I've been researching video exercise games for my PE class here at Parkview and have found that they've been 'coined' with a new term called 'exergames'. Interestingly enough, there are many advertised and at many price ranges. You probably are more familiar than I am with them.
You know that I am constantly reading research about health and wellness, and one of the latest articles I've read was in Time Magazine. It states that new research reports that when playing these new 'exergames' for at least 10 minutes, children expend at least as much energy and sometimes, nearly twice as much as they did walking on a treadmill for the same amount of time. Not only did the gamers, what children who play these games are called, burn more calories, but surprisingly they were also more enthusiastic about their exercise routine. The researchers were particularly encouraged by the fact that the overweight children in the study liked the exergames the most, suggesting that they could be an effective way to entice heavier children to become more active. This is the first study to document exergaming activity that helps kids meet health officials' recommendations for exercise which is crucial for maintaining healthy weight and avoiding conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. The challenge of course, is to keep children interested long enough. What are your thoughts? What do you see as the pros and cons of children playing 'exergames'? What about the benefits of playing in fresh air? Lots to think about......
I like the idea of "exergames." It's a fun way to get people active. Although these “exergames” may help people be active, they still have negative effects. For example, playing video games for a long period of time can never be good, especially against your eyes. Also, the “exergames” can only offer you limited types of exercising. However, if you are out in the fresh air, there are many other things you could do to stay healthy. Being outside and feeling the warmth of the sun seems more natural and lively to me.
ReplyDeleteIt is good that children are getting more interested in exercising, but I believe that giving them more video games is bad for them because they will depend and get fixated on the video games
ReplyDelete“Exergames” are a relatively new genre of video games including Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) and Wii Sports, the latter of which has done much to raise popularity and awareness of the genre. What is really ironic and cool about exergames is that they promote exercise, even though video games are commonly blamed for causing lowered activity levels. Personally, I think that if a video game will get a person or child who otherwise would not be interested in exercise to do it, then I think that can only be a good thing. The statistic mentioned about the calories and the treadmill is amazing and seems to point to the possibility that exergames can actually be more beneficial, for children at least, than traditional exercise. For the most part, I consider these games to be positive, though I do think that people who do not exercise outside, such as hiking through the mountains or through the woods, are missing out on quite a lot of fun and exciting experiences.
ReplyDeleteWhen it is cold or raining outside, I usually exercise with different video games I have, such as Dance Dance Revolution or Wii Fit. However, you shouldn't use only these programs to keep fit. Experimenting with different machines/equipment helps different parts of your bodies. Also, it's good to get fresh air outside, and sunlight. I enjoy being outside because I feel refreshed breathing in outside air. However, both methods of exercise are beneficial.
ReplyDeleteI believe that this form of exercising can be beneficial if implemented correctly. The pros actually outweigh the cons in this case. Positive benefits of these so called "exergames" include improved physical fitness, creative alternatives to therapeutic process, and added longevity as a result. Studies show that children and adults alike are captivated by the realm of video games. This is because of the chemicals released in our brains when we experience pleasure - endorphins. As long as the games can grasp and hold the attention of people, especially children, there really isn't a reason for the rejection of this new trend. There only con worth raising word upon may be the fact that after prolonged use of these neat inventions, one might find it harder to take part in physical activities that don't share the name "game".
ReplyDeleteI believe that this form of exercising can be beneficial if implemented correctly. The pros actually outweigh the cons in this case. Positive benefits of these so called "exergames" include improved physical fitness, creative alternatives to therapeutic process, and added longevity as a result. Studies show that children and adults alike are captivated by the realm of video games. This is because of the chemicals released in our brains when we experience pleasure - endorphins. As long as the games can grasp and hold the attention of people, especially children, there really isn't a reason for the rejection of this new trend. There only con worth raising word upon may be the fact that after prolonged use of these neat inventions, one might find it harder to take part in physical activities that don't share the name "game".
ReplyDelete- Jackelyn You
I think it is a good idea that these children are at least doing something instead of just being a couch potatoe, but also I believe it would be so much better for their health to be going outside and getting the fresh air and the warm sunlight. Our bodies use melatonin to sleep, and the only way to get that melatonin is being in the sunlight. So for a healthier lifestyle and a more natural living style; children should be outside working out.
