Video Games for Exercise: Fulfill Your New Year's Resolution in Style

Using video games for exercise is an increasingly popular way to fulfill your New Year's resolution to lose weight, shape-up, or to just become more physically active. With an steady stream of motion-sensor titles available for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii systems, there are plenty of choices for anyone who wants to combine an enjoyment of video games with a quest for a leaner, healthier body.

Children and young adults aren't the only ones using video games for exercise; more and more adults over 50 are picking up a controller and turning on their TV in order to exercise or get in shape in a fun, interactive way. According to the Huffington Post, "One in 25 people over 50 exercise using Nintendo's Wii Fit video game." The report is based on a survey conducted by British company Saga, but odds are good that American video game consumers over 50 have similar habits.

As an added bonus, families and individuals who use video games for exercise have a whole new reason to take advantage of after-Christmas sales in order to purchase a motion-sensor capable system. Whether you prefer the Xbox Kinect (Xbox), Playstation 3 Move (PS3) or the Nintendo Wii (Wii), a variety of titles are available that will get you off the couch and moving!

The following list of popular video games combine motion-sensor technology with arguably addictive elements, such as pop music tunes or fun cartoon graphics. Whichever games you decide to try, be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any fitness regimen, and follow the instructions included with your video game entirely--safety first!

Top Music and Dance Video Games

Just Dance 3 - Wii, PS3 and Xbox: Just Dance 3 follows in the wake of numerous successful predecessors within the Just Dance franchise, and features even more modern, award-winning musical tracks from popular artists and bands. With 49 songs, plus 2 bonus tracks depending on which retailer you purchase your copy from, there's almost certainly something for everyone. Four players can dance together at once, and eight can meet-up online to take the dance party to the next level.

Dance Central 2 - Xbox Exclusive: Dance Central 2 picks up where the original title left off, and goes above and beyond. The Kinect sensor is required for gameplay, and unlike most dance titles Dance Central 2 only allows two players in offline multiplayer mode. The 40 tracks are varied and energizing, and the game offers tips on how you can improve your dancing to each individual choreography.

Michael Jackson The Experience - Wii, PS3 and Xbox: Featuring some of the most famous dance moves invented and popularized by the late Michael Jackson, this title released initially for the Wii and PS3 systems and then later for the Kinect. Although the Kinect version eliminates the need of a controller and more accurately responds to your movements, the Wii version continues to be the most popular with fans of this title. Four players can play at once, choosing between the choreography for the King of Pop himself, or his back-up dancers.

Top Exercise Video Games

Wii Fit Plus - Wii Exclusive: The Wii Fit Plus system followed in the wake of the original Wii Fit, and took the video games for exercise trend by storm. Arguably one of the most revolutionary combinations of workout routines and motion-sensor technology, the Wii Fit Plus continues to be a staple for many households. While only one player can use the system at a time, the customization on energizing games, yoga activities and strength training is vast. The Wii Fit Plus is arguably the best and easiest place to begin a habit of working out using video games.

Zumba Fitness - Wii, PS3 and Xbox: Choose your favorite platform for this title, which is based on the high calorie-burning workout of the same name. PS3 Move or the Kinect sensor are required for play, and each version of this title allows for four players. The combination of Latin dance moves and body-sculpting techniques are infused into 30 routines, giving you plenty of flexibility in your video game workout.

Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 - Xbox Exclusive: This updated version of the popular Your Shape Fitness Evolved title provides a makeover to the original formula. With improved body recognition and even better implementation of the motion-sensor technology, players can choose from a variety of work-out routines and virtual runs through famous cities. The Kinect sensor is required for gameplay, and four players can enjoy the game at once.

Top Sports Video Games

Kinect Sports - Xbox Exclusive: This title requires the Xbox Kinect system for play, and the lack of a controller makes the sports options within even more addictive. Soccer, volleyball, bowling and even track and field events await you, and you can have up to four players at once. If you enjoy Wii Spots, consider giving Kinect Sports a try.

Go Vacation - Wii Exclusive: If you're itchin' to get away on a fun, active vacation, the Go Vacation title can be a fun way to transport yourself into exotic, virtual locations until you can actually travel. Scuba diving, skydiving, street-racing and even squirt-gun fights all await you in this title, and each comes alive with the motion-sensor element of the Nintendo Wii system. Multiplayer mode allows for four players.

Sports Champions - PS3 Exclusive: This PS3 Move video game requires both the PS3 Move controller, and the PS3 Eye camera for gameplay. Once you get past both of those requirements, Sports Champions is a great selection for the PS3 system with six different sports to choose from, including volleyball, archery, table tennis and more. Players can opt to use simultaneous PS3 Move controllers for added realism during some of the mini-games, and fortunately the Move controls work smoothly with this title. Multiplayer mode allows up to four players.

Sources:
Huffington Post, "More Post 50s Use Video Games To Exercise"