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With fitness centers and yoga studios shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic, area instructors are shifting to virtual instruction to provide community members a way to remain active.

I decided to offer virtual fitness classes at this challenging time, to help as many people as I can, feel a sense of togetherness, in a time of physical isolation, said Korinn Mowrey of Makin' Waves in Health & Fitness in Hope, who is offering instruction through her Facebook page.

She said the Facebook platform allows virtual attendees to comment during the class, have fun, and joke with fellow attendees.

It's important to keep our health up both physically and mentally, she said. We need to boost our immune systems to fight against the virus if need be, and depression is the fastest way to break the body down.

She urges her students not only to maintain strength, but to get stronger.

To help boost the Midcoasts immune systems, Mowrey is offering both online fitness and nutrition classes.

We made delicious cranberry muffins together, using ingredients containing large amounts of disease fighting vitamin C and anti-oxidants, she said. My viewers feel like they're doing something for the cause, by supporting one another and at the same time staying fit and healthy. It's a win win for everyone.

Starting Monday, March 23, Mowreys classes will begin on Facebook at 10 a.m., with her letting views know the day before which virtual session will be taught the next day: zumba, powertone, strength training, barre, or nutrition.

I keep them guessing until the day before, so they have something to look forward to and then get excited about, she said.

A Thomaston-based Hybrid Fitness has shifted all of its training sessions to be conducted virtually over Zoom, a platform Hybrid Fitness owner Hunter Grindle said allows his instructors to guide members through workouts and provide coaching in real time.

We are even doing virtual high fives by putting our hands up to the webcam, said Grindle.

Hybrid Fitness is offering virtual training sessions in strength, cardio, yoga, or Pilates from Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Those interested in attending a virtual session can emailHunter@HybridFitnessGym.com.)

Shifting to virtual instruction was important for Grindle, as a way to ensure members remain on track with their fitness and health goals.

We decided to offer virtual fitness instruction because although we are forced to close down our gym, that doesn't mean that our members should stop being active, said Grindle. This also allows us to stay in business and continue to financially support our team.

On Thursday, Grindle announced to members a gym equipment rental program allowing members to rent the gyms equipment at no cost so they can continue to use their favorite equipment at home.

He noted it is key to ones well-being to stay committed to their fitness routines amid these times, whether the sessions are virtual or simply on their own.

I believe it is more important than ever for people continue their fitness routines, whether virtual or not, he said. Because our social lives are being limited, the virtual workouts and workshops we are doing help replicate that bond that people have at our physical location. There is plenty of literature out there that links social and relationships to health and well-being.

For those not interested in virtual sessions, or looking for ideas to supplement the virtual instruction, Grindle offered this: The weather has been gorgeous! Get outside and go for a walk on the breakwater, or hike one of our beautiful mountains!

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Midcoast turns to virtual fitness sessions with familiar teachers - PenBayPilot.com

MINNEAPOLIS, March 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --Self Esteem Brands, the parent company of Anytime Fitness, The Bar Method, Waxing The City, and Basecamp Fitness today announced three new content series across its portfolio of brands, which are available online to everyone who wants to access them.

"We know that Americans and people around the world depend on our brands to keep them healthy" said Chuck Runyon, Co-Founder and CEO, Self Esteem Brands. "We believe now is the time to respond to the needs of people around the globe who are self-isolating as a result of the spread of COVID-19. Each of our fitness brands has developed a new series of FREE online coaching, training and content that will allow people stay home and still access the workouts as well as fitness, nutrition and wellness advice that they crave."

"The digital offerings that we are announcing today have been a part of the evolution of our business that had to be accelerated due to the current global pandemic," commented Dave Mortensen, President and Co-Founder, Self Esteem Brands. "Our franchisees are independent, small business owners who care deeply about their communities. Coaching members virtually and this content series are ways for our franchisees to keep supporting their friends and neighbors."

