Play Family Trainer - Running Stadium (Japan) Online

Family Trainer: Running Stadium came out in 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, published by Bandai. It was part of a wave of games that tried to get players off the couch, using the Family Trainer mat controller to turn gameplay into a physical workout.

You control a runner on screen by stomping on the mat's pressure pads; left and right buttons move your character, while the center buttons make him jump. The main goal is to complete a series of short track events, racing against the clock or an opponent. You have to time your jumps to clear hurdles, build speed with rapid steps, and avoid stumbling if your rhythm falters. The game moves quickly, and the controls demand real effort; it's easy to mistime a jump or fall behind if you slow down. It feels silly and exhausting in the best way, like turning your living room into a mini athletic field.