Exergaming - A Great Way to Use Video Games to Get in Shape

Exergaming is a term that was coined to describe exercising that is done in response to a video game. While exergaming is still a relatively new practice, the advent of motion-control gaming has made the idea of using video games to exercise a popular one. For those who would rather not join a gym or simply prefer exercising in their own homes, exergaming is a good alternative. If you think you might like to try an exercise-themed video game but are not sure which ones are worth the money, here are my picks for the three best.

Wii Fit - Nintendo Wii: A flat, white board known as a "balance board" comes with this game and is integral to many of the exercises. Wii Fit provides a good range of exercises, from aerobic, to yoga, to strength training. Many of these games provide a virtual trainer that is either male or female depending on the sex you select for yourself. The trainer shows the movements, and the game judges how well you mimic them and gives you a kind of grade. The balance board also serves as a scale, and the game can compute things like BMI, weight loss over time, and gives you a "Wii Fit Age" based upon several factors(1).

EA Sports Active NFL Training Camp - Nintendo Wii: A bit more hardcore than Wii Fit is this training camp exergame from EA Sports. It comes with a heart rate monitor, as well as wireless arm and wrist straps to track your movements. There are over 70 drills and eight challenges that simulate many of the workouts done during NFL training camps. You can even participate in a 60-day combine challenge that will definitely get you into shape. You can select your favorite team and exercise with your favorite players. EA Sports Active NFL Training Camp is compatible with the Wii balance board(2).

EA Sports Active 2.0 - Nintendo Wii, PS3, Xbox 360: This game also features the heart rate monitor and arm and leg straps found in Training Camp and includes traditional exercises like squats and lunges, as well as more fun exercises, like basketball and boxing. The game includes a virtual personal trainer and over 70 activities. You can even go online (if you have a connection) and connect and share data with other users in workout groups. This game is tremendous fun and also puts you through a serious workout. The Wii version is also compatible with the balance board(3).

If you are looking to get in shape and like spending a lot of time in front of the TV playing video games, exergames are the perfect solution. Pick up one of these outstanding games and let the sweating begin!

Sources:

1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wii_Fit
2) http://www.ea.com/games/ea-sports-active-nfl-training-camp
3) http://www.ea.com/games/ea-sports-active-2