"Creating this content was a direct response to consumer need", said Amy Halford, CMO Self Esteem Brands. "Our members and clients rely on fitness to help keep them strong and healthy. We know the benefits of a regular fitness regimen on both your physical and mental health. Our brands and our franchisees are dedicated to supporting peoples' health and wellbeing both inside and outside our clubs and studios."

New virtual content offerings have already begun online, free-of-charge and include:

ANYTIME FITNESSCoach, Care, Connect - series of content that includes quick and easy-to-access workouts, training, coaching, and health and wellness advice from health coaches

BASECAMP FITNESSBurn 'til You Return a series of high intensity Basecamp workouts that you can enjoy at home and on-the-go

THE BAR METHODTemporarily Closed, Virtually Open, Always A Community a taste of our signature technique from our expertly trained instructors meant to deliver a challenging yet graceful workout that will build long, lean, sculpted muscles and a feeling of personal strength, confidence and poise.

For more information on Self Esteem Brands please visit https://www.sebrands.com/.

About Self Esteem BrandsImproving the self-esteem of the world. That's the lofty goal of Self Esteem Brands, the parent company of Anytime Fitness, the world's largest fitness franchise; The Bar Method, an industry leader in barre-based fitness; Basecamp Fitness, a leading high-intensity interval training concept poised for rapid expansion; and Waxing the City, an award-winning waxing and personal care franchise. Self Esteem Brands seeks to enrich the lives of all of those who interact with our companies in more than 35 countries worldwide. That includes our consumers, vendors, employees, franchisees and the surrounding communities, where more than 4,500 of our independently owned and operated franchises are located. Additionally, Self Esteem Brands is actively seeking other innovative business concepts to partner with and franchise.

SOURCE Self Esteem Brands

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Self Esteem Brands Announces New Digital Offerings To Bring Fitness And Wellness Content Into The Homes Of Everyone, Everywhere - PRNewswire

Now is not the time to offend people. Just about everybody's nerves and fear and frustration levels are stretched to the point where if you have to ask the question, "too soon?" ... You already know the answer.

Butwhen there are social media apps, people will find a way to offend whether we like it or not.

Take fitness modelYulia Ushakova for example. She took to Instagram to post of a photo of the new bikini she made. The caption (courtesy of Google translate) says, "I ordered a new trend of the swimming season 2020 on Ali Express ------ Built-in valves make breathing easier, but komlekt needs to be changed every two hours! ---- I dont know if this challenge is already on Instagram, but I like the idea -- How do you ?? And a fun weekend for everyone!"

The bikini she is wearing is made of masks that are in desperate need for hospital staff and first responders dealing with the novel coronavirus.

2020 ------ , ! ---- , , -- ?? ! ---- # #2020 #----

A post shared by (@yulia_ushakova) on Mar 21, 2020 at 1:40am PDT

It's not like Ushakova doesn't have alot of followers. She posted this so all 500,000 plus could see it.

Of course she caught some heat for the post, according to dailystar.co.uk:

One commenter remarked: "There is a global lack of masks. This is the worst joke I have seen during these horrible days.

Another said: "Totally stupid and disrespectful to all doctors and all those who are suffering. Unfollow right away. Enough.

And a third added: In the moment when those masks can save a life, this is not the best kind of joke you can do.

Read the original here:
Fitness Model Catches Heat For Making Tiny Bikini Out Of Masks [PHOTO] - 97.1 The Ticket

VANCOUVER -- With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing hundreds of businesses across Metro Vancouver to close their doors, the fitness industry is finding ways to adapt. Health professionals losing clients are turning to technology to keep people moving, motivated and connected.

On Sunday morning, music was pumping from the studios of the F45 gym in Kits Point, the same as most days before the coronavirus pandemic. This Sunday, however, no one was inside, except for two trainers. They set up a camera so they could coach the same workout, but stream it live on social media.

We also had a zoom chat going so while following us in the workout people could also see each other, said senior trainer Patch May. Even just being closed for six days, people are already feeling that bit of isolation.

