Introduction –
Physical workouts are rewarding, to say the least. However, they are never enjoyable, strictly speaking. In fact, those who carry out physical workouts daily do them to stay fit, despite the not-so-enjoyable demeanor that physical workouts come with. The sole purpose is the determination to stay fit, and in the best shape, and most importantly, stay healthy at the end of the day!
People may have that uninspiring feeling during workouts and dread the idea of going to the gym. Or perhaps they can even simply lose interest in the exercise regimen because not the desired outcomes take time to show up – it’s not an overnight process after all! Maintaining a regular fitness routine might be difficult for any number of reasons.
In other words, it can be challenging to maintain a consistent regimen of exercise due to a number of reasons. There is surely a reason behind this. Our brain is hardwired to shun pain. Instead, it is more keen and inclined to seek pleasure. And let’s be honest, exercise may be a chore and a source of pain or suffering for a lot of us – for nothing can be gained without pain!
However, what if we told you that there was a method to make working out more pleasurable? That you could genuinely look forward to and enjoy working out? Gamification is the magic work, and the gateway to enjoy workouts.
What Is Gamification Of Workouts?
Technically speaking, gamification is the mechanism of adding fun and game elements to workouts. They may include challenges, competition, rewards for certain tasks and workouts to make them more enjoyable and engaging. In other words, it is the process of adding fun elements to the otherwise boring and stereo-type workouts. It is making fun and games out of something that is pretty ordinary!
Let us elaborate further.
Gamification of workouts is adding certain game-like aspects to the workout. They may include competition, challenges, incentives, and the like. The objective is to use your innate need for pleasure and fulfilment and to enhance the enjoyment of workouts. This is quite helpful for those who are extrinsically driven. In other words, they are inspired by rewards or other forms of external validation in return for whatever they do. To put it simply, gamification is to inspire those who hate doing thankless jobs, even if it is workouts.
How To Gamify Your Daily Workouts?
Here is a step-by-step routine of your daily workouts. The entire mechanism is divided into several steps:
Step 1: Setting Clear Goals
The first step ostensibly comprises setting up your personalised objectives or goals for your workouts. Having a precise objective will give you the much-needed focus and direction. You will have a clear vision and mission ahead of you to work for. You will understand whether you have a long-term or a short-term goal set. That may include running a certain distance, lifting a given weight, or perfecting a yoga pose. You need to divide these objectives into more attainable, smaller benchmarks to foster a feeling of progress and success.
Step 2: Making Use Of Wearables And Fitness Apps
Technology ought to be your best friend when it comes to gamifying your workouts. You now have an overwhelming number of wearable fitness applications that can monitor your progress, provide you with the necessary feedback from time to time, and give you the rewards as and when you continue achieving the objectives. Running and everyday routines are transformed into interactive games by apps, some of which are open source and others are paid. All you need to do is to select the one that best suits your tastes and fitness objectives.
Step 3: Include Rewards and Challenges
The very objective of gamification of your workouts is to keep things interesting, add challenges to your routine and overcome them. As and when you keep on overcoming those challenges one by one, keep treating yourself, as it will give you immense self-motivation. Remember, these treats can vary a lot! They may range from giving yourself a treat, buying a new outfit for workouts for yourself, a day off to relax and enjoy or a movie in the evening. Because of the dopamine rush that these activities tend to deliver, this system of challenges and rewards appeals to your innate drive for achievement and satisfaction.
Step 4: Getting Engaged in Social Competitions And Enjoying
It goes without saying that social interaction these days can significantly boost your motivation. Hence, enroll in a fitness group, participate in various challenges on apps or simply compete with a friend. These social elements add a layer of accountability and fun as you strive to outperform others or meet your fitness goals and even your social objectives in the long run.
Step 5: Monitoring Development and Honour Success
You need to closely monitor your progress on a regular basis to see your progress and find how far you have come since day one. You need to record your accomplishments, keep track of them and go through them over and over again. It will give you a sense of self-esteem and self-confidence. Whether you keep the records in a spreadsheet, journal, or in your app, they will help you motivate yourself. Honour each accomplishment, no matter how minor it is. Acknowledging your progress motivates you to keep working hard. Besides, it also reinforces good behaviour.
Some Examples of Gamification That You Can Apply While Working Out
1. Running: You can make use of applications that provide story-driven runs or virtual races. Establish speed or distance targets, and treat yourself when you surpass your records.
2. Strength Training: You can establish tasks depending on weight lifted, sets, or repetitions. Make use of the applications that monitor your progress and award badges for reaching milestones.
3. Yoga: You can set up objectives to increase your flexibility or learn new poses. Take part in online yoga competitions and give yourself a prize for being consistent.
4. Group Fitness Classes: You can use applications that provide workouts based on levels and advancement. Alternatively, you can start friendly rivalries with your classmates.
Customize Your Gamification Strategy
Strategies for Sustainable Gamification
You can opt for various sustainable gamification efforts by concentrating on long-term objectives and gradually adding new challenges. You can make sure your gamification efforts are sustainable. Begin modestly and raise the stakes as your confidence increases with time. This lessens the likelihood of experiencing an overwhelming feeling or a feeling of exhaustion. You need to periodically review your objectives to make sure that they still reflect your changing fitness levels or interests. To strengthen a long-term commitment mindset, you need to acknowledge and celebrate even your modest victories with regular frequency.
The Final Words
Gamification has a huge impact and lasting effect on the human psyche.
1. It Makes Your Workouts Interesting and Fun-filled
primarily, it enhances the pleasure of working out, transforming it into an engaging activity that is both entertaining as well as fulfilling. Since exercise feels more like a reward than a punishment, you’re more likely to have a positive relationship with it if you look forward to it rather than fear it.
2. It Encourages You to Work Even Harder
You need to have a specific objective with gamification, and you should have the option of monitoring your success as you strive towards it. This will get you more driven towards achieving your goals. Besides, it will be more likely to keep looking for the same sense of accomplishment as you get closer to your goal or achieve more and more objectives. People frequently find themselves working out longer and harder when game-like aspects are incorporated. It can result in notable gains in fitness and improved health outcomes over time.
