Welcome to Debate Club! Please be aware that this is a space for respectful debate, and that your ideas will be challenged here. Please remember to critique the argument, not the author.
Gamification of Health and Fitness
mangrothian
Posts: 1,351 Member
in Debate Club
So I read this article on the USnews.com website today:
Do you think that 'gamification' of the health and fitness industry is a good thing long term? I'm all for people using anything that is sane and not harmful (read: stupid diets, detoxes, unsafe exercise programs, etc.) to reach their goals, but is creating this system where the food reward that lots of people previously used is replaced by something else actually good in the long run? What happens if the rewards are removed, or lose their shine over time like so many repetitive reward systems do? Do you think that the people using them to keep motivated are actually learning the good habits they need to sustain their health & fitness goals in the long term?
As an FYI, I'm a regular on my fitbit workweek hustles, I play Pokemon Go (I'll damn well evolve that Magikarp soon, I swear) and have joined the Ilvermorny challenge through MFP, so it's not like I don't use the theory to help get me to my goals. I was working towards them before I started using these game style reward-based systems, but the mental dialogue of "oh no, I left my fitbit at home/it broke/went flat, my steps don't count now" thoughts that run through my head on occasion aren't really a good mindset, and I'm sure I'm not the only one it happens to.
The Health Benefits of Gamification
The principles of game theory can inspire you to walk more, eat better and even quit smoking.
Do you think that 'gamification' of the health and fitness industry is a good thing long term? I'm all for people using anything that is sane and not harmful (read: stupid diets, detoxes, unsafe exercise programs, etc.) to reach their goals, but is creating this system where the food reward that lots of people previously used is replaced by something else actually good in the long run? What happens if the rewards are removed, or lose their shine over time like so many repetitive reward systems do? Do you think that the people using them to keep motivated are actually learning the good habits they need to sustain their health & fitness goals in the long term?
As an FYI, I'm a regular on my fitbit workweek hustles, I play Pokemon Go (I'll damn well evolve that Magikarp soon, I swear) and have joined the Ilvermorny challenge through MFP, so it's not like I don't use the theory to help get me to my goals. I was working towards them before I started using these game style reward-based systems, but the mental dialogue of "oh no, I left my fitbit at home/it broke/went flat, my steps don't count now" thoughts that run through my head on occasion aren't really a good mindset, and I'm sure I'm not the only one it happens to.
2
Replies
-
Interesting question. I don't know. But I think turning things into games can be very beneficial to some people.
2 -
Hmmm ... I do it some, but it is just for the competition aspect. I don't see a problem with it because before I was doing that, I would make up my own games while exercising to help me through. Face it, some workouts aren't that exciting.3
-
I think it's fine because it gives motivation for working out and turns something dull into fun. Years ago I loved Walk It Out for Wii but eventually it got boring because they never added any extensions. Pokemon Go appeals to me in the same way, and it's gotten my fat butt moving again. I've evolved six Gyrados because I live in a Magikarp hotbed, and getting a Pokemon Go Plus has allowed me to add different spins on the sub-games I make up for myself. Gameification isn't all that different than other gimmicks like the Orange Theory competition or the metaphysical Soul Cycle sell.1
-
I think it's fine because it gives motivation for working out and turns something dull into fun. Years ago I loved Walk It Out for Wii but eventually it got boring because they never added any extensions. Pokemon Go appeals to me in the same way, and it's gotten my fat butt moving again. I've evolved six Gyrados because I live in a Magikarp hotbed, and getting a Pokemon Go Plus has allowed me to add different spins on the sub-games I make up for myself. Gameification isn't all that different than other gimmicks like the Orange Theory competition or the metaphysical Soul Cycle sell.
I totally understand the fun part (it's why I'm doing the competitions that I'm doing), and I guess the idea that the end justifies means if it get's peoples butts off the couch and moving about. It just seems that once the shine for the rewards or fun wears off, many people will be back at square one.
P.S Totally jelly on the Gyrados. Finding them is certainly a chore here.1 -
If it helps some people fine. Personally I can get my business taken care of without needing a trophy graphic on my phone.1
-
When I read the title of the post, I immediately thought of a trend I've noticed here:
Boutique Fitness Studios.
