Video Games Burn Calories
There's been a lot of talk about how new video games systems - such as the Nintendo Wii - can increase energy expenditure.
A professor at Liverpool John Moores University in the UK has undertaken research and concluded that using the Wii console (rather than traditional gaming consoles) can translate to a potential 1,830 calories burned per week (from BBC news).
The research compared five girls and seven boys, aged between 13 and 15, - playing both an active and inactive console.
During 15 minutes of play using a traditional joypad operated console, energy expenditure increased above resting values by an average 60%. In comparison, when using the Wii console, the participants' energy expenditure increased 156% above resting.
Heart rate also increased considerably: 130 beats per minute using the Wii, compared with 85 beats per minute for the traditional console.
Apparently children play video games on average 12.2 hours week (UK). If they are going to play games -- it seems the Nintendo Wii is the best option. An even better option is getting them outside in the fresh air.
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When we were kids, we'd always get together after school in the neighborhood and play whatever sport was happening that time of year! Sigh...
ReplyI can recommend any PS2 dance game, especially Dance Factory, which can import songs and make step files.... Or take a look at http://www.stepmania.com/ - The StepMania Project for PC...
ReplyPssh..."virtual baseball" is nowhere near as fun as real baseball. Whatever happened to PLAYING OUTSIDE???? Geez, kids are so spoiled these days. Although, I guess this is a better option than the regular video games that work your thumbs only.
ReplyNot all kids are incredibly spoiled. I am 15 and I have never played a video game in my life.
ReplyRight, firstly playing regualar computer games actually uses up more energy/calories than reading or wtacing tv, which IS about what half the whole nation does when they get in from work, school, uni, whatever. So targeting computer games as per usual on making kids fat is complete bull. There are many things you can learn from playing computer games (even the ones that are just a splatter fest, and not all of them are that btw theres some very inventive and clever ones if some of you actually bothered to look what goes into them) and I personally think it keeps the brain active, rather than zoning out and watching TV. Some games for a random example a game called Ikaruga require MUCH focus attention and alert thinking, and contains a lot of out of the box thinking with its puzzle-like elements. (i suggest looking this this game up to really appreciate it) Games aren't just about lazing about, they're often about a creative experience, experinecing art, adventure, you get a grasp of the world of physics, problem solving, improving one's attention span. They're more beneficial than many people (usually from the generation that expereinced little of them) make out. It's just a different form of media that's all. Kids go outside all the while, the main problemis when the parents don't allow their kids to play outside being over protective, which happens in a lot of 'middle class' families. It's also called FUN, many people can look back and remember days having their frends over playing Goldeneye or Street Fighter etc. But i'm sure they can also remember that time they beat the other gang of kids playing football 6-0 :). Times move on... society changes... deal with it, we're having to and will have to in the future.
Replyforgive my spelling mistakes etc
ReplyDDR (Dance Dance Revolution) is great when it's cold out, and you can't go outside and play. Plus, when you live in a place like I do, there's no park, no recreation centers, not even a yard for us, so we get together and play video games instead. We're not spoiled, it's our only option. And honestly, DDR and the Wii sports are a lot more fun than playing Halo until the T.V. screen is burned into our retinas. (Plus we make idiots of ourselves.)
ReplyThis is such b-s. Anyone with any discipline will get thy fat ass to the gym for a real workout.
ReplyYeah, well I had a gym membership and I got just as good a workout playing outdoor adventure...grant it might be more fun doing it in real life, but it made me sweat every bit as much as a gym class aerobics. Plus, you buy your games once instead of paying dues every month. Think about it. Don't knock it till you try it. I personally think it's not very fun to get on cardio equipment like a hamster and stare at empty space. I like the interactive screens. They motivate me. And while I enjoy roller blading outside, I do not enjoy it in the winter. It's either invest in this or veg out in front of the tv under my blanket.
ReplyFitness_Wannabee;
ReplyNot everyone has that option, especially teenagers. Even if my parents would allow it, I'm ineligible to join a gym due to my age. Physically interactive video games are a great way for us to move more than we otherwise might. I go walking almost every morning in the Spring, Summer, and early Fall (Winter I'm not allowed because of road conditions), and that gets kinda boring after awhile, but I'm more than willing to top that off with a dose of DDR in the evening, since it's fun.
When you're really pumped trying to 'A' Sakura on heavy (DDR), or rocking out to an Expert 'Freebird' (Guitar Hero), you don't have time to be bored, and your mind isn't going 'Urg, exercise.'
sweet i am getting one!
ReplyB-S? Obviously a game that requires physical activity burns more calories than a sedentary one.
I don't think the study is advocating that gamers use the Wii as their only form of exercise. Your harsh comment is offensive and a total overreaction.
ReplyDan: Thank you for that link! :-)
I've been interested in trying a dance game, but didn't feel like splurging on a Playstation (or Wii). That looks like a great alternative.
ReplyI saw it, It looks kinda cool
ReplyBut nothing compared to DDR.
( dance dance revolution)
I tried it without a dance pad (installed and pressed ENTER all the way)...it's designed after DDR but has A LOT of options..but give it some time, read the faqs, tutorials and how-tos..get a dance pad and a PS2 / USB converter..with a bit of patience you'll get it to work. Remember it's free except the pad and converter.