Its a similar situation across the city. Sweat Co. downtown offers group classes and personal training, but all treadmills, weights and equipment sit unused.

This is the first time in 36 years Ive ever had to close, said owner Maureen Wilson. Shes had to lay off staff and is trying to find ways to keep the business afloat without people coming through the doors.

We are still encouraging people to buy gift cards," Wilson said.

Then, there are trainers themselves: small business owners operating out of multiple gyms that no longer have clients.

Theres nowhere for me to meet up with clients and work them out in a one-on-one atmosphere, said fitness instructor Hayley McGowan. My work has definitely decreased.

Vancouver has been lucky to experience sunny skies and relatively warm temperatures since residents were first asked to stay home and maintain physical distance from others. The week of good weather has allowed residents to head outside to exercise. But, with rain in the forecast this week, its back to the living room.

The owners of Vancouvers largest dance studio, Harbour Dance Centre, say this is the perfect time to try something new. Theyve launched a series of class videos on YouTube for people to take part in dance classes from home.

If you have the time and you want to remain fit, active and you want to listen to some great music, this is a great opportunity, said co-owner Moe Brody. Everybody has a ballet bar: you have a chair, you have a kitchen counter, even a bed frame. If its something youve never done before, this is a great time to try.

In times of uncertainty, fitness professionals say its even more important to keep the mind and the body healthy.

Even moving five minutes, 10 minutes, just takes us out of that moment of fear and brings us into the present moment and allows us to reconnect with reality. McGowan said.

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How do you work out when the gyms are closed? Vancouver's fitness industry moves online - CTV News

Mayweather Boxing + Fitness, a group exercise experience created by World Champion boxer Floyd Joy Mayweather Jr., announced the launch of over 135 franchise locations earlier this month.

CEO James Williams spoke with Benzinga about his gyms role in disrupting the fitness industry.

About Mayweather Boxing + Fitness

Mayweatheris a retired, undefeated professional boxer whose passion for exercise and self-improvement inspired him to build an impactful health experience, Mayweather Boxing + Fitness.

The Mayweather gyms draw on his more than 20 years of professional boxing experience, codified into programs adapted for the group fitness market.

Its taking an elite athletes workout never shared with anybody and adapting it for a group setting, said the gyms CEO.

Rapid Expansion, Fitness With A Twist

The franchise leveraged a powerful group of Mayweather contacts in private equity, business development and fitness to launch flagship branded locations, Williams said.

We had a hugely positive response; the first gym was profitable within threemonths and membership growth was far stronger than forecast."

Mayweather received in excess of 6,000 applications for franchises, due in part to his 70% consumer awareness rate, the CEO said.

In [the first and second quarters] of 2019, something interesting happened, Williams said. We had multi-unit operators of other franchise brands, as well as small venture capital and private equity firms, take on territory development deals.

Early franchise owners understood the economics and long-term growth potential of the business and subsequently helped launch and begin development on over 150 locations, he said.

The fitness centers offer access to programs ranging from high-intensity calorie burn to strength and power training, toning and conditioningmembers at multiple levels of difficulty.

Training options include:

Boxing HIIT: High-intensity interval training and cardio conditioning programs for members seeking a boost in their strength and physique.

Power Boxing: Full-body workout that incorporates best boxing practices, strength trainingand conditioning exercises.

Championship Boxing: A combination of the best elements of both Boxing HIIT and Power Boxing programs.

Its more than just a workout. Its where members create friendships and hang out socially. When you do that, you want to stay much longer, not only because of the workout but because of the community you have become a part of, Williams told Benzinga.

Story continues

Mayweather's Economics, Long-Term Trajectory

Mayweather's plans call for growth outside major urban areas and the launch of an additional 50 studios over the next 12 months, Williams told Benzinga.

The brand hasnt just attracted Mayweather fans, Williams said. Instead, its mostly individuals seeking to separate themselves from traditionally bland workouts available at competing fitness centers.

