The perception of gamers is often negative, conjuring an image of people sitting alone in a dark room with a bright large screen display unit, console, and a pizza box within easy reach. The reality may be somewhat different; online gaming is something much of the population do in one form or another. However, it is easy to fall into the trap of forsaking a gentle body stretch to reach the next level of an exciting new game, so it is worth remembering how vital remaining active during gaming really is.
What is Online Gaming?
Online gaming is a broad church covering sports sims to casino games and poker. The evolution of online gaming has created financial-incentivized leagues, massive in-person stadium-held tournaments, and online platforms on youtube, twitch and other streaming services. Indeed, online gaming is growing both in the US and Europe due to creative and imaginative minds constantly developing new variations on themes.
Call of Duty, for example, is one of the most successful gaming franchises ever, having amassed some $27 billion in sales since its initial launch some 20-plus years ago, and with a new edition soon to be released, that number will only grow. Then there is the bewildering selection of poker apps and sites catering to players looking to score their own full house or royal flush. Sports sims have multiple online modes, and even wordsmiths can pit their wits online against other players.
There are health issues brought about by embracing a sedentary lifestyle; online poker sessions can last for ages, and Call of Duty sessions can last equally as long. Therefore, it is important to combat that by preparing a simple plan of action to keep moving during a session. Conducting a few simple exercises to keep the body supple and fresh. Indeed, some simple single-leg exercises can be done without moving too far from that monitor!
Another good activity when playing poker, for example, would be simple arm extensions, and these could be done while contemplating your hand or waiting for someone else to play their hand. Simply drop your hands and let them hang down your side to do an arm extension. Raise them to your shoulders, and project them forward and back to your sides. Repeat a couple of times, and you should be ready to attack the next level of your game, having restored blood flow and conducted a simple stretch.
Another exercise which can be easily done without interrupting valuable game time is the old favorite: squats. It might be you look to do some between games, whether the end of a level, but you will need a little space to get off your chair and move into. Keeping the back as straight as possible, squat down with your knees over your ankles. Stretch the arms out in front and hold that position for a few moments – when the knees start to ache, slowly resume the standing position, again with a straight back, and return to your cards.
There are other basic exercises you can do, and some may work for you and not for other people. The key is to ensure long sessions are broken up with some exercise, even if it is a walk to the fridge to grab cold water (not sugar-laded energy drinks). Every bit of additional exercise will not only help keep you fitter but also help you maintain concentration when the game gets tougher.
As you can see, combining game time with a few exercises like those mentioned above can freshen up your body and your mind before returning to the serious matter of playing and, hopefully, winning!