New Technology to Beat the Fitness Crunch

If families do not pay up they could be risking their own children's health. 9 Out of 10 children are predicted to grow up with dangerous amounts of fat in their bodies. Fat that can cause life-threatening diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.


Busy modern lifestyles combined with the current economic climate have led to the Fitness Crunch, were families do not have the time or the money to be active enough. Technology, despite causing part of the lifestyle problem, is now rising to the challenge of the Fitness Crunch through exergaming company Gamercize.

Gamercize is a new kind of fitness technology that uses the power of video games to keep exercise interesting; by adding exercise to existing games. This week Gamercize has announced the new 3 in 1 GZ Family Fit home exercise machine that meets the required activity guidelines for everyone with convenience and fun.The GZ Family Fit connects to a Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 to keep your mind off the exercise effort as you play top video games.

You have to keep moving to keep the game playing, stop and it will freeze you out until you start exercising again.Not all members of the family play video games so the GZ Family Fit can be used for non-interactive traditional fitness too. With the combination of rowing and cycling functions, you can choose to read a book while comfortably cycling or watch the news with a rowing workout.

The GZ Family Fit easily folds away taking up less space than one stationary exercise bike and costs a fraction of the traditional route to active living.

About Gamercize: Gamercize, a British company behind world-wide patented electronic fitness accessories for PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation3, Wii, PS2, Xbox and Gamecube. The company aim is to encourage fitness through motivation and enjoyment, by innovation in technology. Gamercize is an official partner of the Change4Life programme and member of the Fitness Industry Association.

Gamercize can be purchased in the USA at Exergame Fitness "The Global Leader in Exergaming Products and Services". http://www.exergamefitness.com/ 877-668-4664 info@exergamefitness.com

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RiverPlex video games work more than just thumbs

PEORIA IL. USA—
Austin Schroderus spent Thursday morning playing a lively game of dodgeball with a handful of other children at the RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center.

"All you got to do is just make sure that little ball doesn't hit you," the 14-year-old Peorian said while waiting on the sidelines, "and if it does, then you got to get off the screen."
Screen? What screen?

Instead of ducking rubber balls hurled in a gymnasium, Schroderus enjoyed the venerable schoolyard game by dancing along a lit, interactive floor and avoiding a red orb as it slithered across the ground. The video game, called Lightspace Play, was one of several the RiverPlex is hoping will get sedentary kids moving.

The fitness center is betting that activities inspired by video games - known as exergames - are one way to get kids healthy, by offering them an arcade-like atmosphere without the snack bar. The room, which opens to RiverPlex patrons today, uses muscle-power instead of joysticks to earn points and burn calories.

"This is an opportunity to help children be excited about being healthy," said Chief Operating Officer Sue Wozniak at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, which partnered with the RiverPlex in creating the room. "It's not just an arcade."

One game requires players to pedal and steer a stationary bike while their video-game persona plows a motocross bike through a dirt course. In others, participants don boxing gloves for virtual bouts or swing toy baseball bats at digital pitches.

Matt Freeman, general manager at the RiverPlex, said the exergame room cost $100,000 and the facility plans on renting it out occasionally for private parties or events. Freeman said organizers eventually want to involve parents in the fun.

Ed Kasanders, president of the Palatine-based company, Motion Fitness, which sold the equipment to the RiverPlex, said the market for exergames has soared over the past several years. His business use to deal with all types of exercise equipment but switched about four years ago solely to exergames.

"We can't get away from kids wanting to play games and from technology," Kasanders said. "What we are doing is we are actively making them play in a fun, exciting, engaging environment."

Medical studies, however, remained mixed on the benefits reaped from exergames. Most maintain more traditional sports and forms of exercise are still the gold standard for physical activity but find exergames to be a good workout and source of entertainment.

"It's certainly better than sitting behind a chair in front of a computer screen," said Blair Gorsuch, director of the cardiac rehabilitation program at Proctor Hospital. "Anything to get the kids up and moving, I'm all for it."

The real problem, Kasanders said, is keeping the games fresh and entertaining in a world where children are bombarded with new games, distractions and gadgets.

But spending time with his friends in the exergame room, Andrell Taylor said for the time being he would rather be on a robotic climbing wall than on the basketball court.

"I'd rather be here," Taylor, 11, of Peoria said, "because it's fun, and I like playing video games, too."

