The majority of people are aware of the training that athletes go through. Yet, especially in this day and age, when consoles and home PCs are being utilised more and more, adequate fitness for gamers is critical for maximum performance. In my most recent blog, I examine the profession of eSports and fitness, as well as how exercising and being healthy might boost a gamer's in-game performance.
eSports and gaming are clearly enormous businesses, and they're just getting bigger. As an industry, it has already attracted more viewers than the Super Bowl, and giant corporations like Coca-Cola have been pouring money into events, and we will soon see eSports included in the Summer Olympic Games.
It competes for attention, money, and interest with traditional sporting events. With billions of players, many will believe they can have a piece of the action by grabbing a controller or sitting in front of a monitor with a mouse and keyboard.
While putting in the hours on Fortnite may appear to be all that is required, professionals see things differently. They're starting to point to time away from the screen – and even time spent in a gym – separating the best from the others.
The Rise of eSports & Gaming
The rise of eSports can be attributed to several factors, including the growth of the video game industry, streaming on platforms such as Twitch, YouTube & Kick, advancements in technology, the rise of online gaming, and changing attitudes towards gaming as a legitimate form of entertainment and competition.
Firstly, the video game industry has experienced significant growth over the past few decades, with more and more people playing games on a regular basis. This growth has created a large and dedicated fan base for certain games & streamers which has paved the way for competitive eSports events.
Secondly, advancements in technology have made it easier for people to play games online with others from all around the world. This has enabled the creation of large-scale eSports events where players can compete against one another in real-time.
Thirdly, online streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube have made it possible for fans to watch and interact with their favourite esports players, teams & streamers. This has helped to build a larger audience for eSports events.
Finally, changing attitudes towards gaming have played a significant role in the rise of esports. In the past, gaming was often seen as a niche hobby for children or teenagers, but now it is increasingly seen as a legitimate form of entertainment and competition. This has helped to increase the legitimacy of eSports events and has encouraged more people to get involved in competitive gaming.
All of these factors have contributed to the rise of eSports, and the industry is now experiencing significant growth with a large and dedicated fan base, numerous professional teams and players, and large-scale events with substantial prize pools.
But, as more and more gamers are spending longer in front of their screens, issues in physical fitness can arise…
eSports, Gaming and Fitness
Physical fitness is becoming increasingly important in eSports as professional gamers are starting to recognize the benefits of staying physically fit. Physical fitness in eSports refers to the physical attributes that can affect performance in gaming. These attributes include things like hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and overall endurance.
Hand-eye coordination is important in eSports because gamers need to be able to react quickly to the visual stimuli on their screen. The better their hand-eye coordination, the more accurate and precise their movements will be. Reaction time is also important because gamers need to be able to react quickly to unexpected events in the game.
Endurance is another important physical attribute in eSports because gaming sessions can be very long, sometimes lasting for several hours at a time. Gamers who are physically fit and have good endurance are better able to maintain focus and perform at a high level for longer periods of time.
In order to maintain physical fitness, eSports athletes often engage in physical activities such as exercise and stretching. They should also pay close attention to their diet, ensuring that they are getting the nutrients they need to support their physical health. Some gamers also use tools like wrist and hand exercises to improve their hand strength and dexterity.
Overall, physical fitness is an important aspect of eSports performance, and gamers who prioritise their physical health are more likely to achieve success in their gaming careers.
Gaming and Posture
Posture is an important consideration for gamers because spending long periods of time sitting in front of a computer or console can put significant strain on the body, leading to issues such as back pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal disorders.
One of the biggest contributors to poor posture during gaming is the design of gaming chairs. Many gaming chairs are designed to look cool and offer a "racing" aesthetic, but they often lack the necessary support for healthy posture. It is important for gamers to choose a chair that provides adequate support for their back and neck and encourages a healthy posture.
Another factor to consider is the positioning of the monitor or screen. The top of the monitor should be at or slightly below eye level, and the screen should be positioned so that the user is not straining their neck or shoulders to see it. Additionally, the chair should be positioned at the correct distance from the screen to avoid eye strain.
Keyboard and mouse positioning can also have an impact on posture. The keyboard should be positioned so that the user's shoulders are relaxed and their elbows are at a comfortable angle. The mouse should be placed close to the keyboard and positioned so that the user can use it without having to reach or strain their arm.
Finally, taking regular breaks and incorporating stretches and exercises into a gaming routine can help to prevent poor posture and the associated issues. It is important for gamers to take breaks every hour or so to stand up, stretch, and move around. Stretching exercises such as shoulder shrugs, neck stretches, and chest openers can also help to prevent muscle tension and improve posture.
In summary, posture is an important consideration for gamers, and taking steps to maintain a healthy posture during gaming can help to prevent issues such as back pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal disorders.
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