{"id":79354,"date":"2016-10-06T11:53:30","date_gmt":"2016-10-06T09:53:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/sa-launch-of-pokemon-go-provides-fun-new-ways-to-get-fit\/"},"modified":"2016-10-06T11:53:30","modified_gmt":"2016-10-06T09:53:30","slug":"sa-launch-of-pokemon-go-provides-fun-new-ways-to-get-fit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/sa-launch-of-pokemon-go-provides-fun-new-ways-to-get-fit\/","title":{"rendered":"SA launch of Pokemon Go provides fun new ways to get fit"},"content":{"rendered":"

SA launch of Pokemon Go provides fun new ways to get fit<\/a>: <\/p>\n

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\"Pokebunny\"<\/p>\n

The technology behind ‘Pokemon Go\u2019 promotes exercise and exploration through augmented reality technology, bringing together real world elements and animated characters with GPS movement tracking. Photo: Niantic Inc<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The long-awaited South African launch of the globally popular Pokemon Go game is to be welcomed as it is encouraging fitness, particularly among the youth, as they take to walking or running in an effort to \u201ccatch em all\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe game uses a player\u2019s physical location to reveal hidden Pokemons, which are animated fantasy animal characters, on the game\u2019s map interface. Even before the game\u2019s official release in South Africa, scores of players could already be seen walking around searching for nearby characters,\u201d says Debbie Valentini, GM of Marketing, Communications and Rewards at Agility Health.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile Zurreal<\/em><\/strong> already rewards its members for making healthy choices, playing Pokemon Go can further reward fans of the original franchise or lovers of interactive games for exercising,\u201d she argues.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe added reward of catching these game characters in a daily workout activity such as walking, running or even cycling, can make getting and staying in shape much more fun. People have been making the most of their lunch breaks to go in search of Pokemon, and even a short, brisk lunchtime walk can contribute to fitness. Furthermore, incorporating regular exercise into your day can improve concentration and refocus the mind for improved productivity in the workplace.\u201d<\/p>\n

One aspect of the game, which incorporates augmented reality technology, is that certain real-world locations serve as digital \u201cPokestops\u201d, where players can collect bonus items that make the game easier.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the items that can be picked up is an egg that hatches after a player has walked a distance of either 2km, 5km or 10km, revealing another character to be added to the player\u2019s collection. Pokemon eggs are a great way to reward yourself if you have goals to cover a particular distance in your morning cardiac exercise.<\/p>\n

\u201cIncubate a 5km egg at the start of your run, and you can be assured that you will be rewarded with a surprise Pokemon for your efforts at the end of it. Even better, the eggs with longer distance goals typically give \u2018better\u2019 Pokemon.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs Zurreal<\/em>, <\/strong>we appreciate the importance of rewards, but people can sometimes be tempted to ruin their health or savings goals by rewarding themselves with unhealthy food treats or expensive luxuries when they meet their daily fitness goals. It should be remembered that this could add feelings of guilt or stress, and counteract the benefits of the exercise.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Zurreal<\/em><\/strong> Platinum<\/em> rewards programme gives members up to R13 400 in cash back each year to incentivise regular exercise, taking care of your health, and participating in outdoor sporting events. These rewards are tallied up quarterly, and so Pokemon Go is a perfect complement to the Zurreal <\/em><\/strong>programme as it offers instant gratification.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe funds are transferred to members\u2019 Zurreal <\/em><\/strong>Healthcards, <\/em>a debit card that can only be used for health-related expenses. This is ideal, as it is not linked to any medical scheme and at the end of the year, members can opt to have the money paid out in cash, or have it rolled over to the next year,\u201d Valentini explains.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot only are players getting more exercise, Pokemon Go appears to be creating more opportunities for players to socialise in the real world. It may be something of a stereotype, but some young people who identify as gamers may be more comfortable interacting online than \u2018irl\u2019 \u2013 that is a gaming language acronym for \u2018in real life\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Go players can load Pokemon \u2018lures\u2019 at Pokestops and everyone in the vicinity can benefit from these. For half an hour, more Pokemon spawn at that location than usual and players flock to these areas.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt appears that the real-world locations that are game attractions appear to be bringing Pokemon fans together, where they connect with peers and often discuss the game, strategies and other points of common interest. It is easy to spot fellow players and the game is an obvious conversation starter making social interaction less stressful for shy individuals.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe would however like to remind players, however, to exercise due caution and consider \u2018stranger danger\u2019 when engaging with any new acquaintances or before rushing off to a Pokestop that is \u2018luring\u2019 Pokemon.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are hearing reports of criminals using these digital lures to catch victims rather than Pokemon. Criminals may set lures at Pokestops in poorly lit lonely areas, for example, and attack fans who show up to catch characters. Remember that the mobile phones the game is played on often have significant value, making this an attractive scheme for criminals.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is important that players make smart decisions and stay vigilant to avoid becoming a target. By following a few simple safety tips and avoid \u2018stranger danger\u2019, the game can be safe and fun while simultaneously encouraging fitness,\u201d Valentini concludes.<\/p>\n

Tips for staying safe while playing Pokemon Go:<\/strong><\/p>\n