Gamers have long had a stigma among the mainstream, an image crisis perpetuated in TV, film, and magazines. They’re often portrayed as overweight (or scrawny) individuals, teenagers (boys) with social anxiety or adults (man-boys) with social anxiety and a postal address in their parents’ basement. The caricature includes pale skin, bloodshot eyes, acne, and under-par personal hygiene. That may all be changing, however, as psychologists are now pointing to the similarities between the mentalities of gamers and fitness buffs. In fact, two gamers, Brian Wang and Dick Talens, have developed a way to capitalize on our cognitive similarities by developing Fitocracy, an RPG-styled workout program.

Fitocracy rewards “players” for their exercising by handing out points (like XP) for each workout. The harder the workout, the more points. Collect enough points and you level-up, which may come with new challenges. For instance, a bodybuilder who hits strength-training hard may find he needs to attend a Pilates class, or a cardio-phile may need a boxing session to progress. If this sounds like a long-shot program for prospective gamers-turned-gym-rats, their beta has already logged 70,000 users, with another 60,000 on the waiting-list when they release in the next couple of months.

Dr. Scott Rigby and Dr. Richard Ryan are co-authors of Glued to Games: How Video-Games Draw Us In and Hold Us Spellbound, told CNN how video-games and fitness challenges meet some of the same psychological needs for people. Video-games fulfill a need to feel competent, the “level-up” reward, so to speak. In real life, Ryan points out, "In video games, you're constantly getting information about your achievements and (learning) how to do things better. There's an opportunity to develop a mastery that's very much a key motivator." In addition, people feel a sense of autonomy; whether it’s grinding out quests for a wizened old mage, or putting up plates at home, the ultimate reward is yours and yours alone. Furthermore, it means tracking your own progress and developing in the way that you want. That need for independence and self-reliance is a big motivator. Lastly, relationships. Connecting with people online via some RPG MMO, or connecting with people at your local social-networking fitness site, one builds relationships. With relationships comes confidence, as well. In games, that confidence comes with being the 64-level mega-master that everyone asks for help. In the gym, as one progresses, they feel the confidence that their new strength, endurance, and yes, appearance, give them.

Creating motivation to work out and stay fit is arguably the biggest challenge for people, both the in-shape and out-of-shape. However, gamers may have an easier transition, cognitively speaking, than others. “What video game players have is a certain understanding for how these sort of fitness structures are built: goal-setting, progression, etc." Rigby said. "In other words, it's a world that they know."