Fitness and Exercise

January 2, 2009 - Active games and equipment have been shrinking in size and cost and growing in innovation over the past 20 years. Five of the best innovations to detect and change our activity, are reviewed.

http://wpmobserver.com/WPMObserver/article.asp?ID=1348

December 24, 2008 - Kids want to exercise more. But they want it linked to their favorite video games. Exercising to activate game controllers is an added challenge.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/2008/12/22/children-want-exercise-link...

December 23, 2008 - Nintendo’s new ‘Walk With Me!’ software can monitor your daily walking (or Fido’s!) for up to 7 days. Set daily walking targets and see how you measure up.

http://www.thetechherald.com/article.php/200851/2629/Nintendo-brings-exe...

December 22, 2008 - Can you fly and use an exercise bike at the same time? You can using EA’s new Dogfight Fitness Flight Simulator. You can match up with others for aerial combat or virtually fly over deserts and arctic landscapes.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/electronicsports/exergaming/prweb1751104.h...

December 19, 2008 - Will swimming be the new snowboarding? Will Michael Phelps’ new video game make you feel like you’ve just done 50 laps in the Olympic pool? 505 Games intends to “crate innovative new gameplay experiences that celebrate active lifestyles.”

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3171859

December 18, 2008 - Northern and central Virginia schools and YMCAs are among the growing number of educators enlisting the help of dance and exercise games. The 'tweeners' in particular are a group that is well-served.

http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2008/122008/12162008/427610

December 17, 2008 - A new fitness club for children will open its first location in Georgia, early in 2009. NexGym will combine video gaming and virtual reality with physical activity. The club also offers nutritional guidance and custom fitness regimes.

http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2008/12/prweb1731894.htm

December 17, 2008 - Not only does exergaming play in Peoria, but a study to be done in Peoria next year will examine the positive results of active gaming. Children, ages 8 to 18, will one hour a week working out and one hour a week learning about a healthier lifestyle.

http://www.pjstar.com/health/x1475135956/Medical-study-spotlights-exerga...

December 08, 2008 - Wii are the champions; we are physical! The trick is starting the physical activity. The difference between the Wii and that treadmill sitting in your basement is that the Wii is something you will want to use.

http://www.examiner.com/x-1482-Miami-Technology-Careers-Examiner~y2008m1...

December 08, 2008 - Children will be more active if it’s fun, i.e. if it’s done with video games. Obvious, we know, but it’s now backed by British research. The research is using Gamercize, with Derbyshire Sport introducing Gamercize equipment into schools this year.

http://www.itnewsonline.com/showprnstory.php?storyid=24154

December 5, 2008 - Another school district, this time in Maryland, is the latest to integrate the Wii and other exergames into their schedule. And the best thing is that everyone can join in, and everyone’s moving.

http://www.gazette.net/stories/12042008/fredsch175022_32475.shtml

December 3, 2008 - Donations and funding grants have been instrumental in helping Pennsylvania schools buy Exergaming equipment, such as Dance Dance Revolution, the Wii and GameBikes. They compliment traditional gym activities and help to fill any ‘down time.’

http://www.timesonline.com/articles/2008/11/30/news/doc493370ce9bc698716...

December 01, 2008 - Fitness clubs with video and exergames have definitely multiplied. At least 80 fitness facilities offer this kind of exercise. According to one manager, this is getting the kids moving and it’s a start.

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2008/11/27/exergaming.h...

November 26, 2008 - ‘Time to Play’, a resource for parents, has put out their list of toys that get kids moving. They acknowledge the reality of screens in our lives, both computer and TV, but want to make screen time active time. Here’s their list of active toys for this holiday season.

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&news...

November 25, 2008 - As part of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grants, researchers in upstate New York are testing ‘cybercycles’. With cybercycles, you exercise, of course, but it’s a 3-D experience, down to the gravel crunching under your tires.

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=743136&category=R...

November 25, 2008 - Schools in an Oregon community are experimenting with mixing the Wii and other exercise games with their regular PE classes. As one teacher said, “it just adds an extra little flair to what they’re doing.”

http://www.democratherald.com/articles/2008/11/19/news/top_story/5aaa01_...

