Using Technology to Motivate Kids to Exercise

Mar 14

Posted by admin at 10:48 am in Weight Control

Can technology be used to reverse this trend? Apparently, a lot of companies think so, as the concept of "exergames" is starting to take off. Health clubs and schools are now turning to these innovative technology-driven activities to get kids moving.

"'Exergames' are video games that promote exercise. 'Interactive fitness games' are technology-driven games that also promote exercise, but don't require a screen," according to Lisa Hansen, PhD candidate at the University of South Florida in Tampa, and co-director of their fitness lab.

Put a bunch of these games together in an arcade-like atmosphere and you've got "XRKade." XRKades promote a fun and social experience. Only a handful of these arcades currently exist in the US, but many more are expected to open in 2008.

To some, using technology to motivate kids to exercise might seem like feeding whiskey to an alcoholic. After all, television and video games have been identified as reasons why kids are so sedentary. But kids love games.

Certainly, something needs to be done to promote exercise in kids. In most gym classes, kids are aerobically active for just 3 minutes.

For more information, visit athleteinme.com