Best PS5 workout games that are changing the way we exercise at home

In a world where finding time for fitness can feel like hitting a fastball with a toothpick – difficult and frustrating – PlayStation 5 has emerged as an unexpected ally in the battle against sedentary lifestyles. The console has transformed from a pure entertainment device into a legitimate fitness tool that makes working out not just bearable, but genuinely enjoyable.

Let’s begin our exploration of how PS5 is changing the fitness landscape with games that deliver real results while keeping you engaged. Whether you’re using the traditional console or have invested in the immersive PSVR2 experience, there’s a workout game that can fit your fitness goals and gaming preferences.

Traditional PS5 Workout Games: No VR Required

Not everyone has jumped into virtual reality yet, and that’s perfectly fine. The standard PS5 console offers several fitness options that can get your heart pumping.

Just Dance 2024 Edition: Turn Your Living Room Into a Dance Studio

Just Dance has maintained its position as the go-to fitness game for those who prefer to work out through rhythm and movement. The 2024 edition brings this experience to PS5 with fresh content and improved tracking.

What makes Just Dance 2024 stand out:

• Features choreography set to the latest popular music
• Accommodates all skill levels from beginner to advanced
• Supports multiplayer sessions for social workouts
• Provides a cardiovascular workout that doesn’t feel like exercise

At a price point of ₹3,700, Just Dance offers an affordable entry into fitness gaming compared to traditional gym memberships. The game is particularly effective for those who find conventional workouts monotonous, as the focus on music and choreography creates an experience that feels more like entertainment than exercise.

Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise

For those who prefer a more traditional workout approach with a gaming twist, Fitness Boxing 2 delivers a boxing-inspired experience that engages your entire body.

Key features:

• Combines boxing techniques with rhythmic movements
• Musical accompaniment keeps workouts engaging
• Helps develop coordination while improving cardiovascular health
• Tracks progress to keep you motivated

This title bridges the gap between conventional exercise programs and gaming, making it an excellent option for fitness enthusiasts who want to supplement their routine with something more engaging.

PSVR2 Fitness Games: Immersive Workouts That Deliver Results

Where PS5 fitness truly shines is through the PSVR2 platform. The immersive nature of virtual reality creates workout experiences that engage your entire body and mind, often resulting in more intense exercise sessions without feeling like traditional workouts.

Beat Saber: The Rhythm Game That Became a Fitness Phenomenon

Beat Saber stands as the undisputed champion of VR fitness games, combining rhythm-based gameplay with physical movement in a way that creates genuine workout intensity.

What makes it effective:

• Uses dual virtual lightsabers to slice through incoming blocks
• Features music from popular artists including BTS and Linkin Park
• Provides an excellent workout for arms, shoulders, and core
• Gameplay is so engaging you’ll forget you’re exercising

Users consistently report significant calorie burn during Beat Saber sessions, with the game’s higher difficulty levels creating workout intensity comparable to moderate cardio exercises.

Les Mills Bodycombat: Professional Fitness Training in Virtual Reality

Developed by fitness industry leaders, Les Mills Bodycombat brings professional workout methodology into the virtual space, creating one of the most effective fitness games available.

Standout elements:

• Created by fitness professionals with decades of experience
• Features realistic martial arts training with proper form guidance
• Offers workouts tailored to different fitness levels
• Available as a one-time $29.99 purchase rather than a subscription

The integration of professional fitness instruction with VR technology makes Bodycombat particularly effective for those seeking structured workouts with proper guidance on form and technique.

Pistol Whip: The Surprise Workout Sensation

While marketed primarily as a rhythm-shooter game, Pistol Whip has developed a reputation for delivering unexpectedly intense workouts through its combination of shooting, dodging, and constant movement.

Why it works as exercise:

• Requires continuous physical movement including ducking, weaving, and squatting
• Players report significant muscle soreness after initial sessions
• Burns approximately 165 calories in a typical session
• Maintains an average heart rate of 118 BPM during gameplay

The game’s requirement for constant movement creates a workout experience that focuses primarily on lower body strength and endurance, complementing upper-body focused games like Beat Saber.

