Those of you who regularly hit the pavement in search of Pokémon will already know this, but just in case there’s any doubt, it’s now official: Pokémon Go is good for your health.

Time reportsthat a researcher presenting at the American Heart Association has confirmed that playing the cult augmented reality game really does get players moving, adding - on average - a staggering 2,000 to a player’s typical daily step count after committing just 50 days to the app.

And that’s not all. Players are twice as likely to hit their 10,000 daily step goal than non-players, and those who’re usually very sedentary (*raises hand*) will typically added a huge 3,000 steps each day.

"Pokémon Go is probably one of the most popular mobile games in history," says study author Hanzhang Xu, a graduate student at Duke University. "Unlike traditional mobile games, it requires the players to be active and travel around in the real world. It has great potential to promote physical activity."

"It has the potential to work as social media and break the ice of isolation. Games like Pokémon Go may provide an alternative way to encourage exercise."

So the next time someone says something salty about gamers being lazy and unfit, break out Pokémon Go and prove ‘em wrong!

It was recently announced 80 - 80!!! - new Pokémon are coming to the hit mobile game, as well as a selection of special pink Pokémon available over Valentine’s Day. And don’t forget to check out this secret Pokémon GO trick that guarantees Eevee's evolutions…
'- By Vikki Blake @_vixx'

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