Xbox One – For Fitness Gurus

Ryan Bloom / Nov 20th, 2013 No Comments

When motion-controlled gaming rose to popularity with the Nintendo Wii, it was viewed as a joke by hardcore gamers. However, the company was able to carve out a niche audience. Microsoft joined the controller-free gaming sphere with the release of Kinect for Xbox 360. Now, Microsoft is taking Kinect to the next level with a new iteration for Xbox One and it is changing the landscape of in-home fitness right out of the gate.

Xbox Fitness

Microsoft is bringing the trainer to living rooms with Xbox Fitness. The new program brings famous trainers such as Jillian Michaels, Tony Horton and Shaun T. to Xbox One. Essentially, Xbox Fitness is the same workout videos available to purchase at retailers. However, the Kinect sensor takes the workout to a new level only possible on Xbox One.

Xbox Fitness for Xbox One

Players will be able to search a library of workout videos directly from the console. Popular training programs such as P90X and Insanity will be available on Xbox One. Once users have gone through hand-picked workout routines, Xbox Fitness will create custom workouts. Unique social challenges keep users motivated while the Kinect sensor gives players immediate feedback.

The Power of Kinect

[adsense250itp]Anyone can purchase a workout video and start training in their living room. However, Xbox One has a significant advantage due to the capabilities of Kinect. While training with Xbox Fitness, Kinect will provide users with instant feedback. The sensor can detect a user’s pulse, energy levels and muscle movement.

Kinect’s muscle mapping detects which muscles are being engaged the most by users and gives instructions such as “jump higher” in order to yield the best results. An on-screen energy meter tells players how much energy they are using compared to how much time is left in the workout. This allows users to keep up their efforts until each exercise is complete. Kinect can also detect the pulse of any player standing within 10 feet.

Xbox Fitness Pass

Microsoft wants all Xbox One owners to experience Xbox Fitness with their new console. The company is offering Xbox Fitness content for free to all Xbox Live Gold members at launch. However, some additional content for Xbox Fitness will only be available through purchase.

Xbox Fitness in action

Starting January 2015, access to Xbox Fitness will require a Xbox Fitness Pass in addition to a Xbox Live Gold membership. A Xbox Fitness Pass will grant users unlimited access to training programs. Microsoft has not yet announced pricing details regarding the subscription service.

Closing Comments

With personalized workouts, instant feedback and custom challenges, Xbox Fitness brings a virtual personal trainer to every Xbox One owner. The new edition of Kinect opens up a vast array of opportunities for Xbox One owners who want to get off the couch. Paired with games such as Zumba Fitness World Party and Just Dance 2014, Xbox Fitness will have gamers staying fit.

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Ryan Bloom

Chief Editor at Gaming Illustrated

Ryan Bloom is a writer and avid gamer from Orange County. He received a B.A. in Communications with a minor in American Studies from California State University, Fullerton in 2010. Follow him on Twitter @BloomsTweets.