, keep leveling, and most importantly, keep leveling up your fitness – because in this game of life, we’re all aiming for that high score. Cheers to a fit and fabulous gaming journey, my friends!
Facts about Gamers and Supporting Research
Facts about -Increased sedentary behavior, Why Gamers Need Fitness
1. Gamers are at a heightened risk of developing obesity due to the sedentary nature of gaming and increased energy intake.
2. Sedentary lifestyle among gamers can lead to cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and obesity.
3. Playing video games, a form of sedentary behavior, is associated with poor well-being and increased risk of chronic morbidity.
Source URLs
https://www.verizon.com/about/parenting/professional-gamer-fitness
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6231821/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8424420/
https://www.bath.ac.uk/announcements/video-games-can-have-similar-health-benefits-to-jogging/
https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-08522-x
https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-01/mu-cei013020.php
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