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Home › Articles › Recreation/Entertainment › Video Games Get Physical

Video Games Get Physical

Using Entertainment Technology to Get Fit

By Teri Brown

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The Advantages of Interactive Video Games

Fokos says there are many advantages to video games that require activity. "Kids and adults need to be active to stay healthy," he says. "Parents can see that their kids are more susceptible to gaining weight these days, so anything that would get them excited about getting some exercise is a good thing."

One thing companies and families are discovering is interactive games seem to lend themselves easily to quality family time. Karen Gibson of Danville, Ala., says that their gaming system, Nintendo Wii, has become a family activity. "The idea of an interactive video game appealed to us as something we could play with true interest with our children," she says. "I like the fact that the game requires us to move, something that is good for both our teens and ourselves! I hope the trend continues, and that more games are developed that appeal to parents, so that we can continue to play together."

No one, including the video game companies, really expected people to use their gaming systems for physical fitness, but in this day and age, we should take our exercise wherever we can get it!

Get Your Game On

IGN Entertainment is one of the Internet's top video game information destinations. The following reviews, courtesy of IGN Entertainment Associate Editor Eduardo Vasconcellos, will help you choose the perfect interactive video game experience for you.

Dance Dance Revolution
One of the first games to encourage audiences to participate in frenzied physical activity, Dance Dance Revolution has managed to establish a devoted fan base for itself. Using high-energy songs to set the pace for the manic flailing of limbs in store for players, DDR manages to keep things light and fun. If you're looking for a title to increase your heart rate, or you've ever dreamed about being in Fame, DDR may be right up your alley.

Wii Sports
Packaged in with the Nintendo Wii hardware, Wii Sports has endeared itself to a huge portion of its audience. With its assortment of simple games including boxing, golf, baseball, tennis and bowling, Wii Sports has something for everyone. The decision to actually buy a Wii console is up to you, but if you do, you'll be getting a copy of Wii Sports whether you like it or not, and that's one of the best values in gaming.

Yourself!Fitness
As far as getting exercise from a game goes, you'd be hard pressed to find a better choice than Yourself!Fitness. With more than 500 exercises complete with workouts customized to your health needs that dynamically change based on your performance, and a digital personal trainer cheering you on the whole way, it's easily a leader in the sparse genre.

XaviX
As a budget gaming console, XaviX doesn't exactly tread any new ground, but it does offer a bit of amusement for a small while. With titles for several sports including boxing, baseball, fishing and tennis, the library of games will appeal to those who want to add some interactivity to their television sets without needing to take the plunge into buying a mainstream console.


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