The brand will also incorporate more technology in its workouts, catering to an emerging trend in the fitness industry, the CEO said.

We have a virtual reality product where members get coached to box by Floyd. We have a 12-week program; you go into the virtual product, and Floyd is there, doing the same pad-work combinations he would do with his father. You can even spar against different opponents, including Floyd.

To learn more about the Mayweather Boxing + Fitness experience, visit mayweather.fit/studio/.

See more from Benzinga

2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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Mayweather Boxing + Fitness CEO On New Locations, Virtual Reality Product: 'It's More Than Just A Workout' - Yahoo Finance

Nancy Hill (left) and Gemina Scarpone (right), both of Coral Springs, get ready to do some boot camp with Rose.

By: Anne Geggis

The coronavirus crisis spurred some fitness clubs to voluntarily close before Gov. Ron DeSantis shut all nonessential businesses this week. Still, Coral Springs fitness trainer Rose Lger Brickman has gone online to make sure her fans from LA Fitness will be sweating this out if not getting drenched.

For decades in this area, Brickman, 55, has led step, yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, and all-over body toning, classes. Now teaching chiefly at the LA Fitness on University Drive and Lyons Road in Coconut Creek, the fitness competition champ commonly packs 50 to 60 people mostly women into her classes with her energetic music and gruff exhortations.

Abs are in, in, IN!

But as news spread that there is no preventing the virus beyond avoiding those infected, Brickman, the mother of four, said she knew LA Fitness would be closing its doors soon and leaving her faithful attendees without their usual sessions of pushing it real good.

She is amazing, said Amy Barr Weissman, 55, of Parkland, who works as a Mommy & Me instructor and has been taking classes with Brickman for 15 years. Shes an inspiration as an instructor. She will make sure your form is correct.

For Brickman, too, the prospect of the club closing dried up her chief source of income.

The moment someone said that, I literally had tears welling up in my eyes, said Brickman, recalling when the discussion about closing the club started circulating along with the virus. Im not a salaried employee Right now, this is the only thing bringing me anything.

Her core of attendees at the 12 or 13 classes she teaches every week started making alternate plans. Maybe they could have a class at a city park, with a tip jar or perhaps in the parking lot behind the club. They did not want to miss a class, or not too many, anyway.

The club was already closed March 15 when Rachel Perlow was having lunch with friends. I told them, Next time you see me, Ill be 15 pounds heavier, Perlow, 50, joked.

But then Brickman hit on the idea of doing it online using her tablet and phone. She invited her Facebook friends and members of her other, year-old page Rose Brickman, Beautiful Is a Feeling. On Monday [March 16], Roses Workout and Fitness Group Facebook page was born.

Welcome, everyone! So glad we could find a way to still work out together and stay fit, especially through this time that is stressful for many of us, she wrote. So gather up your resistance bands, weights, mats, water, and towels. Turn up the volume, and well have a great time.

Hopefully, you guys are not sitting and watching. You are up and DOING!

Her debut at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday started with a soft voice instead of a fitness instructor kind. The counter showed not much life out there. All right, guys, Im going to see if anybody pops online, I am getting ready to start our first workout class via social distancing. Were going to have to play a little bit with our volume and see if you can hear the music..

Sometimes one of the five cats at Brickmans house makes a guest appearance. Her Saturday class featured two of her regulars joining her in the backyard of her Coral Springs home. She jokes about what the neighbors must think about the sight of her solo gyrations and yelling. But it doesnt take long before it seems she can see some of her students not exactly doing it the right way.

Dont just flick that foot! STOMP!

Brickman, who has won titles at National Gym Association competitions, said that she narrates almost every move to make sure her students are getting the maximum workout without risking injury.

Doing it live has always appealed, she said. And while there are hours of workouts available on YouTube, shes getting plenty of satisfaction beyond the voluntary donations to her PayPal account that are coming in.

