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
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
BREAKING Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
WATCH LIVE As GC Strategies partner is admonished by MPs, RCMP confirms search warrant executed
The RCMP confirmed Wednesday it had executed a search warrant at an address registered to GC Strategies. This development comes as MPs are enacting an extraordinary, rarely used parliamentary power, summoning one of its contractors to appear before the House of Commons to be admonished publicly for failing to answer questions related to the ArriveCan app.
Disappointment widespread over budget's proposed $200-month disability benefit funding
Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
Woman who pressured boyfriend to kill his ex in 2000s granted absences from prison
A woman who pressured her boyfriend into killing his teenage ex more than a decade ago will be allowed to leave prison for weeks at a time.
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
Former Sask. massage therapist who sexually assaulted clients has day parole revoked
A former massage therapist who pleaded guilty to a string of sexual assaults has had his day parole revoked.