Exergaming

By: Nikki Nies

Exergaming, a combination of exercise and gaming is a clever embracement of the ubiquitous technology available in our society.  Instead of promoting a complete elimination of screen time, using technology to help Americans live healthier will be much more effective and long lasting.  It’s not realistic to think Americans can remove themselves from multiple technologies,  but limiting TV screening and computer use will encourage more fun exercising activities.

I, myself, have never owned a video games, Kinect, Wii or other gaming console, so this new type of exercise is new to me.  However, I can understand the fun that comes with playing these games.  Exergaming can be played in within the home, decreasing the stress of transportation to and from sports complex and/or gyms and has been positively supported by The University of Calgary Exergaming Research Centre, the American Council on Exercise, and the University of Massachusetts Department of Exercise and Health Sciences.

Exergame	Calories Burned/Minute	Calories Burned/30 Minutes
Golf	3.1	93
Bowling	3.9	117
Baseball	4.5	135
Tennis	5.3	159
Dancing	5.3	159
Boxing	7.2	216

While the initial cost to start exergaming sound preposterous, if it’s used by the whole family, the benefits may outweigh the costs.  With the right level of intensity used, exergaming can “really work.” It should not go without saying that exergaming should not be used in replacement of regular, daily exercise, but in conjunction of regular physical activity.

Sources: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/exercise-lose-weight-with-exergaming

http://www.exergamefitness.com/

http://blog.spafinder.com/exergaming/

http://blog.motionfitness.com/?p=150

http://blog.motionfitness.com/?tag=ernie-medina