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In last week’s blog, we talked about how some kids don’t want to play sports. And that is okay. We do need to keep our kids healthy and active and finding ways to get your nerd moving can be tricky. The good news is that active video games count. These have become known as exergames.
Pediatricians recommend at least 60 minutes of exercise per day for children over 6 years old. A study published in 2016 on the Global Pediatric Health website, showed that children who participated regularly in video games that included physical activity were more likely to participate in other forms of physical activity as well.
The three main active gaming consoles are XBox, Nintendo, and the PlayStation. Many games are cross-platform so you can find them on all of the gaming systems. If you are looking at getting an active video system, you should do it sooner rather than later. In October 2017, Xbox discontinued its last surviving version of the Kinect. PlayStation decided not to update its motion control functionality for the new PS4, and Nintendo’s new Switch and Wii U are more focused on mobility rather than movement. I will also be looking at Pokemon Go. While this is not an exergame because it is still in front of a screen, I thought it should be included in this category.
Xbox
There are many versions of the Xbox, including the Xbox One X
Now that they are teens their favorites are Kinect Sports and Raving Rabbids. Kinect Sports has 13 mini-games including football, bowling, soccer, and boxing. Unlike with the Wii, you must use your whole body when moving. This gives a much better workout than anything I have found on the Wii. Raving Rabbids is just plain fun. The kids will bring their friends over to kick and smack imaginary rabbits in our living room. My advice for this game is to have a large clear space because teenagers can get really wild while kicking Rabbids.
When they were younger the Kinect Adventures was their favorite. Here they can choose between 20 different adventures. They will have to jump, duck and move through obstacle courses and whitewater rafting. The game is fast-paced and your nerd is always moving.
PlayStation
Playstation 3
PlayStation also has the EA Sports Active 2 game. By using the motion bands you will have a similar experience as you would with the Wii. The EA Sports Active 2 game has 70 Exercises and Activities including boxing and basketball.
For the younger nerds, PlayStation has Carnival Island. This interactive game has 35 mini-games including a ring toss, skee ball, and knocking down milk bottles.
Nintendo Wii
The most well known of the Nintendo gaming consoles is the Wii
For the younger kids, I would recommend Wii Nickelodeon Fit. Here your little nerdling can bike with Dora the Explorer or exercise with the Backyardigans.
Pokemon Go
While this is not an exergame, because it is still in front of a screen, I thought it should be included in this category. As much as I dislike Pokemon, sorry to all you Pokemon lovers, Pokemon Go has been phenomenal at getting kids out and walking. Pokemon Go is a free-to-play mobile app that you can download on your phone. The goal is to catch and train monsters to battle against other players. Safety can be an issue with Pokemon Go so it is important to make sure you’re nerd understands to look up every now and then so they don’t get hit by a car or fall off a cliff. Pokemon pops up a reminder to be aware of your surroundings everytime the app opens.
What You Can Do
Talk with your child’s doctor before they start any exercise program. Remember that it is important for your nerd to have some time away from the screen. Provide a safe environment for active video games. I learned very quickly that jumping games and low ceiling fans don’t mix. Make sure your child’s equipment and chosen site for activity are safe. The most important thing you can do is to be a good role model by participating yourself. I love trying to keep up with the kids jumping through the rapids or kicking Rabbids, and I’m sure you will too.
Next week I’ll post about activities that your nerd may like that will keep them away from the screen for a while. Whether your nerd chooses an activity that is in front of the screen or not, the important thing is to keep them moving.
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