THE Wii BY NINTENDO

Many of my patients are video gamers and many of their parents are concerned their kids spend too much time gaming. The Wii is a revolutionary new type of gaming system which can include physical activity. I recently got one to evaluate its potential and have found that it can make it fun to work up a sweat, with Wii Sports particularly. Wii Sports is a series of 5 simple yet engaging games that includes training modules. If you're not a natural athlete, you can the learn the skills of the game to improve your play and enjoyment, which may result in more and longer sessions.
Parents need to know that in order to ensure that they're kids are getting a benefit from the Wii they need to supervise them. For maximum benefit the players should move around with their bodies like they're actually participating in the sport. The games can be played mainly with the wrist which defeats much of the workout potential of the system. That being said, Wii Sports can be a good compromise particularly when the outdoors is not inviting for a youngster( see earlier post on jogging indoors v outdoors.) Here's a NY times article about a new accessory for the Wii that may help parents get into the game as well. I'll let you know more about as soon as I've had time to evaluate it. It certainly looks promising for adults,I don't know about kids.

Exercise Outdooors vs Indoors

Better to run outdoors or on the treadmill? The NY times reporter Anahad O'Connor writes that outdoor running burns more calories for the same distance (about 5% more probably because of wind resistance and uneven terrain), but running on the treadmill has the advantage of producing less injuries. So there are trade offs. For kids an exercise prescription must be adjusted to their situation. Many overweight teens in particular are easily embarrassed and won't exercise if it has to be done in public, so a treadmill at the gym doesn't work for them and running outdoors where peers may see them is equally unfeasible. What they may need is an individualized program that may include walking outdoors(not obvious that they're exercising) , a stationary bike at home or a setup where they can dance to their favorite music in private. Another option may be video sports game like wii sports or a dance pad like DDR. Sometimes a few sessions with a personal trainer geared to their age group can teach them some basic things to do with light dumbell weights or bands that they can use at home. The message is that a variety of approaches need to be available so each child or adolescent can find what works for them. Most important of all don't give up if one approach doesn't work for you, try something else