Instead of a traditional gym, they offer classes you may not find elsewhere: hot yoga, barre, etc. Then, after your class, sit down for a manicure or get your hair done. The gym/studio itself is usually glamorized with fits and finishes you wouldn't see in a traditional gym. (Chandeliers, fancy furniture in the entrance)
It seems to me like a lot of hype and an expensive price tag for limited classes.
It must be the trend of the week. I'm sure it will pass like all the others.
0 -
I think this comes down to the individual and what their goal is. If the goal is fitness first, and game second, they'll stay when the shine wears off. If they're just in it for the game aspect, well, their head isn't really in the fitness place it needs to be. Maybe the odd one might have something click for them. Who knows? I could happen.
Like you OP, I also participate in those Fitbit Challenges, and I also play Pokemon Go (I started out innocently, offering to hatch eggs for my son, and got hooked. We are so close to evolving our second Magikarp since we have a regular spawn spot near us.)
But I was already a committed walker and runner before these things came into my life. Making a game of them only adds a new dimension to them.
0 -
I like and use Zombies, Run, so I like some of it. I'd still run even if I didn't use the app. Music suits me fine. An audio book would be even better.1
-
I like and use Zombies, Run, so I like some of it. I'd still run even if I didn't use the app. Music suits me fine. An audio book would be even better.
Me too... Zombies, Run! makes running fun. I would never have run as much without it. While I've been slacking lately because I'm super busy, I intend to start season 2 as soon as things slow down (late Oct.).
For me, the mental aspect provides a lot of motivation. This app is like watching TV, except I'm actually participating in the story as I run. It may not be obvious that there is a correlation, but hiking is very similar. There is a mental reward for hiking to a remote, peaceful area far away from other people, vehicles, buildings, etc. loaded with views, and a chance to meet / observe wildlife. Anytime you make the physical effort enjoyable (mental aspect), motivation and participation increases.3 -
mangrothian wrote: »I totally understand the fun part (it's why I'm doing the competitions that I'm doing), and I guess the idea that the end justifies means if it get's peoples butts off the couch and moving about. It just seems that once the shine for the rewards or fun wears off, many people will be back at square one.
I guess that's entirely possible, and it would depend on the individual. But I also think that things like this can give people the impetus to get moving, as you said, and for some of them by the time the shine wears off they'll be used to more activity and enjoy doing it for its own sake rather than for the reward. Even if only 10% of the people who start something keep going with it, it's still that many people who wouldn't otherwise be enjoying physical activity so it's worth it.
(For the record, I haven't found my own Shiny Thing of Motivation yet... but I will, one day!)
5 -
I haven't read the article yet, but plan to. I assume it doesn't mean game theory like predicting how people will cooperate or refuse to cooperate.
As a cyclist, I've been thinking about how some parts of the exercise world are evolving to be more game like. A lot of people ride with GPS based bike computers, which record their location (from which you get speed) and other stats. The computers all upload to sites like Garmin Connect and Strava. These sites have gobs of data, and use it cleverly. So, you get home, your ride uploads, and you see that you've crossed 3 races. The server compares your speed across each of them to everybody else who's ever ridden the same "segment." Now that you've unlocked that segment, the next time you're out, you push yourself to improve your ranking there. Each segment has a leaderboard, and you want the #1 spot. If you get it, others want to take it from you.2 -
I think that there will always be people who quit activity after awhile. Gamification might get more people moving but I would be surprised if, proportionally, there ended up being a sizable difference in the number of people who ultimately quit.1
-
mangrothian wrote: »So I read this article on the USnews.com website today:The Health Benefits of Gamification
The principles of game theory can inspire you to walk more, eat better and even quit smoking.
Do you think that 'gamification' of the health and fitness industry is a good thing long term? I'm all for people using anything that is sane and not harmful (read: stupid diets, detoxes, unsafe exercise programs, etc.) to reach their goals, but is creating this system where the food reward that lots of people previously used is replaced by something else actually good in the long run? What happens if the rewards are removed, or lose their shine over time like so many repetitive reward systems do? Do you think that the people using them to keep motivated are actually learning the good habits they need to sustain their health & fitness goals in the long term?
