Technology-Based Fitness Trend
Video games have come a long way in their relatively short lifespan. In the beginning, there was nothing to choose from except for simplistic shooting games. But as technology progressed, sports games, puzzles and games with complex storylines came about. Today, there are video games on every subject imaginable. Critics, however, have long lamented the fact that video games discourage us from more active pursuits.
But the latest trend in video games has turned that notion on its head. New consoles such as the Nintendo Wii offer a variety of games that are not only fun and engaging, they also get us moving. Specially designed controllers make it possible for us to control onscreen movement with our own movements.
One of the first popular video games with a unique controller was Dance Dance Revolution. The game required players to do the dance moves shown on the screen on a plastic mat. It created quite a sensation, becoming one of the most popular video games of the 1990s.
More games with alternate controllers followed, such as Guitar Hero. But it wasn't until the Nintendo Wii came along that video game manufacturers began to design games to incorporate exercise. The first such game was Wii Sports, which came packaged with the Wii when it launched. It features simulations of sports such as tennis and boxing that can be controlled by the Wii remote. They require players to mimic the actions that are performed in real sports.
Wii Sports was a hit, and it was followed by Wii Fit. This exercise game utilizes a balance board for control and features dozens of different exercises. It also allows players to measure body mass index (BMI), track progress and compare their fitness levels to that of others.
Today's fitness games have a limited number of exercises, and there has been little exploration of games for specialized training. The very design of today's video games has even been cited as a problem, as the need to navigate menus makes it difficult to maintain heart rate when doing aerobic exercises. But thanks to the warm reception these games have received, the future of fitness-promoting video games is bright.
Video games are a great way to get those who are uninterested in exercise up and moving. They also offer features that even fitness gurus find useful. If you haven't experienced technology-based fitness for yourself, give it a try. You might find yourself hooked, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
But the latest trend in video games has turned that notion on its head. New consoles such as the Nintendo Wii offer a variety of games that are not only fun and engaging, they also get us moving. Specially designed controllers make it possible for us to control onscreen movement with our own movements.
How It All Started
Alternatives to the joystick or gamepad go back to the 1980s. Early game consoles such as the Atari and Nintendo sold controllers designed like guns and steering wheels for use with some of their games. Alternate controllers didn't gain immense popularity, however, until fairly recently.One of the first popular video games with a unique controller was Dance Dance Revolution. The game required players to do the dance moves shown on the screen on a plastic mat. It created quite a sensation, becoming one of the most popular video games of the 1990s.
More games with alternate controllers followed, such as Guitar Hero. But it wasn't until the Nintendo Wii came along that video game manufacturers began to design games to incorporate exercise. The first such game was Wii Sports, which came packaged with the Wii when it launched. It features simulations of sports such as tennis and boxing that can be controlled by the Wii remote. They require players to mimic the actions that are performed in real sports.
Wii Sports was a hit, and it was followed by Wii Fit. This exercise game utilizes a balance board for control and features dozens of different exercises. It also allows players to measure body mass index (BMI), track progress and compare their fitness levels to that of others.
Only the Beginning
These new video games have elicited praise from fitness experts and the video game industry alike because they utilize technology to promote fitness. And consumers have shown their support by buying these games in huge numbers. Still, technology-based fitness has tremendous unfulfilled potential.Today's fitness games have a limited number of exercises, and there has been little exploration of games for specialized training. The very design of today's video games has even been cited as a problem, as the need to navigate menus makes it difficult to maintain heart rate when doing aerobic exercises. But thanks to the warm reception these games have received, the future of fitness-promoting video games is bright.
Video games are a great way to get those who are uninterested in exercise up and moving. They also offer features that even fitness gurus find useful. If you haven't experienced technology-based fitness for yourself, give it a try. You might find yourself hooked, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.