November 24, 2008 - One of the latest dance-and-exercise videos is ‘DanceX’, the creation of fitness expert Kenn Kihiu. With Kenn’s inspiration guiding you, you’ll be able to do everything from the John Travolta Point to Brazilian Salsa.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/exercise/videos/prweb1649274.htm

November 21, 2008 - Kideosyncrasy uses karaoke-style dance lyrics that make it easy and fun for the whole family to learn classic dance steps like the Hand Jive and Jitterbug, as well as Hip-Hop, Line Dances, a basketball routine and more.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Give-Kids-the-Gift-of-Fun-and-prnews-13628...

November 20, 2008 - Jillian Michaels, one of the stars of the TV show “The Biggest Loser”, has launched the latest Wii Exergaming title. The players become new recruits in Jillian’s boot camp, and can choose from four different regimens.

http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/new-two-player-fitness-trainer-for-...

November 19, 2008 - Fitness technology is moving from computer and console games to mobile phones. There are now hundreds of mobile downloads to help you with running, walking, aerobics and keeping track of your progress.

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/digital-life/home-entertainment/art...

November 18, 2008 - Perhaps most of the sporting world was interested in the Monday Night Football game last night, but not seniors in Connecticut! Why? Because, for 600 seniors across the state, the spotlight was on the first-ever ‘Health Net Cup Virtual Bowling Tournament’, which just crowned their first champion.

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story...

November 17, 2008 - British company, Active Ingredient, has an award-winning game called ‘Heartlands’. And simply put, the idea is to “get people out and about”. The game works with and discovers your optimum heartbeat.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nottingham/content/articles/2007/10/23/heartlands_a...

November 17, 2008 - At an international conference held this past week in Montreal, Exergaming is touted as an exciting alternative to traditional physical education. Also highlighted is the most recent study confirming that children who exergame do get verifiable physical benefits.

http://www.canada.com/windsorstar/news/story.html?id=cae492ea-668b-4c3b-...

November 14, 2008 - You may not be able to afford Oprah’s personal trainer but with ‘Sports Active’ (spring 2009) for the Wii, you can get the benefit of his input on this new interactive fitness game.

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2008-11-12-wii-virtual-trainer_N.htm

November 14, 2008 - Studies show that if kids see their parents active, it’ll be easier to get them moving. Active game choices from Prevention magazine, gets your family moving together.

http://www.prevention.com/cda/article/let-them-be-fit/2f618169c1903110Vg...

November 14, 2008 - The Riverplex in Peoria boasts a state-of-the-art Exergaming facility, and once the kids try it out, they don’t want to leave.

http://www.hoinews.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=221985

November 13, 2008 - British parents are putting their faith in technology as a tool to help slim down themselves and their children. An overwhelming majority of parents responded positively to video games that encourage their children to exercise.

http://www.responsesource.com/releases/rel_display.php?relid=43263

November 13, 2008 - Project Wii comes to Northamptonshire, England, starting this fall for a 12-week experiment. This is just part of the 'Body 4 Life' program, developed to encourage overweight children to be more active.

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/Wii-bit-of-exercise-can.4683832.j...

November 12, 2008 - We’ve been talking about using interactive games for exercise inside, but what about playing those games outdoors? It’s called free-range gaming and that’s the angle of a new platform being tested called LocoMatrix.

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_175/5467-Open...

November 12, 2008 - It never forgets it’s a game and it can nag you. Yes, it’s the Wii. But it also keeps you smiling, it’s not boring and you can forget you’re exercising. That's the beauty and the benefit of using Nintendo's Wii.

http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?article_class=4...

November 11, 2008 - Not even Role Playing Gamers are safe from health (ahem) any more! Check out Bandai’s new hybrid pedometers, which marry anime with exercise. Although only being released in Japan, these newest games make you compete with your feet!

http://asia.cnet.com/crave/2008/11/10/animate-your-steps-with-bandai-s-r...

November 10, 2008 - Video games that inform young diabetes patients are called ‘stealth education’ and were on the agenda at the annual American Diabetic Association’s meeting. Researchers are zeroing on in games as being one of the best ways to disseminate health information.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=93734

November 10, 2008 - Not only is Exergaming coming to senior centers and fitness centers, but soon your child’s school could have a Dance Dance Revolution gaming unit. Rochester, New York schools are the latest to see the light. Or at least lighter students!

http://www.mpnnow.com/news/x1772936256/BP-schools-work-to-keep-kids-heal...

