I Love Videogames.
Wait, what?
Here it is. Your surprising fun fact about Anne Samoilov. (Some of you already know this…but bear with me!)
It’s True.
And when I get into them, it’s hard to tear me away.
No, I’m not talking about WiiFit or DDR or any of the more “active” games, I’m talkin’ sit on your butt for 4 hours online role playing games like World of Warcraft, Everquest, and Warhammer Online.
In these games, you choose an avatar and BECOME the character as you level up, gain experience, and take on tougher and tougher foes. (Wow, did I just type that? On my health & fitness blog? Seriously Anne?)
I’ve spent many a Saturday or Sunday (or both, quite sadly) sitting in front of the computer playing these games. Thankfully, my husband was there with me, so I didn’t completely lose touch with the outside world.
You might think that my weight skyrocketed at the height of my game playing, but not so. In fact, I found that I was able to structure healthy snacks, my water intake and healthy meals around my game-playing.
How To Be A Healthy Gamer
Here are the 7 simple rules I followed to stay in shape, even though I do admit to spending too many hours playing my Troll Rogue with in-game friends. Follow them and maybe you’ll even lose a little weight while you play!
- Get up after every quest completed and stretched – wowww geeek!
- Make sure to complete workouts BEFORE playing
- Prepare Healthy Snacks and Make sure the house has ZERO sweets to fuel the game munchies – Think Nuts, Dried Fruit, Water.
- Limit playing to weekends only – yes, I had to cut myself off a bit
- Take a complete break from the game every few months – right now I’m on a 5 month hiatus, but I’ll be back in when that next expansion of the game is released.
- Get to know people in the game – it actually keeps you somewhat connected to reality. If you don’t “talk” to people and simply run around “killing” stuff, you can definitely get a little lost.
- If your REAL LIFE friends/spouse stops playing, you stop playing too.
So, that’s it. I followed these rules for myself and managed to get in shape, lose a little weight, still see the sunshine and get out of the house.
Of course, I haven’t been quite as much of a player since Mila was born, but I still managed to get in some game time. Babies change everything. I’ve been kind of engrossed in my Mila since she graced this planet.
Now I’m happy to report that I’ve been on a several month hiatus (maybe 6 months!) from all games. Just like any activity or hobby…sometimes you just gotta give it a rest already.
Get A Grip
Do you play online video games? If so, are you still taking care of yourself? Do you eat healthy meals and make movement a priority every single day?
If not, why not use some of my rules and see where it leads you!
- Replace that Litre of Orange Crush with Bottle Water.
- Replace those Doritos with a mixture of Almonds, Raisins and any other dried fruit you like
- Stop eating during Raids. Try to eat your meals before you sit down to play.
- Play only on specific days – no matter what – and go out side…even if it’s a walk to the nearest GameStop.
Ok – now that I have this confession off my chest, on to my own workout of the day!
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