Pokémon Go is the ridiculously popular augmented reality mobile app that allows users to wander across town, staring at their phones in an effort to catch ‘em all. Even if you don’t know what a Pokémon is, you’ve undoubtedly seen “trainers” – people who try to catch the little critters, wandering around your city.
Pokémon Go is a fun way to exercise because it forces the player to get off the couch and wander the real world in search of imaginary beasts. I decided to give it a shot as part of my effort to lose weight and get in shape.
I grew up in a hunting family. As a child, I pushed bush to drive deer out of the woods. My dad was adamant that I never pushed strange bush. Using the same logic, I decided to start my Pokémon hunt close to home.
I ventured out of my house and across the street, eager to find the great beasts. Success came quickly in the form of a Charmander, just .07 miles from my house. I smiled as I peered into the dark, steely windows to its soul and hurled a Poké Ball in its direction.
Direct hit!
The Charmander bounced a bit before being sucked into the glistening white and red Poké Ball, trapped inside for God only knows how long. Not bad for a rookie, I thought. I felt like lighting a celebratory smoke like my dad used to, but I remembered I do not smoke, and I am writing a fitness blog. Still, things looked promising: Only .07 miles and one Pokémon bagged. The Pokémoning (verb?) was certainly good.
Feeling motivated from my successful hunt I turned west toward man-made ponds and natural prairie grasses. This appeared to be a formidable hunting ground, but looks were deceiving.
I wandered left, right along drainage ditches and into a disappointingly empty porta-potty.
Suddenly it happened! A rustle in the pond! I aimed my iPhone in the direction of the sound, my itchy Poké Ball finger twitched, ready to introduce Pikachu to his maker. Then, disappointment. It turned out to be a case of misidentification. I marched forward.
I trudged through new construction, feeling hungry and discouraged, with no Pokés in sight. I was about to give up, until I happened upon a strange blue thing on the map. A Pokéstop! A virtual watering hole of sorts. I had watched enough nature documentaries to know the area must be teeming with prey.
Teeming with prey it was! Within .4 miles of the Pokéstop, I laid waste to two Pidgeys, a Caterpie and a feisty Mankey.
Satisfied with my hunt (and feeling sufficiently manly), I slung my Pokéballs over my shoulder and headed for home.
Outside of a successful hunt, I also got a fun little workout, fit for both parent and child. In my 59 minute hunt, I marched 2.38 miles (5428 steps), burned 290 calories and slew five Pokémon. Pokémon Go won’t get you ripped, but it is a fun way to get out and move. Best of all, your kids will love Pokémon Go, so you can help them build healthy habits early.
The key to an effective exercise program is you. Even the best workout program means nothing if you don’t do it. Pokémon go is fun and addictive, and a great way to burn a few calories alone or with the kids.
Dustin Gustafson is an Independent Team Beachbody Coach.
