Have you ever wanted...
- Chocolate makes you slim
- Fizzy drinks clean your teeth
- Video games make you fit
Monday, March 8
Chocolate that makes you slim!
Thursday, February 18
Why Video Game Timers are the Worst Idea of the 21st Century
Gaming on the Clock? Game Over!
As long ago as 2007 the concept of limiting time playing video games was introduced by Microsoft, with the Xbox Family Timer. This "innovation" was even recognized by the UK government in it's Foresight Strategy for public health. While the idea of shutting a games console off after a period of time appeals to some, the idea has fundamental flaws which in reality have a negative effect on health.
Firstly the system timers for the major consoles and the third party system timers for generic "game over" experiences fail to address a simple problem. If a parent can't limit the time a child spends on a computer game then how does parental control of a timer help? The kids know who's setting the rules and parental conflict cannot be avoided. Kids are not so limited in their intelligence to realize that "the computer says no" is actually parental proxy.
Say, for example, a system timer is set for an hour and the child starts playing at 6pm. What happens at 7pm? Gaming is over, so will the child instantly go outside and play basketball or run around the yard playing soccer? No. They will most probably replace the games console for the TV that (unlike gaming) gives them a better opportunity to snack on unhealthy food. If a parent can't limit gaming time without a crude off timer, then what chance do they have to limit snacks?
The most important reason game timers are utterly stupid ideas is that they have been designed by people who do not understand gaming at all. Can you shut a game down at a predetermined time? No. How many times have the cries of "I'll just save the game" been heard by parents (and spouses!) to the demand to stop playing? How about "when this match is over" when playing online? You can't shut a game down in an instant, its just not helpful and makes the player resent the timer even more.
What can we do about this? Well how about using Gamercize instead. This device makes all games (online or offline) active with enough exercise to count as a competitive sport. So if you child (or husband!) wants to play an extra 15 minutes to get to a save point or the end of a match, you can let them... knowing it's another 160+ kcals burnt or another quarter of an hour towards the 60 min a day exercise target.
Sometimes you have to admit that the most simple solutions are the best, and if gaming is inactive, make it active. Don't change the rules, change the game or reduce the experience... make a smarter choice with a simpler solution.
Saturday, January 16
Exergames are Basketballs
Factors in Exergaming effectiveness
The buzz surrounding exergaming, also known as active gaming, is undeniable this year. There doesn't seem to be a day going by that products make the news and blogs. I've been involved in exergaming since 2004, so I have been fortunate to see the products come in (and most go out) to give me a wide view on the subject.
Most exergames have something in common, they are all basketballs. Here's a picture of the latest and newest exergame to make the the headlines... cool huh?
Ok, so it might not really be an exergame, but it shares a lot of features with the active gaming products. - It can be used to improve health and fitness
- It has the potential for weight management
- It can be fun and engaging
- It has potential for competition
- It could be used socially
- It can develop physical skills
However, the basketball, and the exergaming product, while having all this potential, actually do none of the above. Look at the picture below. Now this is achieving all of the above. Do you see how small the basketball actually is in the picture? It's the game that's achieving all of the above, not the ball. The same is true for active gaming products.
Sat on it's own the basketball does nothing. Picked up and used in a game it suddenly becomes the enabler for all the fitness, weight loss, competition, social and skill development objectives. Some exergames are better at providing a start down this path than others, but in essence, it's the implementation of how you use an active gaming product that is the key between successes and failures
Most exergames benefit from programming. That is a set of objectives and a plan on how to meet those objectives by using the equipment. It is about setting tasks to achieve goals. PE teachers regularly write lesson plans to reach the objectives of a curriculum. Each lesson takes one or more aspects to develop and work on.
Some exergames take it upon themselves to implement "programming", but this often fails. An exergame needs to be adaptable to start with to be successful. See below as an example of how a rigid exergame can't tick the boxes of one that allows programming and professional instruction.
What have we learned? We have learned that exergame products are tools, and the effectiveness in using them obviously depends on their basic attributes, but more so on the way the exergame is being used.
We have learned that the games and enjoyment are a great route to reach goals, and that planning is an important aspect in this. I think 2010 will be the year people will be the focus in exergaming, the implementers will make the headlines, and the products seen in the supporting role.