WMBD/WYZZ TV - PEORIA -- A new fitness program combines video games with exercise.

Video Games and Fitness

Reported by: Angelica Alvarez, WMBD/WYZZ TV

Thursday, Nov 13, 2008 @11:34am CST

WMBD/WYZZ TV - PEORIA -- A new fitness program combines video games with exercise.

Riverplex in Peoria introduces Exergaming, a program to get the unmotivated, motivated. Exergame Fitness uses interactive games to keep kids moving. Organizers say with the alarming rise in childhood obesity, it was imperative to find a way to pair the popularity of technology with health. Kids are so wrapped up in the game, they don't even realize they're improving their health. Exergame Fitness is the worlds largest provider for Exergaming, Exerlearning (Brain Fitness) and medically driven programming. 

Carl Cannon with CHOICES and the Park District, says, "The only exergaming room of its type in the nation, and it played in Peoria first. So if I had advice for parents this Christmas, tell them to get rid of those things you do with your hands and have them start using their legs, their hearts and their minds.

Sixth grader, Timesha Bailey, was one of the first students who got to try to program and when asked what she'll tell her classmates about it, she says, "You all need to come next time, it is so much fun! You're really in the game, fighting people, it's so fun!"

Organizers say Exergaming isn't just a great way to get in shape, but the games also improve hand-eye coordination and engages the mind and body together in active problem solving. 

Kids from the CHOICES program are among the first to be able to use the Exergaming program.

Let's get physical - Exergame Fitness

By BY FRANK RADOSEVICH II

OF THE JOURNAL STAR

Posted Nov 13, 2008 @ 10:00 PM

---

PEORIA —

PEORIA - Austin Schroderus spent Thursday morning playing a lively game of dodgeball with a handful of other children at the RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center.

"All you got to do is just make sure that little ball doesn't hit you," the 14-year-old Peorian said while waiting on the sidelines, "and if it does, then you got to get off the screen."

Screen? What screen?

Instead of ducking rubber balls hurled in a gymnasium, Schroderus enjoyed the venerable schoolyard game by dancing along a lit, interactive floor and avoiding a red orb as it slithered across the ground. The video game, called Lightspace Play, was one of several the RiverPlex is hoping will get sedentary kids moving.

The fitness center is betting that activities inspired by video games - known as exergames - are one way to get kids healthy, by offering them an arcade-like atmosphere without the snack bar. The room, which opens to RiverPlex patrons today, uses muscle-power instead of joysticks to earn points and burn calories.

"This is an opportunity to help children be excited about being healthy," said Chief Operating Officer Sue Wozniak at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, which partnered with the RiverPlex in creating the room. "It's not just an arcade."

One game requires players to pedal and steer a stationary bike while their video-game persona plows a motocross bike through a dirt course. In others, participants don boxing gloves for virtual bouts or swing toy baseball bats at digital pitches.

Matt Freeman, general manager at the RiverPlex, said the exergame room cost $60,000 and the facility plans on renting it out occasionally for private parties or events. Freeman said organizers eventually want to involve parents in the fun.

Ed Kasanders, president of the Palatine-based company, Motion Fitness, which sold the equipment to the RiverPlex, said the market for exergames has soared over the past several years. His business use to deal with all types of exercise equipment but switched about four years ago solely to exergames.

"We can't get away from kids wanting to play games and from technology," Kasanders said. "What we are doing is we are actively making them play in a fun, exciting, engaging environment."

Medical studies, however, remained mixed on the benefits reaped from exergames. Most maintain more traditional sports and forms of exercise are still the gold standard for physical activity but find exergames to be a good workout and source of entertainment.

"It's certainly better than sitting behind a chair in front of a computer screen," said Blair Gorsuch, director of the cardiac rehabilitation program at Proctor Hospital. "Anything to get the kids up and moving, I'm all for it."

The real problem, Kasanders said, is keeping the games fresh and entertaining in a world where children are bombarded with new games, distractions and gadgets.

But spending time with his friends in the exergame room, Andrell Taylor said for the time being he would rather be on a robotic climbing wall than on the basketball court.

"I'd rather be here," Taylor, 11, of Peoria said, "because it's fun, and I like playing video games, too."

Frank Radosevich II can be reached at 686-3142 or fradosevich@pjstar.com

Exergame Fitness | XRGame Zone at The RiverPlex in Peoria IL

Just imagine for a moment...