ReplyDeleteI am most definitely a subscriber to "fun theory" as demonstrated at "thefuntheory.com". It's the idea that "fun is the easiest way to change people’s behavior for the better". For instance, the guys at the previously mentioned site set up giant keyboard pads on a set of stairs, and found that a significant percentage of people began taking them as opposed to the escalator. Having fun while exercising is infinitely preferable to sitting alone in an exercise room, and can be just as beneficial.
ReplyDeleteI think healthy people are healthy because they either like or dont mind exercise whereas heavy people are heavy because they like food and don't like exercise. A video game won't change that.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. There is lots to think about. I think that whatever way gets you to exercise is best. Sure, it is great to be outdoors and exercise, but you also have to watch out for cars and other problems. Inside is good as well because you don't have to worry about other problems and you can just hink about the exercise. Whatever you choose if it's fun it will be done for longer.
ReplyDeleteExergames are very beneficial because they get children excited about exercising. They get so consumed in the idea of playing a video game that they can forget that they are actually doing some exercise. This is a way for kids to have fun and also stay healthy. They might not be the best to do all the time though. They might cause kids to be less social and forget the true value of exercise.
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting, and also a little tough for me to answer.
ReplyDeleteThe people I know that are familiar with these kinds of games have mixed opinions. Most of my family members are rather upset at the prices; some of these games can cost $70 and sometimes require multiple purchases.
As one of my family members said, “Why pay $70 so you can do yoga? Can’t you just go outside and do that for free?”
I would have to agree with this statement, it’s silly to me to have to go out and pay money to do simple exercises you can do at home. At the same time I also think it’s neat that most of these games track your progress competitively with other people, and give you a goal to work toward. If studies show that kids burn more calories doing this then it is obviously more beneficial to them then regular exercise, but what about the social and emotional aspects?
Going outside and getting fresh air or being surrounded by nature has been shown to help with depression. In some places they actually have people who are diagnosed as depressed go for a walk in the forest. You can also go the park with your friends and get much more social exposure as compared to saying in doors. Being social and interacting with other people has been shown to extend a person’s life.
Even if there are down sides however, if kids like ‘exergames’ and are getting fit too why should we stop them? If these games truly do help them, we should do everything we can to keep kids invigorated and interested in them!
If children are going to live longer, have fewer health problems, and be in better physical health, then we should encourage them to do it as much as possible. In my own personal opinion however, nothing beats a nice walk in the park.
Unfortunatly it seems that a lot of children need distractions like video games to be motivated to be active. I think that even though they might be burning more calories playing games, children are not learning to pay attention to their bodies while working out or being aware of their surroundings. Running can seem boring but a thirty minute run is thirty minutes of silence and complete attention to your body and surroundings. Excersise is not just to work out the body physically but also the tecahing the mind to pay attention to your body. Outdoor sports like soccer teach valuable lessons like team work, encourages balance, and an overall good work out.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the "exergames" are good, especially the Wii Fit or Wii Sports. This gets children who would not usually exercise to participate in some physical activity. But I do feel everyone needs some outdoor exercise. This could be outdoor sports such as, soccer or baseball. There is also running or just walking for those who do not participate in sports. These are things you can do outside and also enjoy the fresh air. Both indoor and outdoor exercise provide a nice balance, and can be very beneficial for a person's overall good health.
ReplyDeleteThe pros of children playing "exergames" is that they are exercising and at the same time are having fun doing so. The cons of children playing "exergames" is that they are in front of the television and may not be interacting with others.
ReplyDeleteI think that the Exergames are a great idea for kids who don't get the opportunity to exercise outside on a regular basis. It is also great motivation for kids who don't want to exercise, but enjoy playing video games. Though the lack of physical interaction with others is less than great, but the concept of gaming plus exercise for kids is a brilliant idea.
ReplyDeleteThese games have both positive and negative effects. One of the positive effects is making kids want to exercise. A child who usually doesn't exercise may decide to play and exercise game. Also, indoor exercise can be more convenient than going outdoors, especially if the weather is bad. On the other hand, these exercise games do involve being in front of a screen. They also confine movement to one spot on the floor.
ReplyDeleteI dont belive with these video games that you get a work out from. I just dont think you can beat going outside and run, swimmomg, and or anyother workout. Then agian thats kind of an old school view on it. But ill stay with it.
ReplyDeleteI think that exergames are a smart idea and a good way to make kids get into exercise. But nothing can replace playing outside or just getting fresh air.
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