How the Playstation 4 can help keep you fit

by Brittany Anas · November 21, 2013

(Just Dance 2014 for PS4).

By Brittany Anas

Erase any stereotypes you have correlating video games with couch potatoes. Your video game system — thanks in part to motion controls and sensors — can help whip you into shape. Before you know it, your T.V. will be your trainer and you’ll be calling it “coach.”

Sony released its much-anticipated PS4 on Nov. 15 in the United States and Canada. Within the first 24 hours, consumers had snapped up 1 million of the computer entertainment systems. (The PS4 will hit Europe and Latin America later this month).

A stand-out feature worth noting? The new DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller, which allows gamers to share videos of their fave gameplay moments on Facebook and Twitter with a single press of the controller’s “share” button. Gamers can also stream their game-play live through Twitch or Ustream — and their friends can comment on the play.

Gamers are buzzing about the lineup of games like Assasin’s Creed IV Black Flag, NBA 2K14, Call of Duty: Ghosts and others.

But if you’re a fitness fanatic-gamer hybrid, you’ll be excited to hear about the updates to Just Dance — a video game we can count on to turn our living rooms into dance clubs (even if it’s a party of one). While you’re whipping your hair, shimmying and shaking you’ll forget you’re “working out.”

Just Dance 2014 is retailing for $49.99 at Best Buy (where you can get 1.5 percent Cash Back through ShopAtHome.com). There’s a little somethin’ for everybody packed in the game: Top 40 hits from popstars like Kate Perry, Ke$ha and Robin Thicke. Or, channel another era with some throwback jams from Michael Jackson, George Michael or the Village People.

A “custom sweat mode” will let you create custom playlists and track calories burned. The “On Stage” mode will allow you to lead two back-up dancers and the World Dance Floor lets you join virtual multi-player crews — and tracks your standing on global leaderboards.