THIS GAME IS GOOD FOR KIDS WHO NEED HELP WITH:

Focus

Getting started and then maintaining attention and effort to tasks.

Shape Up’s arcade-like game environment is frankly rather chaotic. Detailed backdrops full of giant sneakers, flying zeppelins, and dancing animals make the game interesting and fun. But while these humorous details are beneficial for taking a player’s mind off of a strenuous workout, it can also be distracting when it comes time to pay attention to the commands on the screen and synchronize one’s movements. This makes Shape Up an excellent tool for practicing the focus skill. Every activity requires a player to watch for the next move and act accordingly, from punching ice blocks to mimicking an aerobics workout.

Additionally, exercise produces a brain protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Because BDNF increases brain plasticity, practicing the focus thinking skill after a workout can help train the brain.

Self-Awareness

Understanding our own actions, thoughts and feelings and empathizing with others.

The exercise in self-awareness that Shape Up offers players is about as literal as it gets. It can be jarring to see one's likeness within a video game environment, but it's also helpful when it comes to objective self-reflection. Players see themselves working toward a challenge in real time, so there isn't any mystery when a final score is revealed. There is, however, an opportunity to challenge one's past in-game self to a new contest, which is exceptional motivation for self-improvement.

Time Management

Being efficient and aware of our use of time and effort.

The exercise in self-awareness that Shape Up offers players is about as literal as it gets. It can be jarring to see one's likeness within a video game environment, but it's also helpful when it comes to objective self-reflection. Players see themselves working toward a challenge in real time, so there isn't any mystery when a final score is revealed. There is, however, an opportunity to challenge one's past in-game self to a new contest, which is exceptional motivation for self-improvement.