As an FYI, I'm a regular on my fitbit workweek hustles, I play Pokemon Go (I'll damn well evolve that Magikarp soon, I swear) and have joined the Ilvermorny challenge through MFP, so it's not like I don't use the theory to help get me to my goals. I was working towards them before I started using these game style reward-based systems, but the mental dialogue of "oh no, I left my fitbit at home/it broke/went flat, my steps don't count now" thoughts that run through my head on occasion aren't really a good mindset, and I'm sure I'm not the only one it happens to.
I don't think it will have much, if any significant impact on more people exercising over the long term...people get into these fads and get out just as quickly...game is fun, and then it's not. I know lots people who were all into pokemon go when it came out who are already done with it.0 -
Before cell phones and fitness trackers I was playing games in my own mind with fitness, competing with myself for PR's etc. I think it can help, it is just another tool in the box.3
-
http://zwift.com/
You make the guy on the screen go faster by pedaling faster or harder. All the other guys on the screen are in other basements all over the world.
I've never tried it, I like bikes as a way to be outdoors.3 -
@NorthCascades How does that work? You put your bike inside on a stand and then hook up a device that feeds through your computer or TV? How long are the races?0
-
I've never used it, so I don't really know.
But here's an interesting thread about it, on another forum.
Do you cheat on Zwift? Why?.. and does it matter?
It's trainer season and the Zwift guys have done a great job of developing an online experience that makes it less sucky to ride indoors.
Cheating... by cheating I mean either entering something aspirational for your weight (improving your w/Kg for the game) or setting up your trainer so that your power is over estimated if you are not using a power meter. Some cheats on there are obvious.. others more subtle.
I decided to post this after seeing yet another ride on Strava from someone that I know struggles to stay with a group ride if the pace ramps up absolutely killing it on Zwift. It's not rocket science to sort what is happening there, but if it makes him feel good, maybe it's ok.0 -
No, I don't think that is ok. It is unfair to others. Even if there are no tangible prizes, cheating can discourage those who are following the rules and who still can't get as far as the player cheating. So potentially 1 person is getting more fitness because he feels better and several feel discouraged and quit as a result.
The alternative is for the game to track skill level and pair players with others of a similar skill so the same people don't always win and the same people don't always lose.1 -
Sometimes it motivates me to move. I went out one Sunday to get more steps in when I saw that if I did that, I'd win the "fitbit weekend warrior" trophy.
I play Ingress. There's a fair amount of walking with that.
But that's me. I imagine it doesn't work with everyone.0 -
not_my_first_rodeo wrote: »Sometimes it motivates me to move. I went out one Sunday to get more steps in when I saw that if I did that, I'd win the "fitbit weekend warrior" trophy.
I play Ingress. There's a fair amount of walking with that.
But that's me. I imagine it doesn't work with everyone.
That is a little of what I'm talking about; many people (I'm not pointing the finger at you here) are willing to go out on a walk to win the competition or earn the badge, but not simply because they'll enjoy the walk and it's good for them. I just feel there needs to be something else other than the reward system available in these apps to help people keep up these healthy habits once the rewards wear off.
I guess if we knew what that 'something' was, we'd all be fit and healthy and endlessly motivated.
ETA: My grammar was horrible. Edits had to be made.0 -
I guess one thing bad about making moving a game is it tends to push the idea that all you have to do is move more. Exercise is important but it isn't always so great for weight loss.1
-
mangrothian wrote: »not_my_first_rodeo wrote: »Sometimes it motivates me to move. I went out one Sunday to get more steps in when I saw that if I did that, I'd win the "fitbit weekend warrior" trophy.
I play Ingress. There's a fair amount of walking with that.
But that's me. I imagine it doesn't work with everyone.
