Guide
Fun exercise games for adults (that don't feel like a workout)
Let's be honest: most of us don't skip workouts because we're lazy. We skip them because they're boring. Exercise games fix the boring part.
What makes an exercise game fun?
- You move all the time, but you're thinking about the game, not the reps.
- Short rounds: five minutes feels doable even on a tired evening.
- Someone to play with, and a score to beat next time.
What are exercise games?
Exercise games (people also say fitness games, workout games, exergames or interactive workout games) are video games where your body is the controller. A camera or motion sensor follows you, so jumping, squatting and waving your arms is how you play. The workout happens on the side, while you're busy trying to win.
5 kinds of fun exercise games for adults
- Motion games on your TV. A camera follows your whole body. JANYM RUN is one: a running game where you jump over hurdles, squat under bars and clap through walls, using your phone's camera. Free, nothing to install.
- Dance games. Copy the dancer on screen. Great for cardio and for people who love music.
- Console fitness games. Like Ring Fit Adventure on the Nintendo Switch. Lots of content, but you need the console and its accessories.
- VR workout games. Very sweaty and very immersive, if you have a VR headset.
- Screen-free games. Workout dice or a deck of cards where each card is an exercise. Cheap, simple, surprisingly fun.
Workout games online: no download needed
Some exercise games now run in a web browser, so there's nothing to download or install. JANYM RUN is one of them: open it on your TV, scan the code with your phone, and you're running a minute later.
Better together: exercise games for couples
A workout is much easier to start when someone else is waiting for you. Pick a game you can play side by side, so you cheer each other on, high five, and compare scores afterwards. (JANYM RUN started exactly like this: a game made so a couple and their orange cat could work out together.)
How much exercise is it, really?
A five-minute world of JANYM RUN mixes dozens of jumps, squats and claps. After each world the game shows what every player did and estimates the calories burned. Think of it as fun, light-to-moderate cardio: enough to get your heart going and to feel it in your legs, without needing a gym.
Take it easy at first. Start with a gentle world, drink water, and stop if something hurts. A game is only fun when your body is having fun too.
Try it tonight, it's free
Open JANYM RUN on your TV, scan the code with your phone, and start jumping.
Play for free on your TVQuestions people ask
Are exercise games a real workout?
They get your heart rate up and work your legs, especially jumping and squatting games. They are a fun way to move more, not a replacement for advice from your doctor or trainer.
Do I need equipment?
Not for JANYM RUN: a TV with a web browser and a phone with a camera. Some other fitness games need a console, a VR headset or extra accessories.
Can beginners play?
Yes. The first world starts gently, and you can stop or rest between worlds whenever you like.
Can we play as a couple?
Yes. JANYM RUN is made for two players side by side, each with their own phone.
More guides
- How to play games on your smart TV with your phone
Can you play games on a smart TV? Yes, and your phone makes a great controller. Here is how.
- Looking for a Kinect alternative? Your phone can do it
Miss jumping around to Kinect games? Your phone's camera can take its place, on the TV you already have.
- The best game to play on TV with family and friends is the one where everybody moves
Why a game you play with your body beats joysticks, consoles and phone games when everyone is together.