The Nintendo Wii is being used by many senior citizens for exercises and recreation at senior centers across the country...See Hoover senior citizens get a Wii bit of exercise where the article states 87 year old residents are enjoying the Wii.
One resident is quoted as saying "I have enjoyed the challenge of playing it [bowling] It's good exercise for your body but also good exercise for your eyes and mind." Also see the blog posting Senior Citizens Going Nuts for Nintendo Wii
Be careful though, all this extra exercise might lead to some aches and pains and sports injuries.
As the Wall Street Journal article, A Wii Workout: When Videogames Hurt indicates
All those flailing arms can sometimes inadvertently smack into lamps, furniture and even competing players.So keep away from others.
To get seniors (and other couch potatos) moving even more, Nintendo is soon to be releasing the Wii Fit which involves coordination, balance, aerobic exercise, agility, strength and body focus. Check it out in the short video below:
However, don't forget that years ago, Sony's EyeToy pioneered the exercise/video game genre which was a lot of fun and gave you your own personal workout.
Here is a short description from the playstation page.
EyeToy: Kinetic™ is an innovative fitness product that provides players with an authentic personalized exercise program all in the comfort of their own home Utilizing the revolutionary EyeToy® USB Camera technology and developed in association with Nike Motionworks (experts in fitness, motion and body movement) players will experience a more effective workout inspired by activities such as Tai Chi, Kick Boxing, Aerobics, Yoga, Modern Dance and more.
Two unique personal trainers provide direction, real-time performance evaluations and encouragement as players of all fitness levels engage in a comprehensive 12-week training routine or select individual routines to shape and tone specific areas.
Wrapped in modern styling and supplemented with an energetic soundtrack, EyeToy: Kinetic is a fun and immersive fitness product like no other
Check out the Nike Kinetic web page.
So when you think video games, don't always think Couch Potato...think movement
And see My Wife..Guitar Hero for a post describing another game that gets people moving.
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3 comments:
Dave and I didn't buy a Wii until September, but I've lost about 8 pounds in the three months we've had it. Granted, I've been increasing my other exercise too, but I figure the Wii is about half the exercise I get right now. It's great to take a short break while I'm working and play some tennis or bowling; I get up away from my keyboard and actually move for a while.
This is the first gaming system I've ever owned. I've always been a PC gamer. The Wii is really fun though. Thanks for the video of the Wii Fit too; I had already planned to buy it, but it's nice to see the preview.
Christy,
That is awesome, the new video game frontier is going to change a lot of old bad habits. The Wii is fun and is a great way to exercise without "exercising."
Enjoy,
Rather than falling alseep in front of a football game after our recent family Thanksgiving dinner, we turned on the Wii. I was astounded to see my parents, aunts, and uncles become immediately engaged in games like bowling, tennis, and golf.
The thing that suprised me the most was my grandfather's reaction. Now in his late 80's, I'm almost positive this was the first time he's ever picked up a video game controller. After less than 30 seconds of explanation on how to use the controller, he was off and running. He even said that he would like to get a Wii.
It was great to see video games bridging the gap between people of all ages, not to mention the fun and competition it spurred at a sometimes uneventful family gathering.
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