People are talking to each other (on Facebook), posting pictures of themselves in front of their TV, Brickman said. Maybe some of them arent Facebook friends, normally. There are people on there I dont even know.

I hope all of you stay safe and wash your hands.

You can find Brickmans class by searching Roses Workout and Fitness Group on Facebook. Or instant message her by searching her name, Rosemarie Lger Brickman, on Facebook.

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Tightening it up: Fitness Friends Connect Via Online Workouts - Parkland Talk - Parkland Talk

Closed gyms, self quarantine and barren supermarket shelves.Coronavirus (COVID-19) is taking a toll on peoples health, even for those who dont have the virus.

Local gym owners and staff are the latest victims of the COVID-19 outbreak, as it weighs down on the health and fitness industry.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a large number of services, including gyms and indoor fitness centres, would have to close their doors.

F45 South Penrith head coach and Zoo Fitness coach, Jeremy Mifsud said it is devastating for locals who work for or use these services but urged everyone to remain as positive as they can.

A strong mind goes with a healthy body, so look after yourself by boosting your immune system with nutrient dense foods, rest, exercise and meditation, he said.

Mr Mifsud and fellow F45 South Penrith coach Jordan Hooker are now banding together to launch an online program, available to all residents, to help them work out at home.

Mr Hooker said upholding a healthy lifestyle throughout times of crisis is paramount in maintaining a positive mindset.

Our passion for fitness and this industry is something we pride ourselves on and helping others continue on their journey is of our highest priority, he said.

The online functional training home program will cater for every individual still looking to continue their fitness journey in the constraints of their own home.

Two programs will be available for those with and without equipment.

Workouts will range from 20-40 minutes, using minimal equipment initially, with a large emphasis on functional movement patterns, core, mobility and cardiovascular health.

When it comes to food, eating healthy when theres limited stock left on the shelves can be difficult.

Penrith dietitian Candace Sciberras from OnePointHealth warned residents to not give in to comfort foods.

Its important now more than ever that we build our immunity and keep it as healthy as we can and we do that by eating nutritious foods, she said.

If you cant get the meats you normally would, try to get plant-based proteins like legumes instead.

For those working at home or isolating, Ms Sciberras said maintaining a normal eating structure is critical.

Keep a scheduled routine, make sure you have your meals at normal times and that the snacks in between are healthy, like vege sticks or Greek yogurt, she said.

To find out more about the online program The Functional Effect, visit bit.ly/33OOT3H.

A graduate of Western Sydney University, Nicola Barton is a news journalist with the Western Weekender, primarily covering crime and politics.

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Health, fitness to be impacted by Coronavirus closures as gyms shut their doors - The Western Weekender

THE PREMIER LEAGUE will play Russian roulette with players fitness if they do not get FIVE weeks of training before the season restarts.

English football has been suspended until at least April 30 because of coronavirus. That means players face at least an eight-week lay-off.

3

And while clubs plan to give stars three weeks of training before a possible resumption at the start of May, fitness expert Raymond Verheijen believes preparation is nowhere near good enough to get up to match speed without injuries.

Verheijen, who has worked at Barcelona, Manchester City and Wales, said: My message would be to only restart with proper preparation.

Otherwise you will be gambling and playing Russian roulette with the health of players.

The off-season is normally four weeks and we have a four to six-week pre-season for players to regain fitness.

But in this case players will be inactive for seven or eight weeks so three weeks of training is the absolute minimum it should be more.

Fitness levels will be lower now than when they return from off-season because theres longer inactivity.

A simple way of thinking about this is during an off-season you go from zero to ten in three weeks.

Now the players will be at -2 or -3 so they will need four or five weeks of training, plus they will also need friendly games.

If they do not get enough preparation time there will be a spike in injuries.

The schedule for the rest of the Prem season has yet to be decided.

But players are likely to be tested to the limit in a squeezed calendar to play out the nine or ten matches of the campaign remaining.