ReplyWow the air must be pretty thin up there sitting on your high horse. By going to a gym you are still paying someone or thing to motivate you so how are you really different? Walking is free, going to a park is free and both of those activities provide a way to get you moving. And there are better ways to promote your ideas to people about your choosen method of fitness. People don't need to be insulted to hear what you think is a good alternative. I love that your used the word discipline, and then failed to show some your self in regards to your own comment.
ReplyGraham at 'Dreambodynow.com' did a review of DDR on the 12th Feb, take a look here: http://www.dreambodynow.com/2007/02/12/dance-dance-revolution-to-help-reduce-obesity-in-kids/
ReplyWell, who cares if what gets you moving is a dance class, lifting weight, hiking or playing games in front of your screen? Someone who likes outdoor won't change outdoor activities for video games, but for people who would play games anyway, if the can exercise too, good for them.
But the aim of my comment is actually to give you this fun link, a guy who lost weight buy adding 30 minutes of wii sports to his daily routine:
http://geekologie.com/2007/01/the_wii_sports_experiment.php
ReplyI think this world has gone crazy when I hear this. Kids should get outside and be social and active and learn skills. These virtual tools probably cause problems with social development. Why can't people connect anymore without social barriers? Eddie Vedder said it best, "For every tool they lend us, a loss of independence".
ReplySince when did playing with a wii mean a person couldn't go out and do other things? Especially if you have the active games, you can't just play those ALL day like you could Super Mario back and the day and I did. I did my 30-60 minutes...not sure because I was having to learn everything. Then, I put it away. Earlier, I was roller blading at the park. Before that, I have a job to go to. Life is ala carte. Take what you want and leave the rest. We're not all on hamster diets where we are stuck with what we have and can't do or try other things. Get real! And if there are people who can play this active video game all day, then holy cow I'm impressed by their stamina because in the short time I played, it kicked my butt! To me, it's just as good as a step class. Or heck...Tae Bo. I hope this doesn't mean I'll quickly be too lazy to play it.
ReplyWhat's wrong with meeting friends at the DDR machine in the mall or arcade as opposed to meeting them when you join a soccer or baseball team?
Suddenly, if you throw fun into the mix we're no longer social, active, or learning? (I find DDR a lot more fun than soccer, and I played soccer for two years).
ReplyAnyway, we have school to learn skills. Or perhaps we aren't getting enough basket weaving?
It is also probably cause not everyone lives in Toronto, or in a city that is equivalent in safety. If you send your kids out and there is a very high risk of them being run over by careless drivers or mugged, or worse in some neighborhoods, being caught in a shooting (because of armed robbery or drugs), then it is best they stay inside without social skills. A 9-year-old was shot a couple miles from my home a month ago. A guy was robbing the drugstore, and the kid was walking in front of it. He was shot along with a customer and an employee. This was at 4pm.
ReplyI have a Wii and DDR for playstation and play them often. My husband and I both enjoy playing video games so it takes something we need to do (exercise) and something we like to do (games) and puts them together.
ReplyAs for the BS about a going to a gym.. have you ever stopped to think that some people may not feel comfortable in a gym? There are people in this world that are self-consious about the way they look and don't want to work out in front of other people.
To be fair, real baseball isn't exactly fun to begin with.
I figure any way a kid gets some activity into their day is good. That being said, here's a concern not a lot of people seem to consider: I am an avid gamer and have been for awhile. I also have astigmatism and genetic myopia. I have a high prescription of -11 diopters in both eyes, and it could have been even worse had I not been reigned in slightly and had been getting regular updates in prescription. If your kids are entertaining themselves this way, you should be taking them to an optometrist at least once a year.
ReplyI agree. Batting cages are fun. Baseball isn't fun unless you're really good. I remember having to ride the bench and I mostly just waited until the game was over. When my brother was playing, I'd go to the playground and play on the monkey bars. When I get my weight down, I'm going to do that again. It will be fun! Who knows, maybe I won't play the wii very much or I'll give it to my nephew.
Replywell I do agree that wii is good for EXTRA physical activity but nothing beats a good run out side or a game of soccer. I think that getting the message across that wii is good physical activity is bizarre. But parents are responcable for their childs activity and if they think that wii is good for there child that is there choice.
ReplyI wuv wii it sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo fun. I think every one should play tennis wii non stoppppppppppppppp. yayayayayayayaya.i'm 9
ReplyI am 11 and i think that wii is real fun and all but if a kid wants to loose weight or calories they should play a sport. I play volly ball and on the spirit team for my school. I was born in brittan and i played lacrosse there. I also love horses and horse back riding. I think i could represent a healthy child and I have never played wii or whatever in my whole life. I dont even own a tv. I have a computer but I am limited to use it only for an hour a day. Thats why i kinda need to wrap this up. i only have 8 more minutes. bye luvs ya. muah muah ali
Replyi love wii and i think its a great way for me and my daughter to get excersise. (when my daughter is old enough I will introduce her to the wonderful wiiiiiii)
Replyi wanna know how many calories burned playin the wii for about hours stright on like tennis and bowling
ReplyThanks
Reply