Synth Riders: Dance Your Way to Fitness

For those who prefer dance-focused workouts, Synth Riders offers a more flowing, dance-oriented experience compared to the precision cutting of Beat Saber.

Key aspects:

• Music-driven gameplay with varied track selections
• Combines dance movements with rhythm mechanics
• Less intense than some options but maintains consistent movement
• Perfect for those who enjoy dance-based fitness routines

The more flowing nature of Synth Riders makes it particularly appealing to users who find the precise movements of games like Beat Saber too demanding.

Power Beats VR: Purpose-Built for Fitness

Unlike some games that accidentally became fitness tools, Power Beats VR was designed specifically as a workout application, with fitness goals at the center of its design.

What sets it apart:

• Features professionally designed high-intensity interval training workouts
• Incorporates punching, dodging, and squatting exercises
• Includes heart rate monitoring and calorie tracking
• Allows custom routine creation using your favorite music

This focused approach to fitness makes Power Beats VR especially effective for those with specific workout goals who want game elements to enhance their exercise experience.

C-Smash VRS: Sports Simulation Meets Workout

This innovative title combines elements of squash with futuristic sci-fi aesthetics, creating a sports simulation that delivers genuine fitness benefits.

Workout benefits:

• Full-body workout focusing on leaning, bending, and stretching
• Available in both solo and multiplayer modes
• Excellent for improving reflexes and core strength
• Blends sports gameplay with fitness objectives

The sports foundation makes C-Smash VRS particularly appealing to those who enjoy competitive elements in their workouts.

Creed: Rise to Glory: Boxing That Pulls No Punches

Based on the popular boxing film franchise, Creed delivers one of the most authentic boxing workout experiences available in gaming.

What makes it effective:

• Realistic boxing simulator with dedicated fitness modes
• Allows players to set specific calorie or time goals
• Performance depends entirely on physical effort rather than virtual stamina
• Provides an authentic test of endurance and boxing technique

The game’s foundation in a popular film franchise adds motivational elements that can help maintain interest in regular workout sessions.

Crazy Kung Fu: Martial Arts Training That Burns Calories

This martial arts-focused game has emerged as one of the most intense workout options on PSVR2, with impressive calorie-burning potential.

Fitness credentials:

• Burns approximately 226 calories in just 20 minutes of play
• Achieves an average heart rate of 142 BPM (Zone 3 training intensity)
• Features multiple characters with unique movement styles
• Recently added multiplayer support for competitive workouts

The high calorie burn rate makes Crazy Kung Fu particularly valuable for those focused on weight management goals.

Until You Fall: Fantasy Combat With Real Physical Demands

This sword-fighting roguelike combines fantasy combat with genuine physical exertion, creating an engaging workout wrapped in game progression.

Exercise elements:

• Requires constant arm movements for sword combat
• Incorporates dodging, parrying, and striking in real-time
• Progression system encourages regular play sessions
• Combines strength training with cardio elements

The game’s roguelike structure creates natural workout intervals, with intense combat sections separated by brief recovery periods.

Why PS5 Fitness Gaming Works: The Science Behind the Sweat

The effectiveness of PS5 fitness games isn’t just anecdotal – there are specific mechanisms that make them valuable fitness tools.

Accessibility Removes Barriers to Exercise

One of the most significant advantages of PS5 fitness games is their accessibility. They provide effective workout options without requiring:

• Expensive gym memberships
• Specialized equipment beyond the console itself
• Travel time to exercise facilities
• Public exercise that can create anxiety for some individuals

This accessibility is particularly valuable for:

• People with busy schedules who struggle to make time for traditional workouts
• Those who feel uncomfortable exercising in public settings
• Individuals in areas with limited access to fitness facilities
• People looking to supplement existing routines with home options

Gamification Creates Motivation

The integration of game mechanics with exercise addresses one of the most common barriers to fitness: motivation. PS5 fitness games incorporate:

• Achievement systems that reward consistent play
• Progress tracking that shows improvement over time
• Competitive elements that encourage pushing limits
• Narrative components that create emotional investment

These gamification elements help transform exercise from an obligation into an activity users actively seek out.

