The Wii definitely has people talking and apparently,
exercising! Wii was originally released in 2006 and by Christmas
2007 had people scattering, scrounging and waiting outside
various stores at 5 am in ice storms for one of the precious
long awaited shipment! A distinguishing feature of the console
is its wireless controller, which can be used as a handheld
pointing device and can detect acceleration in three dimensions.
Another is the WiiConnect24, which enables it to receive
messages and updates over the Internet while in standby mode. I
would like to focus on the former feature and the associated
buzz that Wii is providing exercise for its users.

Childhood obesity and the care of our elderly are both pressing
social concerns in America. Wii seems to address both issues.
Playing the Wii makes an impact on the user’s heart rate, energy
expenditure and amount of calories burned. Independent studies
are producing positive results that regular Wii gaming can
decrease body fat, lower resting heart rate, lower BMI, and
result in weight loss. There is a well documented study posted
on the net by a man who added playing Wii sports into his daily
activity regimen while leaving everything else the same. He too
had positive results. You can find his work on
http://wiinintendo.net/2007/01/15/wii-sports-experiment-results/.
In his study boxing produced the most drastic results.

Elder care facility members have also been reaping the benefits
of this system. This was a previously untapped market for video
games. Wii has managed to engage nursing home residents mentally
as well as physically. It has brought out a spirit of
competitiveness that has been sedentary in a majority of them
for quite some time. An additional benefit to Wii gaming for
seniors is that they can participate in gaming with their
children and grandchildren. The Wii gives seniors and their
grandchildren some common ground and an activity they can
participate in together and both enjoy.

The physical benefits of Wii gaming for children is a disputed
point. Wii provides more exercise than traditional gaming of
course but should not encompass a child’s complete exercise
regimen. It is recommended that a child receive at least 60
combined total minutes of exercise everyday. While playing Wii
for 60 minutes a day would be more beneficial than watching
television or playing a traditional video or computer game it
should not substitute traditional play all together.

Outdoor play including participating in team sports has many
benefits aside from physical activity. Social interaction,
exposure to outdoor elements, exposure to new situations and
environments are benefits gained from traditional play. These
benefits foster imagination, creativity and a child’s sense of
individuality. Furthermore, according to a study at John Moore
University in Liverpool, England, playing Wii games such as Wii
Bowling and Wii Sports, burns approximately 60 calories per
hour. This is dramatically less calories burned than walking,
running and participating in a sport.

Seniors and adults on average receive far less exercise
performing their daily activities than a child. Wii gaming will
have a more drastic positive effect on a person the more
sedentary their lifestyle. In response to the hype about the
physical benefits of Wii gaming, Wii is now marketing a product
titled Wii Fit. Wii Fit is a pressure-sensitive balance board.
The board is used for an array of dynamic activities including
aerobics, yoga, muscle stretches and games. The activities are
geared toward providing a core workout that emphasizes slower,
controlled motions such as in Pilates and Yoga.

In summary, Wii gaming is being heralded for its physical
benefits. These benefits are most notably being reaped by
seniors who are participating in Wii gaming. When it comes to
children however, Wii gaming should be considered part of a
child’s active play and in no way substitute a child’s
traditional outdoor play and participation in team sports.

About the Author: I have an extensive background in Finance and
Fiscal Procedure. I also have a web business where I offer
Computer Learning Software for Kids. I am very interested in the
product itself as well as the subject matter that it involves.
Please visit us at http://www.thesoftwarespot.com! Thank you.

Source: http://www.isnare.com