The best fitness video games can seamlessly combine your passion for gaming with your need to exercise, making workouts fun and engaging. They've evolved significantly too, with "Exergaming" going from strength to strength since the '80s, with Nintendo's Wii setting new standards for movement-based gaming with its motion sensors and controllers.
Today, a variety of fitness games are available across major consoles, offering full-body movement experiences while keeping you entertained. To help you sift through them, we've created a list of games that can provide diverse modes and features that cater to different preferences, ensuring an immersive workout or an entertaining gaming session.
What is the Best Fitness Video Game?
Ring Fit Adventure is almost perfect for a full-body workout, but it's not the only game worth checking out...
- Best fitness video game for a full-body workout — Ring Fit Adventure
- Best fitness video game for dancing — Just Dance 2025
- Best VR fitness video game — Beat Saber
- Best fitness video game for cardio — Zumba Burn It Up!
- Best fitness video game for boxing — The Thrill Of The Fight
Why we chose Ring Fit Adventure
Nintendo has taken the crown as one of the best manufacturers of fitness games in recent years with titles like Wii Sports, Wii Fit, and now the Ring Fit Adventure for the Nintendo Switch.
This fitness-themed RPG will see you, accompanied by the Pilates-esque ring, track down and defeat an evil dragon called Dragaux. The gaming package includes a Ring-Con used to perform its dynamic and strength-building exercises as you fight off enemies, tackle tough rivers, and run through challenging landscapes.
All in all, you won't find much better for 'exergaming' than Ring Fit Adventure. So, if you own a Switch, it is one you have to check out.
TL;DR - Why You Should Play
- Great for a full-body workout if you own a Switch.
- Its Adventure mode is something you can really get invested in.
Why we chose Just Dance 2025
The Just Dance franchise has been around since 2009 and continues to be a fun way of getting a cardio workout in whole dancing along to some of the most popular songs across all eras of music.
The latest edition features 40 new hits and universes to explore, with even more songs available with Just Dance+. It also offers a Workout Mode which tracks your calories and time spent dancing, so you or a fitness watch doesn't have to.
What's great about Just Dance is that you can play it with friends both locally and online, even with your friends still dancing away on the 2024 and 2023 editions. You don't have to, though, as pretty much every song can be enjoyed solo, allowing you to get a great workout in while listening and dancing to your favorite tunes.
TL;DR - Why You Should Play
- It's incredibly fun if you don't take it too seriously.
- You can play it with tons of your friends, even if they don't own a console themselves.
Why we chose Beat Saber
If you own a VR headset, then Beat Saber should be the perfect game to get you moving and exercising whilst having fun destroying flying colored blocks with your light sword.
As you progress in Beat Saber, the challenge escalates from easy to hard, making the blocks faster and tougher to hit. But fear not! The game offers helpful options like no-fail mode, song slowing, and a dedicated practice mode. These tools ensure you can tackle tougher levels without getting overly frustrated, allowing the game to stay fun for all ability levels.
The thrill of Beat Saber lies in its ability to keep you engaged and on your toes while exercising your upper body. With its escalating difficulty levels, it's not just a game; it's an immersive workout experience that promises excitement and rewards as you master each level.
TL;DR - Why You Should Play
- You won't find many games as immersive thanks to it being in VR.
- It's strangely addictive.
Why we chose Zumba Burn It Up!
Zumba Burn It Up! offers a fun alternative to Just Dance on the Switch, bringing the energy of Latin-inspired fitness classes right into your home. The game guides you through choreographed routines set to upbeat tracks from artists like Cardi B and Ciara, making it a lively and engaging way to get moving.
Whether you're new to Zumba or a seasoned dancer, the game lets you choose your intensity level, so you can progress at your own pace. With a mix of slower songs and high-energy beats, it's perfect for anyone looking to practice Latin dance while enjoying a workout.
For those who want to dive into this vibrant style of fitness without leaving home, Zumba Burn It Up! could be just what you're looking for.
TL;DR - Why You Should Play
- It's based on the popular Zumba fitness program.
- It's got plenty of intensity levels to suit different needs.
Why we chose The Thrill Of The Fight
The Thrill Of The Fight is widely regarded as one of the best VR boxing games and an excellent fitness option. Its focus on authenticity allows you to face opponents with unique fighting styles, challenging you to outmaneuver them and land precise knockout blows, just like in real boxing.
This game can genuinely improve your boxing skills, as winning requires more than just powerful punches. You'll need to target weak points to wear down your opponent, offering a great workout while honing your technique.
With a relatively recent update, too, and rumors of a sequel on the horizon, The Thrill Of The Fight is a must-try for anyone looking to box and stay fit in VR.
TL;DR - Why You Should Play
- A very realistic representation of boxing, even down to the cardio involved.
- It's quite cheap as far as video games go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
With a large number of fitness video games on the market, you may have a few questions about them but don't worry because we're here to clear up some of the most common queries.
How long should your fitness video game workout last?
Aim for at least 30 minutes, but shorter sessions can still be effective.
The ideal workout length varies based on your fitness level, goals, and available time. Games like Ring Fit Adventure break activities into levels that usually take 5–10 minutes each, so completing a few in a row can add up to a solid session.
For general fitness benefits, aiming for around 30 minutes of active play per session is a good rule of thumb. That said, even shorter bursts can be beneficial, especially if done consistently.
How often should you play a fitness video game?
Three to five times per week is a great starting point for most people.
Your optimal schedule depends on your current fitness level and goals, but if you're using fitness games as your main form of exercise, try to aim for at least three sessions a week, ideally up to five.
This gives you room to rest and recover while still building a habit. You don’t have to do the same activity every day, either. Mixing in dance games, strength-focused levels, or yoga routines can keep things fresh and target different aspects of your fitness.
What console do you need to play fitness video games?
You'll need a system with motion controls like the Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, Xbox Kinect, or PlayStation Move.
While newer systems like the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S may support some motion features, it's crucial to check each game’s compatibility before purchasing. That said, the Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2 remain two of the most active platforms for modern fitness games like Ring Fit Adventure or Just Dance, though.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're into dancing, boxing, or full-body workouts, there's something for everyone across various consoles and platforms. So, pick a game that suits your style, get moving, and make your fitness journey an exciting adventure!