Nintendo has sold millions of Wii systems since the console made its debut in 2006. The system offers "exer-gaming," in which you play video games using physical movements, rather than just controllers, to make the action happen. Americans spend, on average, between 19 and 25 hours a week just sitting and watching television or playing video games, according to a 2006 report published by the American Council on Exercise. Active gaming, like that done with the Wii, can make this time less sedentary and may help improve your physical fitness.
Features
The Wii system comes with a remote that communicates with a sensor on the console. When you move, the sensor picks up your action and registers it to the game onscreen. The system comes with a game called Wii Sports, which features such activities as bowling, tennis, baseball and boxing. Thousands of other games are available for the Wii, ranging in focus from zombie-fighting to race car driving to raising your own zoo animals. Games target different age groups so the system can be used by all generations.
Fitness Benefits
Any movement helps burn calories, making weight management easier. A 2006 study commissioned by the American Council on Exercise, or ACE, revealed that playing Wii Sports can elevate a gamer's heart rate and perceived exertion. Wii golf burns about 3 calories per minute, while tennis burns about 5 calories per minute. Compare this with real life sports, in which you burn 5 calories per minute playing golf and 8 calories per minute playing tennis. Children who play active video games instead of sedentary games more than double their calorie burn, according to an earlier study sponsored by MayoClinic.com.
Considerations
Not all games that purport to bring about a fitter body have been tested. Like any workout, the more intensity you put into a routine, the more you will get out of it. It's easy to "cheat" and make the movements on the screen happen with just the flick of a wrist. Have fun and truly play the games to achieve physical fitness benefits.
Misconceptions
Not all Wii games promote activity. Many games require little more than button pressing and an occasional flick of the wrist. Choose games that involve the Wii Balance Board or encourage exercise moves and dancing to ensure your whole body is involved.
Potential
Compared with completely sedentary video games, the Wii is a good choice. Use the Wii to replace other sedentary events, such as family movie night. Use the Wii as a fun complement to fitness, not your sole source. The Wii Fit program provides only a mild workout--it shouldn't replace other exercise programs, according to a November/December 2009 study published by ACE.
References
- The New York Times: Exercise: Better Than the Couch, but Not Equal to the Court
- Time magazine: Is the Wii Really Good for Your Health?
- MayoClinic.com: Fitness for Kids: Getting Your Children Off the Couch
- American Council on Exercise: Wii Study: As Good at the Real Thing?
- American Council on Exercise: Wii Fit or Just a Wee Bit?
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