Get Your Bike On! ExerGaming Bike Bonanza Round-Up
Exergaming Bikes
Do you realise there's 15 implementations of exercise cycles that connect to a console, PC or the internet? There's some pretty poor implementations, but quailty aside, this is a post of quantity!
Fitness cycles are found in the gym, traditional cycling is used in government health promotion and is never questioned as a cardio workout. There's distinct categories within the 16 products.
1. Speed Mediated Gaming - The faster you pedal the faster your car/cycle/monster truck etc goes on screen. Most products are in this category, and most implementations are for PS2. Due to licencing restrictions, digital next gen bike controllers are limited to home brew versions.
2. Movement Mediated Gaming - Play any game, so long as you are exercising. Stop exercising and the game play is paused. Patented Gamercize interaction products, working with all the next generation consoles and PC.
3. Non-Movement Mediated Gaming - Not actually connected in any way to a game, similar to Movement Mediated Gaming, but if you stop pedalling there's no reminder to get moving again. You have to bring your own motivation along because there's no incentive to keep moving.
4. Bike Simulator/Trainer - The exercise is a bike, and so is the game. Involves some of the internet connected machines and a popular gym addition. I prefer the outdoor challenge, but the racing aspect gives a reason to make a great activity electronic.
(via http://exergamelab.blogspot.com/2010/01/get-your-bike-on-exergaming-bike.html )
(via http://exergamelab.blogspot.com/2010/01/get-your-bike-on-exergaming-bike.html )
Thursday, January 7
Why You Should Not Go to the Gym in January
And how to avoid becoming a fitness fool!
This time of year is the absolutely worst time to go to the gym. All through the winter your gym was your gym. You could use any of the equipment, find a parking space, meet up with pals. But not this month. Oh no, the wrecking ball of newbie fitness members is here.
You know they type, they come on board with a 12 month membership, but chances are by March you'll never see them again. They try to go from years on the sofa to 110% effort in 1 hour, they clog up the machines, they take the staff's time up, the mess up the weights. You know the type.
So what do you do instead? Forget about it. Leave the gym alone for a month or two. "How do I keep fit with this appalling weather, risking injuries that'll put me out for months?" I hear you say. Exergaming, that's how. It's video games with a fitness twist, and yes, you may have heard of Wii Fit, but what I'm asking you to look at is something a bit more focused to the trained eye.
Wii Fit is a poor substitute for the gym, there's little or no exercise element, unlike the gym it's a solitary experience that'll leave you bored and frustrated. If you know exercise then you need to look at the Gamercize Family Fit. Why? Because it's a proper exercise machine. The recumbent cycle has magnetic resistance, so it's a smooth and powerful as a your cardio bikes in the fitness studio. What's more it also doubles as a full sized rowing machine, with a useful feature to avoid injury - a back rest.
Even more than it's outstanding fitness qualities; it is an exergame, working with the latest releases and the all time favorites alike. So long as your mind is in the game, your body is in the workout zone. Don't stop exercising or the game will pause to remind you to keep moving.
If you have tried Wii Fit or Wii Fit Plus and found it a little on the undemanding side for entertainment, then the Gamercize Family Fit can tempt you with real games. Modern Warfare 2 to your liking? Maybe Forza 3 then, or Mario Kart Wii? Try Uncharted 2, Ratchet and Clank, Mirror's Edge, Tekken 2, Mass Effect 2 - in fact, any one of thousands of previously sedentary games out there on the Xbox 360, Wii or PlayStation 3.
See you back in the gym in March, and when you just don't have the time to make it, there's always your Gamercize Family Fit at home!
Tuesday, January 5
Five Wrongs of Exergaming
Exergaming is the 2010 Fitness Trend News!
Exergaming has been in the spotlight a lot in the last four or five days and it's not surprising. Make fitness accessible to all, make it fun and put that idea in front of people at a time New Year's Resolutions, exercise and diet are foremost in the mind - it's a winner. Mainstream media though has a few misconceptions of exergaming. Time to right the wrongs.
- Exergaming isn't good exercise - We, in the exergaming industry, tend to see this from a lot of mainstream media outlets. There's really no excuse for this "con" as many exergames are based on full body movements or genuine fitness machines.
- Exergaming is just a craze - This common statement does make me smile, exergaming may be news to the unwitting reporter, but it's been around in one form or another for 25 years, with the last five years being the most exciting. There's many more years left for the premier fitness option.
