If not, you should.
In its first month of existence, Pokemon Go achieved explosive popularity. Within three days of its release, the app attracted more users than Twitter.
If you haven’t hopped on the bandwagon yet, Pokemon Go is a free app that uses your location to play a virtual reality game where you catch Pokemon around your area.
Based on the exploring nature of the game, many are saying that Pokemon Go is the most effective health app to date, though that was never the intent of the game.
So if you haven’t already, download the app and give it a try. It’s a great way to get the family active together. Health benefits include:
- Physical activity. Screen time and physical activity are not typically synonymous. But Pokemon Go encourages users to get outdoors and cover a lot of ground in order to catch the highest number of Pokemon possible. Try walking, running, biking or skateboarding to the popular locations. And if you’re interested in tracking your physical activity during your Pokemon catching adventures, use an app such as Map my Run to see how far you’ve traveled.
- Fresh air. The game motivates you to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and sunlight. Studies have shown that breathing fresh outside air may improve your mood. And getting enough vitamin D has also been shown to prevent cancer, helps your immune system and can alleviate depression.
- Pro Tip: If you’re spending extra time outside, make sure to protect yourself against the damaging effects of the sun by wearing sunscreen.
- Social Interaction. When you’re on route to catch the next Pokemon, keep your eyes out for others gamers. The app has been successful at bringing people together who have common interests.
A big component of the Pokemon Go app is the Pokestops, where Pokemon catching is at a plethora, or gyms, where you can train your Pokemon. These stops and gyms are located around the world and are typically stationed at cultural spots such as statues, public buildings and popular geographic locations. Yet another reason to join, Pokemon Go could result in exploring and learning more about the historic elements of your city.
And Michigan offers some of the best Pokestops and gyms around. Find out where to go to “catch ’em all” in Detroit and Grand Rapids.
Detroit Pokestops
Campus Martius Park
The park offers five Pokestops and is also the location of a gym. It has the greatest amount of habitat variety for Pokemon.
Location fun fact: Campus Martius is the point of origin for Detroit. All city measurements began there.
Grand Circus Park
Head down Woodward Avenue to Grand Circus Park and you will hit some great Pokestops along the way. Since the park is mostly grass, you will find an array of grass and flight-type Pokemon.
Location fun fact: The Grand Circus Park Historic District connects the theatre district with the financial district and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Detroit Riverwalk
Are you a level 5 or up? Stop by the River Walk for chance to train or battle your Pokemon. While this stop is a prime spot for water Pokemon, many have spotted electric-type Pokemon there as well.
Location fun fact: The Detroit Riverwalk was designed to serve as an anchor for the city’s economic revitalization.
Grand Rapids Pokestops
Downtown Grand Rapids
Plan to spend a couple hours wandering the streets of downtown Grand Rapids. There are two to three Pokestops on each corner. There are also plenty of lures, or wild Pokemon, scattered about.
Location fun fact: Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan with a population of 1.3 million and is well-known for its art and breweries.
John Ball Zoo
Visit the zoo and play Pokemon Go at the same time for a double whammy of fun. There are several Pokestops and gyms located around the zoo. It’s also a great spot to catch fire-type Pokemon.
Location fun fact: The John Ball Zoo is home to more than 1,100 animals from five continents
Frederick Meijer Gardens
A popular daytime attraction has become a hotspot for catching Pokemon. The park features 20 Pokestops and three gyms on the garden property.
Location fun fact: Fredrick Meijer Gardens is one of the world’s 100 most visited art museums.
Get up and get active with Pokemon Go while the weather’s still warm. Although this virtual reality app didn’t intend to benefit the user’s health, it has done just that. Why not take a walk and burn some calories, while playing your favorite game. Pokemon Go is a great reminder that exercise can be both enjoyable and fun.
