Exergaming facts for kids

Exergaming or exer-gaming is a cool word that mixes "exercise" (moving your body) and "gaming" (playing video games). It's used for video games that also help you get a workout! These games use special technology to track your body movements. People say exergames are great because they encourage an active lifestyle, making exercise more fun.

What is Exergaming?

Exergaming combines the fun of video games with the benefits of physical activity. Instead of just sitting and pressing buttons, you move your whole body to play. This can include dancing, jumping, or even pretending to play sports. The goal is to make exercising feel less like a chore and more like an exciting game.

How Exergames Work

Exergames use different types of technology to sense your movements. Some games use cameras that see your body, like the Xbox Kinect. Others use special controllers you hold, like the Wii Remote for the Wii. There are also games that use mats you step on, or even bikes you pedal. All these tools help the game understand what your body is doing.

Benefits of Playing Exergames

Playing exergames can be really good for you!

• Getting Active: They help you move your body and burn energy, which is important for staying healthy.
• Having Fun: Exercise can sometimes feel boring, but exergames make it exciting and engaging.
• Learning New Skills: Some games can help improve your balance, coordination, and reaction time.
• Playing with Friends: Many exergames can be played with others, making it a fun social activity.

History of Exergaming

The idea of exergaming isn't totally new. Early examples included games where you had to pedal a bike to make something happen on screen. As technology got better, especially with motion-sensing cameras and controllers, exergames became much more popular. Companies started making games specifically designed to get players up and moving.

Popular Exergame Examples

Some well-known exergames include:

• Dance Games: Like Dance Dance Revolution or Just Dance, where you follow dance moves on screen.
• Sports Games: Such as Wii Sports, where you swing a controller like a tennis racket or golf club.
• Fitness Programs: Games like Ring Fit Adventure or Fitness Boxing that guide you through full workouts.

Exergaming Today

Today, exergaming continues to grow. Many schools and fitness centers even use exergames to encourage physical activity. They are a great way to make exercise accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages, especially kids and teens who love video games.

Images for kids

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  This is a game called Power Pong. You pedal a bicycle to play the video game! It was played at a conference in the Netherlands.

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  Here's someone playing Gamercize on a PlayStation 2. This game also helps you exercise while you play.

See also

In Spanish: Videojuego activo para niños