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Mark Dilworth, BA, PES, CPT, Former NCAA Div. I Athlete
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Friday, September 28, 2007

Exergaming? Making Exercise Fun

With the epidemic in America's child obesity rates, the priority is to get kids involved in activities involving movement. The video game industry is beginning to invest large sums of cash in games that require the player to mimic movements such as golf swings, skiing, bat swings, basketball, etc. As a personal trainer, I realize that all movement burns calories. And it doesn't matter to your heart if you are running on a treadmill or playing an intense "exergame." These video "exergames" are being made for gyms, homes, arcades and schools.

My preference is to go outside to play games, exercise and move around. Playing outside is also easier on your wallet. But, if "exergaming" is your way to exercise, then it is a good start (but you still need more exercise). Your health and fitness is what matters.

1 comments:

kab625 said...

You're the first person I've seen address this concept. Exergaming is my favorite too, but I've never named it.

ANYTHING playful that gets my heart rate up..frisbee, bike riding, jumping around in the pool or just playing ball.

You're right on about the obesity epidemic. Everyone needs to know, being overweight is no reason not to exercise. Even if you don't drop the pounds, keep moving!