George Waterhouse, a reporting analyst from Saratoga Springs, was able to shed about 70 pounds by incorporating exercise into his routine while playing his favorite video game, Overwatch. While the merits of video games remain a subject of debate, a study of over 2,000 children found that those who played video games for three or more hours a day exhibited faster and more accurate cognitive tasks but also had higher attention problems, depression, and ADHD. However, Waterhouse’s story proves that when used correctly, video games can have potential health benefits.
Waterhouse initially weighed 250 pounds and decided to turn his health around by committing to walking on a treadmill. However, traditional forms of exercise quickly became boring for him. To make exercise more enjoyable, he started playing Overwatch on his Nintendo Switch while running on the treadmill, using the wireless Joy-Con controllers. With an eye-level platform he created using storage bins, Waterhouse was able to exercise effortlessly while enjoying his favorite game.
While the new approach presented challenges, such as relearning how to use the Joy-Con’s analog sticks to aim, Waterhouse persevered and estimated that he burns between 500 and 800 calories during each gaming session. A year and a half into his new regimen, Waterhouse has lost 180 pounds and now consistently weighs between 182 and 185 pounds. His next goal is to incorporate weightlifting into his routine to further improve his health and fitness.
Waterhouse has also developed an appreciation for exercise away from the computer screen, participating in activities like running where he recently achieved a milestone by placing in the top 20 in a 5K race. He advises others looking to follow in his footsteps to commit to a plan, start small, and build the habit of exercising regularly before focusing on training harder. While he acknowledges that everyone is different, Waterhouse’s story serves as an inspiration for those looking to incorporate physical activity into their lives in a fun and engaging way.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground, and Waterhouse’s journey is a prime example of how unconventional methods can lead to positive results. By combining his love for gaming with exercise, Waterhouse was able to achieve significant weight loss and improve his overall health and fitness. His story serves as a reminder that there are various ways to incorporate physical activity into daily life, and finding what works best for each individual is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