- Exergaming won't get you fit - This is a concerning statement that you often read from unresearched articles of the big news outlets. What they are looking at here are a few studies that show one single exergame failing, it's not the majority experience, but I guess it makes news.
- Exergaming is just for Seniors - Again and again we see stories of exergaming helping seniors with unstrenuous movements. Isn't this great? Don't forget that there's exergames out there that really kick out the numbers in calories, up to 650 calories an hour!
- Exergaming means Wii - The worst misconception, and the company that's responsible for all of the above shortcomings, and branding exergaming with the failings. If authors want to write about Wii and point out how it fails, call it Wii - if you want to write about exergaming, look a little deeper and you'll find answers to all the concerns in other products.
For a balanced view of exergaming take a look at The Exergame Network, a non-profit, non-affiliated collective of exergaming industry experts, industry captains, researchers and today's students forming the next generation of educators. Join this network and get answer to your questions on LinkedIn.
With my own experience with Gamercize I can personally dispel the misconceptions with genuine exercise from real fitness machines, genuine sustainability from the latest and future game releases , genuine enjoyment from ability to play any game and appeal to all ages from the support of all consoles and all genres of video game.Sunday, January 3
Compensation for Wii Fit owners
Gamercize Mail-in Refund for Wii Fit
We're giving money back on Gamercize products to Wii Fit owners. The reason is simple, we've seen lots of studies claiming exergaming isn't exercise, studies saying exergaming is no good for fitness. All of these stories have a common fault - Wii Fit. Thanks Nintendo, you're making us all look bad.
Here's how we can change that. Look at the world of exergaming. See there's a lot more to it that virtual gyms. One leading exergame expert, Dr Ernie Medina, said "I find running around a track boring, so how does running around a track on screen make it any more interesting?". He's right of course, the point of exergaming is fun.
Fun and game play is central to the core values of Gamercize, this makes the genuine level of exercise that is inbuilt with Gamercize sustainable. What you get from exergaming should be about the game, about having fun and getting fitter as a byproduct. This is why Wii Fit is letting the exergaming side down by allowing people to think its a fun fitness tool. This is why we're stepping up and putting up the cash to make things right for Wii Fit owners.
Take a look at http://www.gamercize.net where you'll find details of how to qualify for this offer, that includes 3 months GZ Personal Trainer membership.
Friday, January 1
The Best 2010 New Year Fitness Resolution - Refund the Wii Fit
Enough of the hype, let's get fit with exergaming!Gamercize is offering free virtual gym membership and mail-in rebates with its range of active gaming products in exchange for unwanted Wii Fit discs. Gamercize makes New Years fitness and weight loss resolutions more achievable.
Gamers who want to get fit but found Wii Fit lacking in enjoyment or exertion can take advantage of this offer to experience exergaming with Gamercize. Trading in your Wii Fit discs will entitle you to a mail-in rebate worth up to $150/70GBP. To help with New Year Resolutions to lose weight and improve fitness, Gamercize is also offering a full 3 month virtual gym membership of their GZ Personal Trainer programme free.
Patented Gamercize interaction is non-intrusive by allowing normal game play while working out on a range of fitness machines, pausing the player from the game if they stop. The minimal interaction allows players to have their mind in the game while their body is in the workout. Gamercize works with every sedentary game, ensuring it never gets boring. In tests Gamercize equipment has been proven six times more engaging than exercise alternatives and four times more energetic than Wii.
"I can attest first hand to the positive impact that this product has on children, teens and adults after seeing so many of our locations having huge success with it. Recently our Exergame Fitness advisory board member Dr. Stephen Yang of SUNY Cortland demonstrated the full potential of Gamercize. Stephen had an entire gym class consisting of future PE Teachers that were playing Gamercize tournaments using the NBA Basketball Xbox game. It was great to see the social aspect of the product and hear the praise from students." adds Tommy Seilheimer, CEO of Exergame Fitness USA.
The GZ Personal Trainer software included in this offer is accessed via the internet or 3G mobile phone. The membership software provides a link to real fitness professionals who help motivate while tracking your calorie burn and progress against key health indicators towards your goals.From January 1st the full Gamercize range of active gaming products, including the GZ Power Stepper, GZ Endurance Cycle, GZ Family Fit 3 in 1 recumbent cycle and rower and the GZ PC-Sport under desk stepper, will carry a 10% mail-in rebate plus 3 months GZ Personal Trainer membership in exchange for unwanted Wii Fit discs.
