Fact: Video Games Can Help You Get Fit
That’s why we love Nintendo Wii oh-so-much. Since the it came out in 2006, there’s been a whole new trend of video games that get you out of your seat and moving.
There are plenty of ways to workout with your Wii and lots of games come with a variety of fun exercises like skateboarding, yoga, and even dodging cannonballs (which is way more fun in virtual reality than in actual reality). Some Wii games even have the option to hook up fitness equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands and tennis rackets to monitor your moves.
Here are some Wii games that are bound to make you work up a sweat:
Have you tried any fitness video games?
Photo by: SashaW
By December 30
Lots of people think hours of playing video games can lead to obesity, and in a way they’re right–games like Mario Kart and Lego Star Trek don’t provide physical activity for anything besides, well, your thumbs.
Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 3: Dance Dance Revolution was one of the first video games to get people moving. Before there was any such thing as Nintendo Wii, you could play DDR in arcades and at home on a dance mat made for the game. With DDR Hottest Party 3 for Wii, you can use a dance mat or your balance board to bust a move. With enough practice, we think you can break it down like Nick Swardson in Grandma’s Boy.
Just Dance: Both Just Dance and Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 3 provide great dance workouts, but target different areas of your body. DDR focuses on your footwork, while Just Dance is more about moving your arms. Follow the dancing character to burn calories while learning a few new dance moves. You only need one Wii remote per person, so you don’t have to worry about spending more money on add-ons. Dance by yourself or with up to three friends.
We Cheer 2: Using one Wii remote or two, follow your squad’s moves to earn points. There are three levels of difficulty for each song, so you can work your way up as your moves become more accurate. Play alone or with a friend. For a more authentic experience, invest in a pair of Wiimote pom poms.
Wii Fit Plus: Wii Fit Plus is basically a beefed up version of the original Wii Fit. It has the same functionality and uses the same Wii balance board, but has new games, exercises and features (including the ability to track your pet’s weight… ha!). Customize your workout by creating a routine from various aerobic, yoga, strength training and balance exercises. The exercises range from tried-and-true stuff like jogging, to off-the-wall (but still effective) workouts like Bird’s-Eye Bull’s-Eye, where flailing your arms helps your character fly from target to target in a chicken costume.
EA Sports Active: If you’re looking for a more challenging fitness game, EA Sports Active is probably your best bet (Oprah’s personal trainer helped develop the game.) Sweat through 20 minute routines that increase your heart rate while targeting your upper and lower body. The game comes with a resistance band to use with the Wii remote and nunchuck controller (both of which come with the Wii console). If you have a balance board, you can use that too.