November 7, 2008 - Exergaming is making its way to the Middle East. In Motion, a company that specializes in children’s fitness, in particular, is bringing the blend of exercise and gaming that is already popular in the U.S. and Europe.

http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/UAE/237578

November 7, 2008 - Angelina Jolie is into Exergaming. And if that’s not enough incentive, I don’t know what is. She’s using virtual Pilates to take off any leftover baby weight.

http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-41459.html

November 5, 2008 - Exergaming is not only a good activity in and of itself but it can encourage children to participate in outdoor sports, asserts a new study by West Virginia University. And the children in the Exergaming category improved their aerobic ability, while not gaining any weight.

http://www.canada.com/topics/bodyandhealth/story.html?id=3dfaf40b0c53-4a...

November 5, 2008 - Parents everywhere are looking for ways to keep their kids active. And businesses know that. In addition to youth gyms, chains like Fitwize 4 Kids and Little Gym, and home gyms are all catering to firming up the youngest generation.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/yourmoney/chi-kidgyms_satoct25,0,...

November 4, 2008 - Now that the indoor holiday eating season has begun, you need to find a way to stay active and not pack on hibernation pounds. Along with eating orange and green vegetables, the Wii is the perfect winter-time exercise.

http://www.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/88293/ward-off-weight-gain-this-wi...

November 4, 2008 - 35 senior centers in San Bernadino county in California will soon have Wii gaming systems. Sure, we know the health benefits, but as one resident said, ‘most of all it’s fun.’

http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/bowling_9272___article.html/health_hook...

November 3, 2008 - Seniors don’t play video games. At least, they don’t get into first person shooters or role playing. However, introduce grandma to Wii Bowling and you just might hear her sing a different tune!

http://www.bnd.com/336/story/528151.html

November 3, 2008 - A self-styled ‘exergame’ in Ohio aims to tone families down rather than bulk them up. Along with the popular Nintendo Wii and Dance Dance Revolution, the center offers other Exergaming stations.

http://www.snponline.com/articles/2008/10/31/delaware_news/business/deal...

November 3, 2008 - Why not use technology to get in shape! From more fun competing with yourself to the communal aspect, fitness is going digital. Getting into shape no longer has to be an individual grind!

http://www.newsweek.com/id/164359

October 31, 2008 - Exergaming comes to the country of Dubai in the form of the IN MOTION company. They’ve created an Exergaming fitness club that combines exercise equipment with a teaching program that concentrates on eating habits and physical activity.

www.ameinfo.com/173335.html

October 31, 2008 - CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta checks out a Dance Dance Revolution tournament. He also learns that studies are showing that kids who play active video games burn at least twice as many calories as those who play stationary games. And it’s the best combination of all: moving and having fun!

www.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2007/07/20/gupta.video.games.cnn?iref=v...

October 30, 2008 - Sure, you can multi-task, but can you work and exercise at the same time? The Walkstation takes care of that; it’s both desk and treadmill. The theory is that by moving more, you can increase your metabolism. And it does make the cubicle less boring.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/lifestyle/stories.nsf/healthfitness/sto...

October 30, 2008 - YMCAs in New York state are among the fitness centers that are targeting the ‘tweens’ with gaming stations and exercise equipment. The secret? Find something enjoyable and start young!

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20081028/NEWS05/810290303/10...

October 29, 2008 - You’ve heard it before, but seniors do like their Wii bowling! A Texas nursing center has received a grant to buy a Wii system and it’s a huge success. The staff see their patients becoming re-energized and active.

http://www.kxii.com/news/headlines/33362429.html

October 28, 2008 - A new gym in Ohio, Circuit Wellness, is the latest fitness group to embrace exergaming. Six stations offer six different healthy game activity, including the Wii, Lightspace Play Floor and the Makoto Sports Arena. The motto is ‘don’t come here to bulk up, but to tone down’.

http://www.snponline.com/articles/2008/10/23/multiple_papers/news/allweg... 1_20081021_0404pm_1.txt

October 27, 2008 - The Wii Fit turns a self-described web nerd into an exerciser. And she wonders: will Nintendo make the next level of Wii into more of a social media?

http://blogs.zdnet.com/feeds/?p=282

October 24, 2008 - St. Louis joins the growing number of cities whose seniors are cheering for strikes and spares and wearing team bowling shirts. The Wii makes more converts to virtual bowling.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/news/sciencemedicine/s...