5 Best Fitness Games on Android & iOS

To establish an effective cardio workout, all you need is a mobile phone. Remove the weighty training programs and encyclopaedias on individual muscle groups, and you've got yourself the bare bones of fitness. You could, of course, go one step further and remove the Android or iOS device—but that would make us, as well as this list, immediately redundant.

Anyway, fitness games are alive and kicking in this generation more than the last four generations of consoles combined. Boosted over the course of the pandemic, gamers and non-gamers once sought after a viable option for replacing the gym with something more accessible and far less time consuming. From there, a surge of fitness games sprung to life on the App and Play Stores, which gave the genre the groundbreaking reputation it holds today. But as for the titles that currently remain at the apex of the market, now that's another story.

5. Pokémon GO

Honestly, it doesn't matter if you're a Pokémon fan or not, so long as you enjoy a bit of walking and swiping. Although it's an app that has since lost its moment in the spotlight, Pokémon GO still receives its regular updates and new features. And while the gameplay aspect hasn't changed a lick in the six years it's been on the market, it does provide a beginner-friendly interface that's suitable for anyone and everyone, regardless of skill level.

The idea is simple: venture out into the unknown, away from your home and into the wilds. By interacting with a geographically accurate map on your smartphone, you will spot all sorts of wild Pokémon lurking about, ready for capture and guidance. Whether you're up in the peaks of a canyon, or way out in the sticks, there is always an adventure to be had right outside your door. So, grab your phone, install the app, and find out what's living in your neighbor's garden. Actually, no, don't do that last part.

4. Zombies, Run!

If you find yourself starved of motivation when out on a run, then perhaps being chased by a horde of flesh-eating zombies will help get you in the zone? That's the general idea behind Zombies, Run!, anyway. But it isn't all about sprinting til' your ankles buckle, but more switching between a chase and a standard stealth-based creep and crawl.

As a runner, you will immerse in a story-driven world, all of which plays out through your headphones as you power through your local terrain. Whether you're collecting supplies for your base, jogging to find another survivor, or sprinting from an undead army like a bat out of hell—Zombies, Run! brings a whole story to life, using fitness as its anchor point.

3. The Walk

Have you ever wanted to feel the weight of the world on your shoulders? How about the whole of the United Kingdom? Well, if you answered yes to one of those questions, then you're in luck, because Android and iOS has just the thing. Thanks to The Walk, players will have the opportunity to play as a courier, one with the power to change the future through one physically demanding but incredibly rewarding journey.

As said courier, you must travel the length of the UK, safe in the knowledge that the contents you hold dear can save the world. The only problem is, you've got 500 miles between you and the world's salvation. The good news, on the other hand, is that you don't have to do it all in one go. You know, in case that thought crossed your mind for even the slightest second.

2. Walkr

If you've ever fancied yourself an astronaut, bound for an open galaxy full of collectible planets and mysteries, then you'll definitely find something to love with Walkr, a next-level pedometer that introduces space travel to the mix. As the pilot of a rocket, you must power its engines by, well, walking really far.

After you successfully trek 10,000 steps you will unlock and collect a planet. For every planet you earn, your level will increase, which is then reflected on a global leaderboard. So, if you enjoy healthy competition and wish to join the race against time and space, then be sure to check out this beginner-friendly running and walking app on Android and iOS.

1. Burn Your Fat With Me

Japan is known for developing some pretty unusual games, meaning a fitness chapter like Burn Your Fat With Me doesn't really stick out like a sore thumb as much as it would in other territories. But if you're big on anime and are in need of an incentive to keep fit, then you're in luck with this one. And hey, if you're also interested in delving into a story-driven dating simulator while you're at it, then it's a real win-win.

Over 20 fully-voiced episodes, you will select a training partner and, in turn, develop a relationship with them. By completing a variety of workouts, you will unlock new dialogue and progress the underlying romance that urges to blossom. A little weird, sure, but if it helps get you moving then who are we to complain? It's a dating sim that'll help you shed a few pounds. Because, you know, Japan: it's best not to question anything.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there any fitness games we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.