Regina's XP League adds physical aspects to gamer training
XP League’s Regina chapter has added physical activities to its gamer training programs.
The goal of the organization is to coach gamers between the ages of five to 15 to become great gamers, with a non-traditional approach.
As a warm-up before the kids hit the computers, the league has teams do sprinting drills, planking and stretches.
XP League said most people think video and computer games are all about mental stimulation and strength, but physical strength is also important.
“You need to make sure you’re healthy physically as well as mentally,” Blake Zanidean, league commissioner, said. “Using that physical aspect you get that mental stimulation I think is really important for the kids.”
Zanidean added the physical drills are also a great way to increase hand-eye coordination, communication skills and teamwork.
Some of the kids who spoke to CTV called it an important and helpful way to prep themselves for gaming marathons.
“I get a little bit warmed up so my fingers aren’t asleep or anything,” said 11-year-old Julien Trombley.
Nine-year-old Liam Riemer said “for gamers that’s what people need to do because if they just sit the whole time it’s not good for their bodies.”
Zanidean said Esports, and the coaching approach XP League is taking, would be similar to that of any team sport like soccer, hockey or football.
“Traditional sports may not always be every kids outlet, so this is a great way to integrate the same skills that they would get from traditional sports, but still doing something they enjoy,” Zanidean added.
The Regina XP League chapter is hoping adding the physical element to the gaming training will encourage more families to consider Esports as a team sport and not just a way for kids to spend more time in front of their computer screens.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.