Kids voluntarily playing videogames to stay active, healthy and educated....

Exergaming is the Answer!

Ask us how we can help your facility!

Supersized P.E.: Ten Tips to Help Overweight Kids Get Healthy

SDSU professor teaches physical education to help overweight students reach their fitness goals

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Bags of Halloween candy are piled high in the grocery stores this week, providing a dangerous temptation for those battling obesity. For the parents of overweight children, getting their children to understand the dangers of overindulging after trick-or-treating can be even more difficult.



San Diego State University Exercise and Nutritional Sciences professor David Kahan, offers ten ways to help parents -- and teachers -- get overweight kids back on track, not just after Halloween, but for the rest of their life, in his new book "Supersized P.E."

"Being physically active every day is especially crucial for children struggling with weight issues," said Kahan, a physical education teacher and researcher. "Overweight and obese youth carry social, psychological and emotional burdens that often lead to anger, despair and ultimately, a sedentary lifestyle. Our goal is to help youth love physical activity."

Exergame Fitness is the world’s largest distributor & service provider of Exergaming and kids fitness products. They provide Facility Planning & Installation, Grant & Funding Assistance, Program Design & Product Training, Turnkey Marketing Support, Free Layout Designs & Concepts, Detailed Programming Curriculums, Financing Options and more. They offer the lowest prices on any of the products they carry backed by their 110% Lowest Price Guarantee.


Supersized P.E. is designed to help parents, physical educators and leaders of physical activity programs to better understand the physical, emotional and psychological issues that reduce the overweight child's quality of life and help them learn how to be physically active for a lifetime. The book's recommendations include:

1) Set an Example: Be a good role model of overall wellness.

2) Emphasize a Child's Strengths: If it's something they enjoy or are good
at, they are much more likely to do it.

3) Foster a Positive Atmosphere that feels safe and inviting, is free of
sarcasm, insults and harassment and be a consistent source of comfort
and encouragement.

4) Focus on Behaviors, Not Outcomes: Help them control behaviors and focus
on how to change, not the results of changing.

5) Face the Facts: Denial is dangerous. Parents and teachers need to
acknowledge when a student seems to be gaining weight or is overweight.

6) Develop a Social Support Network: Find a social niche where an
overweight child is with others who share the same positive attitudes
toward physical activity and health or at least support the child's
needs and intentions.

7) Avoid the Spotlight: Overweight children should not be placed in
situations in which their physical performance is on display for all to
see and critique. It is better to offer physical activity settings in
which the overweight child can blend in and work at his or her own
pace/level.

8) Get a Doctor's Advice: Physical education programs that report a
child's body mass index (BMI) may inadvertently trigger parental
overreaction and undue stress on an overweight child. Parents should
consider having their overweight child assessed by his or her
pediatrician before undertaking an intervention.

9) Nutrition is Key: Educate young people how to make smart food choices.
Teach overweight children about serving sizes, how to select low-fat
snacks and how to recognize when they are full.

10) Reduce Screen Time: The numbers tell the story, during the average
3.47 daily hours a 100-pound child spends engaged in screen-based
media (t.v., computer, video games) he or she burns 166 calories,
contrasted with swimming (666), walking the dog briskly (687), playing
half-court basketball (937), hiking (957), etc.


Kahan said another crucial part of addressing this major societal issue is for parents to actively petition local schools to take a larger role in helping students meet fitness goals.

"That is why it is critically important for all parents to demand their children participate in quality physical education and physical activity programs, and get a minimum of 60 minutes of daily physical activity."

Kahan said the challenge is much greater than how to lose weight, but rather, how to help youth balance nutrition and daily physical activity.

Kahan also runs SDSU's Hardy Elementary School P.E. program, which brings SDSU students studying to become physical education teachers onto the playground to interact and help young students meet their physical fitness goals.

"Teaching this increasingly prevalent population can be a joy as well as a challenge," Kahan said. "For teachers to really help address the obesity problem they must understand what life is like for an overweight student and how they can create a positive attitude about physical activity."

Kahan said it is important that teachers, coaches, school nutrition directors, nurses, administrators, parents and community leaders all work in a coordinated effort to put good health and well-being as a top, lifelong priority for today's children and youth.

"Supersized P.E.: A Comprehensive Guidebook for Teaching Overweight Students," coauthored by Josh Trout, professor in the Department of Kinesiology at California State University, Chico, is available through the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 81 areas, master's degrees in 74 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU's more than 34,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit http://www.sdsu.edu.

