Click, swipe, repeat: 5 exercises to improve your gaming reflexes
What's the story
For arcade gamers, a faster reaction time can mean the difference between a high score and a game over.
This article details five finger reflex exercises that will help you improve your reflexes and become a better gamer.
These exercises are easy, don't require any equipment, and can be done anywhere, so every gamer can benefit from them.
Speed tap
Tap into speed with rapid finger tapping
Rapid finger tapping is a basic but effective exercise that focuses on the fast-twitch muscle fibers in your fingers, which are crucial for quick reactions.
Simply lay your hand flat on a surface. Then, raise each finger quickly in a sequence, like you're playing a speedy tune on a piano.
Try for three sets of 30 seconds each day. You'll soon notice increased finger dexterity and faster reaction times.
Grip strength
Strengthen grip with the squeeze ball exercise
Using a squeeze ball or stress ball regularly can significantly enhance your grip strength and endurance, giving you better control over arcade game controls during extended play sessions.
Simply squeeze the ball tightly with one hand for five seconds, then release. Repeat this action ten times for each hand once a day.
Gradually, this exercise will improve your grip, helping you maintain control during intense gaming sessions.
Coordination drill
Enhance coordination with finger opposition drills
Finger opposition drills enhance thumb and finger dexterity, crucial for rapid and precise button presses.
Simply touch the tip of your thumb to each fingertip on the same hand in order, then reverse the sequence.
Start slow to maintain accuracy, then gradually increase speed.
Two sets of 15 repetitions per hand daily will bring significant benefits.
Dexterity boost
Boost dexterity with the spider walk exercise
The spider walk exercise enhances finger independence and dexterity by imitating a spider's leg movements on surfaces such as a table or the back of your other hand.
Each finger should be moved individually in random patterns, ensuring not to move the others at the same time.
Just five minutes of this exercise every day can dramatically improve fine motor skills, which are essential for performing intricate gaming techniques.
Flash training
Improve reaction time with flash games training
Online flash games specifically designed for reaction time training can also be beneficial alongside physical exercises.
These games require players to respond quickly to visual cues, mimicking the scenarios encountered in arcade gaming environments.
Including twenty minutes of flash game training in your daily routine can complement physical exercises by providing practical application scenarios that mimic real-game situations.