Immersion Reduces Perceived Exertion

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of PS5 fitness games, particularly in VR, is how they reduce perceived exertion through immersion. Research has shown that engaging entertainment can significantly reduce the perceived difficulty of exercise, allowing users to:

• Work out longer without feeling fatigued
• Achieve higher heart rates without noticing the intensity
• Maintain better workout consistency due to reduced mental resistance
• Experience more positive associations with exercise

Finding Your Perfect PS5 Fitness Game

With so many options available, selecting the right PS5 fitness game depends on your specific goals and preferences.

For Cardio Focus

If your primary goal is cardiovascular improvement:

• Beat Saber (PSVR2) – Higher difficulty levels create excellent cardio challenge
• Just Dance 2024 (Traditional PS5) – Dance-based cardio accessible to all
• Synth Riders (PSVR2) – Flowing movements maintain elevated heart rate

For Strength Building

Those looking to develop muscular strength should consider:

• Les Mills Bodycombat (PSVR2) – Professional training with resistance elements
• Crazy Kung Fu (PSVR2) – Martial arts movements that build functional strength
• Creed: Rise to Glory (PSVR2) – Boxing mechanics that develop upper body power

For Complete Beginners

If you’re new to both fitness and gaming:

• Just Dance 2024 (Traditional PS5) – Intuitive controls with scalable difficulty
• Beat Saber (PSVR2) – Simple mechanics with extensive tutorial options
• Fitness Boxing 2 (Traditional PS5) – Guided workouts with clear instruction

For Fitness Enthusiasts

Experienced exercisers looking for new challenges should explore:

• Pistol Whip (PSVR2) – Unexpected intensity that challenges even fit individuals
• Power Beats VR (PSVR2) – Professional HIIT workouts in virtual reality
• Les Mills Bodycombat (PSVR2) – Authentic fitness programming with progressive difficulty

Getting Started: Tips for PS5 Fitness Success

To make the most of your PS5 fitness journey:

1. Start gradually – Even experienced exercisers should begin with shorter sessions to adapt to the unique movements of VR fitness
2. Create adequate space – Ensure you have sufficient room to move freely without obstacles
3. Stay hydrated – The immersive nature of these games can make you forget to drink water
4. Use a fitness tracker – Pairing games with a fitness tracker provides more accurate calorie and heart rate data
5. Rotate between games – Different titles work different muscle groups, creating a more balanced fitness approach
6. Schedule regular sessions – Consistency remains the key to fitness results, regardless of the workout method

The Future of PS5 Fitness Gaming

As developers continue to recognize the potential of gaming as a fitness platform, we can expect: • More titles specifically designed with fitness objectives • Better integration with health tracking platforms • Expanded multiplayer options for social fitness experiences • Increased use of haptic feedback for improved form guidance

Conclusion: Game-Changing Fitness

The PS5 has emerged as a surprisingly effective fitness tool that addresses many of the traditional barriers to regular exercise. By transforming workouts from obligation to entertainment, these games create sustainable fitness habits that users actually look forward to maintaining.

Whether you’re using the traditional console with games like Just Dance 2024 or diving into the immersive world of PSVR2 with titles like Beat Saber and Les Mills Bodycombat, PS5 fitness games offer accessible, effective, and engaging workout options for users at all fitness levels.

The most powerful aspect of these games isn’t just their ability to burn calories – it’s their capacity to change how we perceive exercise itself, turning what many consider a chore into an activity we genuinely enjoy. By bridging the gap between entertainment and fitness, PS5 workout games are creating a new paradigm for physical activity that has the potential to improve health outcomes for a generation of gamers.

Have you tried any PS5 fitness games? Which ones have delivered the best results for your fitness journey? Share your experiences in the comments below!