Contact:
Gina Speciale, Media Relations Manager
SDSU Marketing & Communications
(619) 594-4563 office; (619) 813-3581 cell
speciale@mail.sdsu.edu

Greg Block
SDSU Marketing & Communications
(619) 594-2176 office; (619) 849-9645 cell
gblock@mail.sdsu.edu

SOURCE San Diego State University

About Exergame Fitness
Exergame Fitness – a Motion Fitness Company is the world’s largest distributor & supplier of Exergaming, Exerlearning, Kids Fitness Products & Programming to YMCA’s, Schools, JCC’s. Park Districts, Health Clubs, Hospitals, Kid Zones, Family Entertainment Centers, Casinos, Government/VA and more.
Exergame Fitness provides Facility Planning & Installation, Grant & Funding Assistance, Program Design & Product Training, Turnkey Marketing Support, Free Layout Designs & Concepts, Detailed Programming Curriculums, Finance & Lease Options and more. Exergame Fitness offers the lowest prices on any of the products they carry backed by a 110% Lowest Price Guarantee.

# # #

Nintendo Wii Sqweeze controller coming in 2009

When it comes to casual gaming there is one games console that’s miles ahead of all the others, and that’s the Nintendo Wii.

The Wii Fit has brought people onto the Nintendo Wii that may never of owned an Xbox 360 or Sony PS3, and there are many more accessories on the way to the Wii.

This is one such example, the Nintendo Wii Sqweeze controller. The controller will not be available to 2009, and InterAction Laboratories had this device on show at Games For Health 2008.

The Wii Sqweeze brings exergaming to the upper body in the form of near-isometric movements the rubber handles allow for shoulder abduction and adduction (Max Range of Motion-ROM ~2-3 inches).

On the device I tried, they hacked the Wii and were running it via USB on a PC. However, I’m told that it will be a fully operational Wii controller by its 2009 launch. To start playing the demo-games IA Labs designed, each player self-calibrates the device by squeezing 50% of your maximum.

Exergaming Kids exercise through video games

Exergaming Kids exercise through video games

Watch the latest Exergaming Fitness Video.

Exergaming Kicks into High Gear with New Study & Exergame Fitness Products

Exergaming Kicks into High Gear with New Study & Exergame Fitness Products

In other news, a pilot study has come out of New Zealand showing that exergaming titles are just as good as casual exercise. No surprise there, but it’s nice to see the empirical data bear out common sense and provide argument ammo against doubters. Exergaming is at the leading edge of helping kids become fit and active. Exergame Fitness USA carries the largest selection of Exergaming titles that help this growing epidemic of childhood obesity. Visit their online website to get simple solutions for your facility.

The 12 week initial pilot study by Dr. Ralph Maddison over at Auckland U. worked with 21 children age 10-14, and measured energy expenditure via oxygen masks. The follow up looked at 20 new subjects, upgrading half of their PlayStations with the EyeToy. This time body mass indices were measured and advanced pedometers were used over 12 weeks.

Children in the eye toy group performed significantly more physical activity, despite spending less time overall playing video games.

“We need to look at different ways, because of the increase of obesity in New Zealand, to increase activity in children,” Dr Maddison said.

Dr Maddison’s team is now seeking a further 330 children, aged between 10 and 14, for an expanded six-month study funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand.

Playing is playing, and exercise is exercise even in front of a video screen. I do think the idea of linking a pedometer to a virtual world is a good idea, one springing naturally from the Webkinz linkage of RL objects to the VW. Seems this could herald a bevy of new ideas linking the virtual with RL objects and activities.

References:
Borley, C. (2008, February 22). Video games good as exercise: Study. New Zealand Herald. [Online.] Retrieved February 23, 2008 from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?
c_id=204&objectid=10493847

Exergaming gets a Wii bit technical

CALL it The Great Indoors. From May 8, Australians will be able to do ski jumping, snow boarding, even tightrope walking — indoors. With the help of a video game, of course.

Computers have often been accused of fuelling the sedentary, stay-at-home lifestyle. Nintendo's latest product, Wii Fit, will keep its users at home, to be sure, but its backers claim it is anything but sedentary. But why fork out $149.95 for Wii Fit when you can do the real-world activity, in many cases, free?

