Pokemon Go Exercise

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Pokémon Go, an augmented-reality game available on iPhone and Android, was released last week (and it probably already ruined your life). There was so much excitement for the game — which got us walking, biking, or running after Pokémon — that the servers overloaded. It's probably the first time a video game server crashed from people...walking around.

So, we're all outside and chasing after Zubats and Rattata, since most of us are just trying to advance as Pokémon trainers. But for the first time ever, a video game has a lot of us actually running around — and it's all anyone can talk about. Do you even know what a Zubat is?!

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We've seen one clear trend emerging, however, among people talking about their Pokémon Go life: they're all exercising, whether they want to or not!

True Life: I Abandoned My Fitness Tracker in Favor of Catching Pokemon All Over the City and I'm in the Best Shape of My Life
— Tess Koman (@tessie_the_mess) July 10, 2016

Normally I'd sit and relax somewhere before a wedding but now I walk around looking for Pokémon. Maybe now I'll get back into shape.
— goth fieri (@alexis_psd) July 10, 2016

Who knew jogging around campus would be a great way to stay in shape and become a Pokemon master?
— Seth (@twobirds_1STONE) July 10, 2016

Did I really walk 13 km yesterday... These Pokemon are getting me in shape
— Andrew Campbell (@ZyoriTV) July 10, 2016

If you see me out running it's not because I'm getting in shape for cross country, it's because I'm playing Pokemon??
— ✞¢αяℓιє вαямαи✞ (@carlie_barman) July 10, 2016

I think I'm gonna drive to campus and then walk around for like 2 hours. I need my Pokémon
— ESAM (Panda Global) (@PG_ESAM) July 10, 2016

legit cannot believe pokemon is making me walk, this is entrapment
— ✨doraemon.exe✨ (@chootalks) July 10, 2016

Except for this person, who clearly found the hack.

Time to break out my secret weapon for Pokemon hunting pic.twitter.com/3HLkacHnnz
— Mary Cagle (@cubewatermelon) July 10, 2016

And those who have figured it out have some theories about who the mastermind behind this scheme might be:

Pokemon Go is a Japanese conspiracy to get Americans to go outside and exercise more. Seems to be working thus far.
— Asa Rivera (@asaisrivera) July 9, 2016