60% of Pokémon Go Players are Getting More Exercise Thanks to the Game

Pokémon GO is making millennials more active. 60% who play the game report they have increased their level of physical activity.

Of those who play the game, 53% have a fitness tracker/step counter and 69% reported an increase in the number of steps in a day, according to a recent poll commissioned by Manulife. Males made up 54% and females 46% of those who play in the 18 to 35 age group, and 80% of those who play said they spend 30 minutes or more a day playing the game.

The poll also found that millennials who do not play Pokémon GO believe that using the app will increase the number of steps they take.

“Pokémon GO is showing us that millennials will become more active … even if physical activity was not their intention,” said Marianne Harrison, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Canada. “The Pokémon GO phenomenon shows that rewards and prizes provide an incentive that gets millennials active and they have fun at the same time.”

It’s not all good news, however. Another side effect of Pokémon GO is 31% of players say they have used the app while driving or cycling, while 12% have experienced some type of injury while playing.

“Players do need to ensure they play the game responsibly,” added Harrison.  “They are not only putting themselves at risk but others who may or may not be playing the game as well.”