Dutchman Verheijen said: The real issue is injuries. You dont need to be Einstein to work that out.If you rush players they will get injured even before the games.

This is because they will start a long sequence of games either with too little fitness or the intensity will be high and they will be tired.

Players will start to accumulate fatigue between games and you start the next game failing to fully recover.

Your nervous system will get slower and the messages from the brain to the muscles become slower.

"Thats why players get ACL, knee or hamstring injuries. The ACL is the worst and injuries such as that cost clubs a lot of money.

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Clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea closed their training grounds after positive tests for Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Players have been self-isolating at home and several have posted pictures and videos working out on treadmills or exercise bikes.

But Verheijen is worried some are not doing the right type of training.

He said: Footballers are more sprinters than marathon runners. They need high tempo, intermediate work.

They also need to be doing strength and core exercises to keep their muscles at the right level because they are underloaded at the moment.

3

Verheijen believes players can use the time to study their performances and improve.He added: The analysis department could contribute to tactical evaluation and the development of the team.

Otherwise players will start floating around without a purpose. The more that happens, the more difficult it will be to get them back on track when football returns.

RAYMOND'S THREE-POINT PLAN

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Premier League will play Russian roulette with players fitness if they do not get FIVE weeks training before - The Sun

The Herald News

SundayMar22,2020at3:24PMMar22,2020at4:04PM

(Editor's note: This content is being provided for free as a public service to our readers during the coronavirus outbreak. Please support local journalism by subscribing to The Herald News.)

FALL RIVER Fall River has ordered the closure of all personal care businesses starting Tuesday, according to a news statement issued Sunday from Mayor Paul Coogan and the citys board of health.

Establishments affected by the closures include hair salons and barbers, nail salons, massage services, body work, aestheticians, day spas, tanning salons and fitness and exercise centers.

The above businesses have been identified as personal care in nature and offer services to the public that cannot be performed at the necessary social distancing (6 foot) requirement that has been established to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the release states.

The last day of operations, until further notice, for those businesses will be Monday, according to the release.

Link:
Fall River salons, spas, fitness centers ordered to close due to coronavirus outbreak - Fall River Herald News

Tiffany Ruiz had tried various gyms, apps, workout routines and diets, all in an effort to get fit and lose some weight. None of them worked because none of them kept my interest, she said. Now, Ruiz is working out at least four times a week, thanks to a video game.

In her bedroom, she sprints, squats, stretches and performs other exercises like knee lifts and shoulder presses, all while battling a muscle-bound dragon and its toadies in Ring Fit Adventure, a new game from Nintendo, the Japanese consumer tech giant. I am so focused on beating the high score or conquering an enemy that before I know it, 30 minutes have passed, said the 26-year-old.

Ring Fit Adventure, created for the Nintendo Switch console, is the latest effort by the video game industry to try to entice consumers to get up off the couch and become more active. Developers are folding fitness into games as part of a dual-pronged strategy: to retain players by offering a physical twist on traditional gameplay and to draw in new ones like Ruiz who are looking to break up the monotony of working out.

The campaign appeals to parents and other caregivers worried about the amount of time children spend glued to screens. And the games help counter the stereotype of the sedentary player, sitting in a chair for hours on end. Developers are trying to reach people who want fun and fitness at the same time, said Rik Eberhardt, a programme manager at the Massachusetts Institute of Technologys (MIT) Game Lab in the US. They know fitness is good for them, but it can feel like a chore in their busy lives.

Exergaming, a portmanteau of exercise and gaming, has been around since the late 1980s, when Bandai introduced Power Pad, a gray mat with pressure sensors, for the Nintendo Entertainment System. Games now use motion sensors, smartwatches and even virtual reality to track a players movement.

The gameplay has changed, too. Some games disguise fitness routines in the form of role-playing, dancing or other activities such as running from zombies. Others are fitness and health apps that lead users through workouts with gamelike features such as scoreboards, real-time feedback and multiplayer options.