"Time and time again I hear of exergaming falling short of the mark in research studies and personal experiences, all due to expectations having been set far higher than the best known product can deliver. Since 2006 Gamercize, by contrast, has continually stepped up and faced the challenging demands of the consumer, delivered and never disappointed. This offer is designed to help people rediscover active gaming, but this time with genuine fitness and honest game play enjoyment." says Gamercize CEO, Richard Coshott.
Saturday, December 19
Exergame Experts wish you "healthy holidays" with Video Games
The holiday season is always a health rollercoaster. We eat too much, watch too much TV and exercise too little and then make New Years resolutions that we can't keep. This year, make a change with Exergaming. The Exergame Network (TEN) reveals five ways of getting fit with video games, perfect for school kids to silver gamers with fun as the focus!
The good news for these holidays is you can over-indulge in fitness and fun by Exergaming. Exergaming is the combination of video games and exercise, ideal for a fun, social way to keep fit during the festive period. The Exergame Network brings you five Exergaming methods to suit everyone regardless of their age, ability or fitness level.
Most health and fitness resolutions revolve around dieting and joining a gym, but this doesn't work for everyone. So what about the rest of us, those that dislike gyms, dieting, boot camps or just find conventional fitness boring?
Exergaming succeeds because it makes exercise fun and involving. The exercise seems less difficult and second to the enjoyment of playing. Choosing the right style of Exergaming is vital in making it fun for you! The following CREWS list is a 'something for everyone' selection from five Exergaming catagories (for an interactive tour visit CREWS ):
1. Camera Exergaming – Your whole body becomes the controller as your movements are motion captured into the game (Eyetoy:Kinetic/Groove/Antigrav, Your Shape, Project Natal & Trazer 2)
2. Rhythm Exergaming – Become the musician or dancer and be guided by the music while the exergame records your dance steps or your musical timing. (Rock Band, Guitar Hero, We Cheer, DDR & iDANCE)
3. Exergaming Machines – Using real fitness equipment, the fun of the games takes your mind of the exercise. (Gamercize, Gamebike, Fitclub, GameCycle, BrainBike & Expresso Bikes)
4. Workout Exergaming – Follow your virtual personal trainer as they guide you through your workout giving feedback on your form and storing your progress. (EA Sports Active, The Biggest Loser, Your Shape and Wii Fit Plus)
5. Sensory Exergaming – These commercial exergames get you jumping and running for your score. (Lightspace Play, Makoto, BodyPad: Tekken 5, SmartUs & TWall)
TEN reminds you to think of 'CREWS' as an amazing way to engage, motivate and sustain exercise over your lifetime! To discover more about Exergaming, get practical advice and more information from TEN or connect with us on twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook . Now enjoy what some of the leaders on Exergaming have to say and how Exergaming can truly benefit everyone!
“Exergaming Machines are a time saving way to keep me fit. Last week I clocked up over 9 hours of genuine cardio, just by playing the latest Xbox release! It is important that everyone finds the Exergaming method that works for them, if you enjoy the activity there’s more chance of keeping at it and reaching the fitness benefits. Nothing kept in the back of the cupboard will improve health.” Richard Coshott, Gamercize Founder and CEO.
"People who normally don’t like to be physically active are willing to try Exergaming because it’s FUN. Parents tell me that this is the first time they’ve seen their kids sweat this much…and they don’t want to stop playing the exergames! Exergaming is the best intervention for the “couch potato”, and introduces physical activity that’s fun for the first time in their lives." Ernie Medina, Jr., DrPH, CHFS, preventive care specialist, Beaver Medical Group; CEO & “Exergaming Evangelist”, MedPlay Technologies.
“In Physical Education, we strive to provide a safe and positive learning environment that supports the needs and abilities of our students. Exergaming, in its many forms, is available in schools (before and after-school), at home, and in the community and thus has the potential to impact students.” Stephen Yang, Ph.D-ABD, M.S., B.S., Co-Director ExerGame Lab, Assistant Professor, State University of New York College at Cortland.
