Involving your physical body -- not just operating a joystick or game controller -- can take gaming to a new level. One way to accomplish this is with an electronic exercise mat. These mats can encourage you to exercise while not feeling like you are exerting yourself too much. This is due to the fact that you're playing a game while still being active.
Background Information
Electronic exercise mats are a unique way to physically participate in a video game. These mats are made for different game consoles such as Sony's Playstation, Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii. These mats hook up to the game console through different connection methods to allow you to interact with the game. They are used in dance games, singing games, exercise games and some adventure games.
How They Work
These mats operate with the same functions as a game controller. Electronic exercise mats even have the guide buttons. These buttons are used to respond to questions that the game may ask you as you are playing. This eliminates the need for a controller. The mat is hooked through cords. For example, the mat hooks up to the Xbox though a USB port. For the Wii, there are four GameCube slots to which the mat connects. Then there is the wireless Wii balance board, which can sync up to the console.
Benefits
The benefits of the exercise mats, dance mats and balance board are numerous. First, you can physically interact with the game, because you use your feet to press buttons. The games are more interactive so there are more varieties of ways to play. For example, games such as "Karaoke Revolution: American Idol" allows you to sing and dance or just sing. Additionally, these games can help people of all ages to exercise. This also reduces the problem of children being sedentary and playing video games for long periods of time -- at least they can be active while playing.
Types of Games
There are many types of games that utilize the technology of exercise mats. One example is Active Life Extreme Challenge for Wii. This game uses the mat to as a controller to guide you through the game using your feet. The exercise games Walk it Out uses the mat to guide gamers through exercise. There are many dances games that use a mat, such as Dance Dance Revolution, Just Dance, DDR Hottest Party and DDR Disney Grooves. The Wii balance board is used for games like Wii Fit, in which a person exercises and practices balance.
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