Wii Fit is an extension of Wii Sport, released in 2005, which allowed users to "play" simulated Nintendo sports while watching a computer-generated character of themselves competing. Wii Fit, by contrast, uses a wireless motion-sensitive "balance board". Stand on the board, and Wii Fit will measure Body Mass Index and centre of gravity. After that, there are 40 exercises: balance games such as ski jump and tightrope walk; yoga poses; muscle workouts; and aerobic exercises including boxing.

The Wii Fit and console are available thru an American company called Exergame Fitness. E-Fit is the leader in interactive fitness programs for kids, teens and adults in America. On their USA website they sell Exergame Fitness equipment to YMCA's, Schools, Park Districts and more.

Tom Seilheimer CEO of Exergame Fitness says "The Wii Fit and Wii gaming console is really bringing Exergaming to the forefront of the fitness industry. A rapid incline of obesity rates in America is affecting every demographic age group therefore Exergaming is a positive way to bring families & kids together by associating fitness with gaming. These 2 simple concepts combined will deliver mind blowing health benefits without the needs of traditional fitness routines. It's 2008 and kids love to play games...why not just add healthy benefits to what they are already doing?!"

All the exercises, except jogging, involve placing some body part on the balance board "so your on-screen instructor ensures you perform every exercise correctly". Wii Fit, of course, stores all the fitness data on the Nintendo's hard drive.

Wii Fit is, to use industry parlance, an example of "exergaming". But why do people need computer software to do something as basic as push-ups?

"Generation Y are technologically savvy people, they like doing stuff in front of computers. It's what they've grown up with," said Shannon Ferney, from the University of Queensland's School of Human Movement. "It's the next step, (going from) sitting in front of the computer playing the game to being the person (in the game). Me, I'd much rather go outside. I haven't spoken to anyone who says they like using (Wii)." Dr Ferney obviously hasn't been to Japan, where Wii Fit has sold nearly 2 million copies. It will be released in Europe this week, in Australia on May 8, and in the US on May 19.

Japan has notoriously little space for outdoor sports. But Australia does, so will Wii Fit take off here? "The price is a little high at $150 and a similar fitness-oriented concept from Sony and Nike a few years back called EyeToy Kinetic…was a spectacular failure," said Australian games writer Jason Hill.

However, "the Wii has been extraordinarily popular in Australia — over 340,000 sold — mainly because of the novel motion-based control scheme, so I'm sure Wii owners will also be excited by the balance board in Wii Fit".

Wii Fit and Nintendo's "Brain Training" programs were part of the company's shift from "kid's time-waster" games to "lifestyle-oriented gadgetry good for people of all ages", said Mr Hill.

"The pseudo-science behind the stated benefits is questionable, and Nintendo's design genius Shigeru Miyamoto has even said, 'I don't think Wii Fit's purpose is to make you fit,' but I don't think that matters as long as the games are fun in themselves."

At the very least, however, Wii Sport and Wii Fit are a slight improvement on traditional video games. A study in February's British Medical Journal by British researchers found that youngsters playing Wii Sport burned an extra 60 calories an hour compared to those playing sedentary games on a Microsoft Xbox.

Exergaming Fitness Products at Two Rivers YMCA

Exergaming Fitness Products at Two Rivers YMCA

Moline, IL – Two Rivers YMCA in Moline, IL has recently installed a complete line of Interactive Gaming and Fitness products to create a Virtual Gym in their Teen Center. With the growing concern of inactivity and obesity - Interactive Fitness is a welcome solution to any club.

“We are expecting a huge turn-out for our Friday Teen Night’s, as well as offering something special for our community,” says Mike Wennekamp, Assoc. Executive Director.

The 1,350 square foot Virtual Gym will provide activity for 40 to 80 kids per hour. The Virtual Gym features several products designed to give kids a variety of challenges with incentives to be more active, all while providing a fun, stimulating, safe and challenging environment.

“Our line of Interactive Fitness and Gaming products, or Fitness Arcade, is incredibly popular with kids, teens and adults. We have tested each product we offer, and provide comprehensive training and curriculum's to make it a turn-key system for any size facility,” says Ed Kasanders - President of Motion Fitness.

“We understand that most kids don't want to workout with traditional weights and cardio machines. Kids want to have fun, plain and simple. These products are game based which people of all ages can relate to, getting fitness is the by-product. We have about a dozen interactive products and a great kids circuit system that doesn’t use weights,” adds Kasanders.