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February 19th, 2007

Is the Wii Encouraging Kids to Exercise?

Maybe the Wii is helping. There are certainly a lot of people who are feeling it when they use the Wii. There is even some evidence that active video games can help fight childhood obesity. The particular study used Dance Revolution and the EyeToy, not Wii, but it is still an interesting finding.

Just think about it. The various active games on the Wii encourage players to stand, swing their arms and move about. I’ve watched people playing Wii games and seen just how active and competitive they can get.

Personally, I don’t think this takes the place of getting the kids outside playing, but what a step up from sitting on the couch playing other video games or watching television! Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I still think there’s something to running and playing in the fresh air that cannot be replaced indoors.

For a Wii workout to work, players have to be sincere. That means swinging the controller just as enthusiastically as it would take to play the game in real life. Just make sure the strap is fastened securely to the wrist. You don’t want it flying about the room to break something, break itself or hurt anyone.

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Posted in Exercise Equipment, Family Exercise | By Stephanie

5 Responses to “Is the Wii Encouraging Kids to Exercise?”

  1. Marisa’s Dandelion Patch » Postie Carnival: Pets! Says:

    February 26th, 2007 at 7:15 am

    [...] Stephanie presents Is the Wii Encouraging Kids to Exercise? posted at Time for Exercise, saying, “You take what you can get. The Wii is a pretty interesting way to encourage children to exercise.” [...]

  2. Lisa Says:

    February 26th, 2007 at 9:38 am

    When my daughter gets older, I have every intention of getting her some of the games you have talked about. We live in IL where going outside in the winter to exercise just doesn’t happen.

    Great post!

  3. Waistloss Says:

    February 27th, 2007 at 6:36 pm

    I read an article the other day where a guy lost 9 lbs in 6 weeks by playing Wii. No other changes to exercise or diet. Just 30 minutes a day playing Wii. My wife wants one now…

  4. Gayle Says:

    February 28th, 2007 at 11:14 am

    My 16-year-old daughter has a Wii, and doesn’t feel as though she gets enough exercise playing it. She recently asked if she could join me working out at “Curves”!

  5. Cecile Says:

    March 2nd, 2007 at 10:29 am

    My kids use DDR and the Eyetoy. I tried DDR once and I nearly collapsed. That will definitely get your heart rate going!

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