Quite recently, Pokemon Go has taken over pretty much everyone’s iPhone and Android screen. So, me, being the curious cat that I am, went to the app store, downloaded the game and set off to see what all the buzz was about. (Side note: I used to play Pokémon and collect the cards as well with my older brother when we were younger, so I already had a small place in my heart for these little animated critters with special powers and such.) I created my trainer, gave myself a name and was then plopped onto a virtual map of my surroundings.
At first, I was really confused at why I was just standing there not moving. Apparently, in order to play, you actually have to physically pick up your own two feet. Sheesh! Who knew? I’m so used to mindlessly sitting on the couch playing Fruit Ninja (yes, I still play that) or Temple Run. Not really the best form of physical activity, unless you count swiping your index finger across a screen as some form of hand exercise, in which case, I question your health.
So, while I was out on my run one day getting some real fitness on, I noticed something that was just kind of incredible to me. Pretty much every person outside was walking around in groups looking at their phones, and every person I passed, I just had the feeling that they were definitely playing Pokemon Go. I thought to myself, this could totally be some sort of fitness app as well, because pretty much every person was outside walking around and going to different destinations to catch Pokemon. Also, in order to play you have to be, you guessed it, moving! I was thinking to myself like wow, I bet these people that are playing don’t even realize how much they are walking or how many miles they have been wandering just to catch’em all, so to speak.
I even just realized that a few days ago, I was talking with my friends about Pokemon Go and we hatched a plan to meet at a pizza place by my house in South Seattle and walk to Madison Park, which is up North. The distance from the pizza place and Madison Park is about ten miles! Thinking on it now, I am like holy cow that is a lot of miles, but when you’re preoccupied with all the Pokestops and random Pokemon you find along the way, it doesn’t seem so bad. So,please if you think about it, this is a win-win situation in that you get to collect Pokemon and tone your legs!
This game is some kind of brilliant way to sneak in a light exercise without even knowing it. Finally, someone stepped up and figured out a way to boost the fitness levels of us hamburger, french-fry eating Americans. Way to go John Hanke. Maybe in the near future the next update will have a virtual gym space where you and your Pokémon can work-out and train together? Maybe even compete against your Pokemon to see who can do the most burpees? Just a thought.
