Less Video Gaming, More Exercise

For so long video games have been the nemesis of good parents who were trying to keep their kids up and active so they were able to grow big and strong.  “They rot the mind!”  “They promote a sedentary lifestyle!” “They don’t allow a child to use his or her imagination!”  These and other claims have been screamed from the living rooms of nearly every home in America.  However, today is a slightly different age and more people and businesses are recognizing the importance of being active – even the video game companies.  That is why one can now play video games and feel good about.  A person today can even feel that he or she is doing right by encouraging kids to engage in video games.  Before you dismiss this article, stop to consider the gaming systems on the market today.  There is a lot less video gaming and a lot more exercise involved.

Nintendo Wii This is, undoubtedly, the most widely known video game system for those seeking physical movement, but it cannot go without mention.  This system was released four years ago, in November of 2006, and was an instant success.  However, the most ironic thing about its success was that it wasn’t necessarily the kids that were jumping for joy.  Especially after the introduction of the Wii Fit Board, this system gave a whole new meaning to video gaming.  No longer were gaming systems something targeted at the young male and kid populations.  Now video games are for everyone, and this system has been marketed at the young and old alike.

Pictures of men and women of all ages battling it out in the digital arena have filled out television screens ever since.  The list of options for Wii, which is ever growing, includes cardio, yoga, and Pilates workouts among others, which are aimed at those looking to boost their physical fitness at home.  However, games like these and those which feature the playing of popular sports – soccer, football, basketball, running, obstacle courses, and even bowling — can also be wonderful for kids.  This is the ultimate compromise between parent and child.  Time in front of the television no longer needs to involve the still, lifeless kid with glazed-over eyes.  Now kids can be active, get the exercise they so badly need, but can still enjoy the popular gaming systems.

Xbox Kinect Similarly, Xbox just released a new add-on for its very trendy game platform.  However, rather than the kids and young adults building just thumb muscles, the Xbox Kinect requires full body movement.  Don’t believe it?  Then you need to try this product for yourself.  Oh, and you will certainly want a lot of space to play in because when they say “full body,” they mean it.  Arms, legs, and even the head are put to good use in the games designed for this system, which features the capability to read the user’s every movement.

There is no controller and no way to play while sitting.  One has to be up and moving to take part in this activity, which is very proficient at making the user sweat.  This system, unlike the Wii, is really still in its infancy, so game selection is more limited.  Nevertheless, there are some wonderful selections – such as Kinect Sports, Zumba Dance Workout, and Your Shape: Fitness Evolved – that promise to raise the heart rate and get the body really moving.  Perhaps the best part of this game system is that it recognizes you whenever you walk before it.

That means that when you get pumped up watching all the fun your kid is having as he or she spikes a volleyball, dances in beat to the best hip hop songs, or races frantically to pop hundreds of bubbles, you can jump up and join in on the spot.  There is no waiting and there is no resetting the game; a second player is welcome any time and is instantly recognized by the system.  Create your own avatar to look just like you and you can even see yourself on stage as you perform a hot dance number or watch yourself as you raft through the rapids avoiding obstacles along the way.

So, if you are one of those parents who are trying in vain to tear the kids away from the video games in order to encourage exercise and movement, perhaps it is time to reconsider your approach.  There are still many reasons for kids to get outside, soak up the sunshine, and breathe the fresh air, but exercise is no longer so limited. You can, for once, let your kid do as he or she desires and you can even feel good about it. In fact, you might just find that you have difficulty pulling yourself away from the video games now.