Friday, September 21

It's Time to Change the Game

Which is more important - Games or Exercise?

The combination of video games and exercise is undoubtedly the most exciting concept since the first generation of consoles with interchangeable games.

Video games started as dedicated hardware systems with a set number of games, but the real revolution started when cartridge, and later CD, based systems allowed gamers to choose what they play. Game publishers have created a rich and diverse selection of titles to appeal to all tastes.

Now we have exergames, the combination we have been waiting for, to turn our beloved pastime into a healthy sport. But beware... if the novelty wears off all that is left is another piece of fitness equipment to sit next to the unused exercise bike in the garage. Appeal must be kept fresh with the ability to play new games.

How long an exergame keeps the player engaged is a measure of the fitness benefit and the value. So, take one class of 30 or so school kids, give them ten minutes on interchangeable game equipment (Gamercize of course!) and give them ten minutes on a bike with in-built games. Surely the kids will love both and vote equal favourites?

No. Even after just ten minutes use the kids voted Gamercize 2:1 over the bike with the in-built games. It shows kids are a lot smarter than a lot of people give them credit for, listen to them! When it comes to exergames - the game is more important for enjoyment and the exercise is the fitness benefit.





Tuesday, September 11

VideoJug - Video Game Fitness Film


VideoJug: How To Use Video Games To Keep Fit

See the Wii, Eyetoy, DDR and Gamercize in action, all in the same video!




Welcome

Welcome to my blog.


Video games are the best form of entertainment technology can offer, but they are not exactly the most popular with every single member of the family. What can be done about that? How can hours of gaming be accepted by everyone? Using games to get fit is one answer that works.



It does not matter if you are using a racing controller or the very latest GZ Pro-Sport, it's all good. It is a fact gaming is related to weight and fitness, not for everyone but for most. Prove it? Ok, Utah has the leanest kids in the USA and ranks least for gameplay, D.C. has the heaviest kids and ranks tops for time on video games out of all the states.



Add exercise to video games and you get a workout that you hardly notice, no interference with gameplay, and after a while the exercise becomes effortless. I know this because I have done it and lost 35 lbs without dieting in the process and played a load of great games on X360 and PS2.



So what's next? Gears of War 2 is something we're looking forward to, but for now MOH Airborne and Blue Dragon are sitting in top spot.