Since we’re living in the era of video games, it’s good to see there are some that encourage kids to get off the couch and get moving. An article in USA Today highlights two new studies that show exercise video games – or “exergames” – like Wii Sports and Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) significantly boost kids’ activity levels.
Results show several of these games got kids moving enough to meet health guidelines for a moderate-intensity activity. Now, some schools are even adding exergames to their programs.
But some experts say exergames won’t bring the same results as good old-fashioned exercise and that video games should be seen as just one way to help kids get active, instead of using them say, instead of playing tag or riding a bike.
I think anything that gets kids active is definitely better than nothing. But I also agree that these games should be just part of what children do to exercise. I think it’s good for them to get outside away from the computer screen or TV and get moving there, too. What do you think?
Photo Credit: DDR
Exercise and technology! Very cool!
I’ve read that some schools are actually using Dance,Dance Revolution in PE classes. I guess if it gets a kid motivated to be active, I’m happy, but I hope that we can pair the video game activities with some good old fashioned exercise!
yeah, there’s just something about good old-fashioned exercise, isn’t there?
Kids? How about for my husband who is addicted to xBox!
I think the video games that help kids get active are great! I also think kids need the old fashioned games, like ball and tag, because they need the fresh air and sunshine.
When I was a kid, games like this weren’t needed. We played outside from sunup to sundown, and didn’t come in the house until our mom called us in for dinner. You don’t really see kids playing outside as much anymore…no riding bikes up and down the street, no neighborhood kickball games, no playing tag, much fewer playgrounds…. The video game in your post sounds like a great way to help today’s kids become more active, but it’s too bad that they don’t have as much outdoor play fun as we did when I was a kid.
So true – and it felt good to be outside from sunup to sundown, didn’t it?