Pokémon Go

Pokémon Go- Good incentive to get out and move?

In my opinion, yes!

I remember growing up and getting my first Gameboy Colour for my 8th birthday, although portable, most of my gaming hours were spent late at night in bed, telling myself I wasn’t tired, scratching my eyes trying to catch more and more Pokémon. Fast forward to my 9th birthday and I was given my first Xbox. Sitting in my bedroom with the curtains closed, eating a big bag of crisps, playing Halo late into the night. I’m 23 now and I have had every Xbox Microsoft has ever made.

The point of all of this waffling? The gaming world, me included, are incredibly sedentary. Thankfully I was a sporty child with gymnastics and rugby, which I believe prevented me from becoming overweight and socially inept.
However, whoever came up with the idea of Pokémon Go is a genius and it is working! There are a lot of failed government schemes to get people outside, or to join the gym, but the creators of Pokémon Go have done it with one free app.

It’s hit every nerds inner child, including myself, and as more people are downloading it and heading out into the big bright sunny world (or unsunny world if you’re from Britain) more people are getting their vital Vitamin D and talking to real people.

The aim of the game is to catch as many Pokémon as possible, which can only be achieved by walking around to places where they are. You can then walk further to gain extra things, including balls and potions, alongside taking your Pokémon to Pokémon gym sites; reinforcing the importance of exercise. Pokémon locations are often in prominent places, like parks and culturally valuable places – itself potentially giving rise to an increase in historical and cultural interest, and also the use of the park and its facilities.

Lastly, in order for your eggs to hatch, you must walk 2, 5 or 10 kilometres, a win-win situation for fitness and Pokémon points!  Whilst playing recently I walked past a Bowls club, tennis club and outdoor gym which I didn’t know existed before!

I believe that if this game gets even one person interested in health and fitness, be it sport, the gym, or even just going for an afternoon stroll, then it is the best app to ever be created.

Even people who didn’t originally like Pokémon have downloaded it and are getting active!

The only downside I see are people not being aware of their surroundings, falling in lakes and rivers, walking out in front of cars, even ‘PokeGoing’ and driving. However, the huge benefits of having achieved getting gamers active can only be a positive!

Overview:
1. I’m a nerd and proud
2. Pokémon Go has got people active and socialising with other Pokémon Trainers
3. Have fun, but be aware of your surroundings!
4. DON’T Pokego and Drive!


Much love, JF