That is a little of what I'm talking about; many people (I'm not pointing the finger at you here) are willing to go out on a walk to win the competition or earn the badge, but not simply because they'll enjoy the walk and it's good for them. I just feel there needs to be something else other than the reward system available in these apps to help people keep up these healthy habits once the rewards wear off.
I guess if we knew what that 'something' was, we'd all be fit and healthy and endlessly motivated.
ETA: My grammar was horrible. Edits had to be made.
I think a lot of time the initial motivation results in the development of a habit or other reasons for doing it.
For example, I initially used rewards as a reason to exercise -- mostly training for stuff (a race or tri or bike event). But through doing that I realized other rewards, like the fact I just enjoy running outside and find it a stress release. Even now, though, I might not want to go out, but if I think of it as a time to listen to podcasts or music, it gets me out the door and then I remember I like it for its own sake (to the point of enjoying a 12 mile run even after my iPhone ran out of batteries 10 minutes out the door (before I realized it was cold weather doing it)).
I currently struggle with swimming, even though I know in my head that if I go I always enjoy it, so some "gamification" or other incentive might get me over the hump there too.1 -
juliebowman4 wrote: »When I read the title of the post, I immediately thought of a trend I've noticed here:
Boutique Fitness Studios.
Instead of a traditional gym, they offer classes you may not find elsewhere: hot yoga, barre, etc. Then, after your class, sit down for a manicure or get your hair done. The gym/studio itself is usually glamorized with fits and finishes you wouldn't see in a traditional gym. (Chandeliers, fancy furniture in the entrance)
It seems to me like a lot of hype and an expensive price tag for limited classes.
It must be the trend of the week. I'm sure it will pass like all the others.
If people can afford it and are intimidated by regular gyms, for example, I see no issue with combining a fitness venue with a salon. Sounds rather time-efficient! And if it gets them to do exercise that they normally wouldn't, more power to 'em. 3 -
juliebowman4 wrote: »When I read the title of the post, I immediately thought of a trend I've noticed here:
Boutique Fitness Studios.
Instead of a traditional gym, they offer classes you may not find elsewhere: hot yoga, barre, etc. Then, after your class, sit down for a manicure or get your hair done. The gym/studio itself is usually glamorized with fits and finishes you wouldn't see in a traditional gym. (Chandeliers, fancy furniture in the entrance)
It seems to me like a lot of hype and an expensive price tag for limited classes.
It must be the trend of the week. I'm sure it will pass like all the others.
My health and wellness center offers those classes and has a spa attached that offers manis and pedis. There's also a nice lounge area attached where you can use the wifi and lounges attached to each locker room. No chandeliers, though. The gym is attached to a medical center where my family doctor is and all the personal trainers don't just have certification; they have degrees in something to do with physiology.
I don't see what's wrong with boutique gyms, or having a mani/pedi after your workout.2 -
I guess one thing bad about making moving a game is it tends to push the idea that all you have to do is move more. Exercise is important but it isn't always so great for weight loss.
You could say that a bad thing about financial education is that paying off your mortgage doesn't help with weight loss. I think both criticisms would be myopic, there's more to life than weight loss. (But exercise is pretty great for weight loss though!)0 -
NorthCascades wrote: »http://zwift.com/
You make the guy on the screen go faster by pedaling faster or harder. All the other guys on the screen are in other basements all over the world.
I've never tried it, I like bikes as a way to be outdoors.
I'm getting an indoor trainer for my birthday in a couple of weeks so that I have no excuses to slack this winter...I'll have to look into that...could make things a bit more fun on the trainer.5 -
-
Well, it's working well for me. I've been using the hell out of my FitBit and PokemonGo. When I first got my FitBit, I took on average 3000 steps a day. Now I average closert to 17,000. It's been super effective, and I love being competitive, mostly with myself, but challenges are fun too.4
-
I think anything that gets people off their duff and moving is a good thing! Is it good long term? Probably not for many, but it's great until the next think comes along.
The great thing about exercise is that there are countless ways to do it. Switching it up often works well for some.4 -
I'd say if it works for you, just do it! I'm competitive so I enjoy my step tracking and such, but I prefer my video games sitting down.1
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.4K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 426 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions