Written by Tyler DiGiovanni | BSBM
Fact checked by Sam Coleman, Co-Founder
FACT CHECKED
In the ever-evolving world of online gaming, "Gym League" in Roblox stands out as a unique blend of fitness and fun. This virtual gym experience is more than just a game; it’s a platform where players can learn and apply real-world fitness principles (with some guidance) while engaging in an immersive digital environment. With the increasing trend of gamifying fitness, "Gym League" offers valuable insights into how gaming can contribute to real-life workouts and overall fitness.
The Concept of “Gamification”
So what is “gamifying” or “gamification”? In short, adding some sort of game-like quality to something that doesn’t normally use it. That can mean a feature that takes real-life scenarios and makes them part of an online world (like working out in Gym League), or in many cases, adding an element of gaming to real-life situations. As our world becomes more and more connected, you’re starting to see this concept being applied more and more.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve been exposed to some version of this. The leaderboards on a Peloton ride, for example, could be considered a sort of gamification. Instead of just doing a workout, all of a sudden you’re part of a competition to see who can get the “high score”.
Alright, you might say that’s a stretch to be considered a game, but there are more literal versions.
One such example is the Aviron rower, which works video games into your rowing workouts. There are also multiple exercise games for multiple video game systems, Nintendo Ring Fit comes to mind as a popular one.
But the most well-known has to be Just Dance. If you actually put effort into it, you can get a crazy cardiovascular workout while also gaining bragging rights for getting a higher score than your niece, who was talking all sorts of crap beforehand.
So now, you have a pretty clear idea of gamification, so how can video games, like “gym League” from Roblox, teach applicable skills or principles into reality?
More than just pointing and clicking (not thrilled with this title)
"Gym League" isn't just about lifting virtual weights; it incorporates fundamental fitness principles that can be applied to in-gym workouts. One key principle is progressive overload, where players must continually increase their in-game weights and reps to see faster progress, mirroring the real-world necessity of challenging the body to improve strength and endurance.
Luckily, they designed the game so you can’t just load up the bar with the highest amount of weight possible. You need to start with low weights, and then as your strength and endurance increase, you can add more weight, leading to better gains.
Additionally, the game emphasizes full body workouts, encouraging players to engage in different exercises to work various muscle groups and keep improving, just as a well-rounded fitness program should. The game doesn’t allow you to progress to the next level until you’ve hit every body part by performing a specific exercise the correct amount of times.
So while kids are leveling up their characters, they’re also learning that lat pulldowns hit your back AND push press hits your shoulders. The list goes on, but you get the idea. During the workout process, the muscles being worked are also highlighted, giving an anatomy lesson without it feeling forced.
There are also virtual items in "Gym League" such as protein bars and power-up drinks that simulate real-life fitness supplements and nutrition. These items provide boosts to players, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition and supplementation in achieving fitness goals.
By using these virtual tools, players can better understand the role of diet and recovery in their fitness journey.
Workout strategies that translate to reality
"Gym League" offers a range of workout strategies that can be beneficial in real life. For example, the game allows players to focus on building stamina through spending time on a treadmill. The increased stamina from the cardio work substantially improves the amount of time you can spend lifting in the game without tiring out. This can hammer home the importance of cardiovascular health and muscle endurance. To translate this into real life, players can incorporate activities like running, cycling, or circuit training into their workouts to build stamina.
The game also emphasizes muscle-specific exercises, guiding players to target different muscle groups with certain movements. Most people know that biceps curls will make the front of your arms grow, but less so about the fact front squats will hit your calves as well as your quads. This mirrors the real-life practice of having focused workout days, such as leg day or arm day. As mentioned before, you need to develop every muscle group before moving on, which cements the concept of balanced muscle development. And it’s not explicitly said, but preventing muscle imbalances can help with reducing the risk of injury.
I mentioned the power-ups in the last section, which could be seen like a pre-workout, or even intraworkout, which can help decrease muscle fatigue and increase workout time. We don’t think that pre-workouts are a necessity, but man, they definitely help. Although, we don’t suggest anyone under 18 take pre-workout or supplements in general, unless suggested by a healthcare provider.
Getting Younger Audiences Interested In Fitness
One of the most exciting aspects of "Gym League" is its potential to engage younger audiences in fitness. By introducing kids and teens to fitness concepts in a fun and interactive way, the game helps create a positive attitude towards physical activity from an early age. Games like "Gym League" can serve as an educational tool, teaching the basics of exercise and the importance of staying active.
You’re probably not going to be bringing your 10 year old into your local gym, but challenging them to a video game workout can be a step in the right direction. If they’re going to be looking at a screen, it can at least be for something that’s going to improve their physical health.
Early fitness education through gaming has the possibility of long-term benefits. It can encourage children to develop healthy habits and enhance their understanding of how the body works. Moreover, it can make fitness accessible and enjoyable, which is crucial in combating the sedentary lifestyles often associated with excessive screen time.
Conclusion
"Gym League" in Roblox demonstrates that virtual platforms can enhance our understanding of real-life fitness. By incorporating fundamental fitness principles and offering practical workout strategies, this game provides a valuable resource for both beginners and fitness enthusiasts.
Engaging younger audiences through gamified fitness can promote lifelong healthy habits and a better understanding of fitness concepts. So, whether you're lifting virtual weights or real ones, the lessons from "Gym League" can help you on your fitness journey. Give these strategies a try in-game and in your workouts to see how virtual gains can translate into real-life results.
Tyler DiGiovanni
Author