One thing that will probably always be criticized about gaming is the lack of healthy exercise that players get. What really hurts is the stigma that non-gamers put on the situation. Real time strategy games may be about the worst for this. Car games and first person shooters at least give the illusion of actual movement for the players, and the engagements are usually short enough that long sessions in front of the monitor can be conveniently interrupted, at least for a trip to the ‘fridge to get a diet soda.
RTS has the opposite effect. The ‘general’ sits outside the action in god-like detachment, watching the action unfold after taking all of the necessary steps to ensure that it goes the way he wants it to. This set up is, of course, the real fun of strategy games, as well as the reason that they demand so much time in front of the monitor.
The lack of real exercise is a problem for all gamers, and one that they are usually aware of even if they don’t seem willing to do much about it. The most sensible solution would be to limit your time in front of the monitor. Ideally you would break your session up and get at least some light exercise every hour or so. This is not only good for your health, it improves your game play by helping you stay alert and focused on your task. But there are battles to be fought and worlds to conquer, so it is difficult to give your muscles the stimulation they need.
Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to get exercise while you were in front of the monitor? One option is to use an electronic ab belt like the ones compared at http://www.mydietarea.com/reviews/ab-belt-review/. These devices work your core abdominal muscles, causing them to strengthen and tone.
The latest buzz in the fitness industry is the call to strengthen the core muscles. These muscles are the ones that support the rest of the body, so they are important even to someone who spends a lot of time in front of a monitor.
One thing to remember is that the electronic impulses of the ab belt do not do the exercise for you. What happens is that they force your muscles to exercise. The strengthening and toning are the same. And the end result may be an RTS general who is strong and healthy enough to continue fighting.