Got a PS5 for Xmas? You probably earned it. Maybe not in terms of your production at the office or by hitting your KPIs in housework, but in terms of health and fitness, there’s a good chance you’re in decent shape.
That’s right, the stereotype of gamers as pale, slovenly creatures who inhabit dark, squalid basements, chain-vaping amid a pile of empty beer bottles, has taken a hit thanks to a new study from the Queensland University of Technology. It found Esports players are up to 21 per cent healthier than the general population.
The study of 1400 gamers in 65 countries also found Esports players drink and smoke less than the general population. Fitness among elite gamers shows physical activity could influence Esports performance, the researchers say.
“As part of their training regime, elite esports athletes spend more than an hour per day engaging in physical exercise as a strategy to enhance gameplay and manage stress,” says lead researcher, Michael Trotter.
It does appear the cream rises to the top, though, with four per cent of Esports players (the ones, perhaps, whose idea of a marathon is a three-day GTA5 binge) more likely to be morbidly obese compared to the general population.
Exercise should be a focus for players and esports trainers, Trotter says.
“This will mean that in the future, young gamers will have more reason and motivation to be physically active.”
So, maybe hit the gym or play some pick-up before your next 2K session.