Nintendos Wii game console brought exergaming into the mainstream in 2006. Its Wii Fit game incorporated a balance board so players burned calories through calisthenics and yoga.

Nintendos two main competitors, Microsoft and Sony, followed its lead, adding motion-detecting cameras to their consoles. Games such as Just Dance and Zumba Fitness: Join the Party, which were available on Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony consoles, were breakout successes in the motion era, said Mat Piscatella, an industry analyst NPD Group, a market research firm. Since then, the industry has been overturned by the rise of mobile devices, which allow games to be played on the go.

Consumer expectations have changed dramatically, Piscatella said. People are no longer just playing on their TVs in their living room. They now want to be able to play games whenever and wherever.

Zombies, Run! coaches runners to complete hundreds of missions, including one with author Margaret Atwood, in order to escape the zombie apocalypse while running a 5K. In Pokemon Go, players capture creatures in real-world locations using augmented reality and GPS on their phones.

Hoping to build on that trend, Nintendo in 2017 introduced the Switch, which functions both as a traditional console and a hand-held device. Since its launch, more than 50 million Switch consoles have been sold worldwide

Part of the Switch is an acknowledgment that Nintendos main competition is no longer just Microsoft and Sony, but Apple and Google, too, said Philip Tan, creative director of the MIT Game Lab. He added that Nintendo was drawing on its strength in creating games that bridge the digital and physical world. Instead of trying to compete with other console makers with better cinematography, they have created an innovative new console.

The company has focused on games, like Ring Fit Adventure, that use consoles in new ways, said Bill Trinen, a senior director of product marketing at Nintendo. Nintendo wants to create games that encourage people to get active and motivate them to stay active. Trinen added that the company hoped the role-playing adventure format would encourage people to play longer.

Part of Ring Fits popularity stems from its unique controller, a flexible resistance hoop that Nintendo calls a Ring Con. When players squeeze it, pull it or hold it above their head, their movements are tracked in the game.

Other games incorporate new hardware, too. Beat Saber, a music game from Beat Games, relies on virtual reality goggles.

But Ring Fit is attracting a growing number of fans to the gameplay. I love it because it is this fun, goofy story that is way more intense than Wii Fit. It hides the workout, and you cant cheat, said Tristan Scatliffe, a 33-year-old product manager who lives in New York. The first time I played it, I was dripping with sweat.

Late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon posted, on Twitter, a video of himself playing one of the Ring Fit minigames, Spinal Erectors Challenge.

Many exergames promote movement, but whether they increase physical fitness is up for debate. Critics have said they found the exercise routines underwhelming, and a study at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston found that Wii games did not help children meet daily exercise requirements.

Some researchers are creating their own exergames. Eefje Battel, a project manager at the Sports Innovation Campus at the Howest University of Applied Sciences in Bruges, Belgium, uses Makey Makey in several of the centers exergame projects for children. Developed by JoyLabz, Makey Makey is an invention kit that allows users to connect everyday objects to the internet via alligator clips and a simple keyboard.

Battel created a version of Tetris, the 1980s puzzle game in which falling blocks are manipulated to fit them in a straight line. In her version, conductors are attached to bananas and other fruit, and children have to run from fruit to fruit to move the tiles in the game.

Regardless of the fun factor, exergames are not without risks, Battel said. One element that is missing in Ring Fit, she said, is a coach to ensure that players are performing exercises correctly and safely. If you are squatting, the system will measure movement up and down, but it wont track posture, she said.

Nintendo is hoping Ring Fit becomes a top-selling game as Wii Fit did in its heyday. Game analysts like Piscatella have not yet decided.

What makes Nintendo unique is their willingness to push boundaries, and when Nintendo is really weird, they are at their best, he said. Ring Fit Adventure could be the biggest thing or not. Its still hard to predict. The New York Times

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Exergaming: Fun and fitness from the comfort of your own home - The Irish Times

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