Image by Army Medicine, Creative Commons

Video games are a sedentary activity. There are exceptions but for the most part, if you gamer is playing, they are not moving their body.

So how do you get your gamer off the couch to get some exercise?

The key is to help them find the physical activity that interests them.

I don’t know about you, but when I hear talk about getting outside and getting exercise, I think “sports”. I think about playing something like basketball or football. And that is definitely a good option.

However, it is important to understand sports are not the only option. In fact, for a lot of gamers, they are not an option at all. They just are not interested.

Luckily there are so many other options. Here is a quick brainstorm of some activities your gamer might enjoy.

• Paintball/Airsoft/Laser tag
• Weight lifting
• Running
• Swimming
• Martial arts
• Camping/Hiking/Canoeing
• Skiing (snow or water)
• Rock climbing
• Mountain biking
• Surfing
• Trampoline parks
• Ultimate Frisbee/Frisbee golf

This is just a short list. There are a bunch more activities you could try.

Again, the key is to help your gamer find something they enjoy.

Of course, they may not know yet. They are still trying to figure themselves out. You can help them by trying things with them.

Take them to play laser tag (must less painful than paintball ) or camping or to the trampoline park. Then sit down and talk to them about the experience. Did they enjoy it? Why or why not? Is there something else they would rather try?

In the end, you may find something you both enjoy. Then you will get the double benefit of building your connection with them while helping them be more healthy.