How do you encourage kids to exercise? Easy, by getting them to enjoy exercising.

The increasing popularity of videogames and television has in part caused a growing concern over the physical health of children all over the world. The addicting nature of watching television or playing videogames is a cause for concern, as children do not get the requisite exercise needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Wii Fit video game is perfect for kids who enjoy videogames and need exercise. Developed by Nintendo, the Wii console is unique in its motion-controlled gameplay that has proven to be a hit across people of all ages. The interactive nature of the controller makes it perfect for sports games and exercise games, with Wii Fit being one of them. Wii Fit is so popular that it has become the third best selling video game within a year of its release.

The game makes use of the peripheral Wii Balance Board. Think of it as an exercise tool that can calculate Body Mass Index (BMI), record physical tests, and guides you as you perform various exercises. There are a wide variety of exercises available – Strength-training, resistance-training, aerobic, and anaerobic. The gamer can then caluculate his or her “Wii Fit Age”, a calculation based on age, weight, and test performance.

Potential additions in the future include an ability to connect online and speak to a fitness trainer to help you with your exercise regimen. Should this happen, then it becomes that much easier to exercise regularly, as there is no more excuse of being too lazy to go the gym after a hard day’s work.

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