“Exergaming offers an alternative method of increasing heart-rate and building muscle bulk for those with disabilities. Real-world boxing, for example, offers an excellent aerobic workout for many able-bodied individuals, however is impossible for many with disabilities. Video-game based boxing, however, allows for simulated boxing with an avatar that is safe and achievable, while simultaneously being aerobically challenging. " Sheryl Flynn PT, PhD, Co-Founder Games4Rehab.com.
For more information - see the non-ploitical, non-commerical wiki site for T.E.N.
The good news for these holidays is you can over-indulge in fitness and fun by Exergaming. Exergaming is the combination of video games and exercise, ideal for a fun, social way to keep fit during the festive period. The Exergame Network brings you five Exergaming methods to suit everyone regardless of their age, ability or fitness level.
Most health and fitness resolutions revolve around dieting and joining a gym, but this doesn't work for everyone. So what about the rest of us, those that dislike gyms, dieting, boot camps or just find conventional fitness boring?
Exergaming succeeds because it makes exercise fun and involving. The exercise seems less difficult and second to the enjoyment of playing. Choosing the right style of Exergaming is vital in making it fun for you! The following CREWS list is a 'something for everyone' selection from five Exergaming catagories (for an interactive tour visit CREWS ):
1. Camera Exergaming – Your whole body becomes the controller as your movements are motion captured into the game (Eyetoy:Kinetic/Groove/Antigrav, Your Shape, Project Natal & Trazer 2)
2. Rhythm Exergaming – Become the musician or dancer and be guided by the music while the exergame records your dance steps or your musical timing. (Rock Band, Guitar Hero, We Cheer, DDR & iDANCE)
3. Exergaming Machines – Using real fitness equipment, the fun of the games takes your mind of the exercise. (Gamercize, Gamebike, Fitclub, GameCycle, BrainBike & Expresso Bikes)
4. Workout Exergaming – Follow your virtual personal trainer as they guide you through your workout giving feedback on your form and storing your progress. (EA Sports Active, The Biggest Loser, Your Shape and Wii Fit Plus)
5. Sensory Exergaming – These commercial exergames get you jumping and running for your score. (Lightspace Play, Makoto, BodyPad: Tekken 5, SmartUs & TWall)
TEN reminds you to think of 'CREWS' as an amazing way to engage, motivate and sustain exercise over your lifetime! To discover more about Exergaming, get practical advice and more information from TEN or connect with us on twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook . Now enjoy what some of the leaders on Exergaming have to say and how Exergaming can truly benefit everyone!
“Exergaming Machines are a time saving way to keep me fit. Last week I clocked up over 9 hours of genuine cardio, just by playing the latest Xbox release! It is important that everyone finds the Exergaming method that works for them, if you enjoy the activity there’s more chance of keeping at it and reaching the fitness benefits. Nothing kept in the back of the cupboard will improve health.” Richard Coshott, Gamercize Founder and CEO.
"People who normally don’t like to be physically active are willing to try Exergaming because it’s FUN. Parents tell me that this is the first time they’ve seen their kids sweat this much…and they don’t want to stop playing the exergames! Exergaming is the best intervention for the “couch potato”, and introduces physical activity that’s fun for the first time in their lives." Ernie Medina, Jr., DrPH, CHFS, preventive care specialist, Beaver Medical Group; CEO & “Exergaming Evangelist”, MedPlay Technologies.
“In Physical Education, we strive to provide a safe and positive learning environment that supports the needs and abilities of our students. Exergaming, in its many forms, is available in schools (before and after-school), at home, and in the community and thus has the potential to impact students.” Stephen Yang, Ph.D-ABD, M.S., B.S., Co-Director ExerGame Lab, Assistant Professor, State University of New York College at Cortland.
“Exergaming offers an alternative method of increasing heart-rate and building muscle bulk for those with disabilities. Real-world boxing, for example, offers an excellent aerobic workout for many able-bodied individuals, however is impossible for many with disabilities. Video-game based boxing, however, allows for simulated boxing with an avatar that is safe and achievable, while simultaneously being aerobically challenging. " Sheryl Flynn PT, PhD, Co-Founder Games4Rehab.com.
For more information - see the non-ploitical, non-commerical wiki site for T.E.N.
Monday, December 7
Position Vacant - Exergame Evangelist
So you want to be an Exergamer?
Many people claim to be in the position of professing the future of enjoyable exercise through video games, but it takes a certain metal to make the grade. If you think you have what it takes, read on...
You know there's more than one exergame on the planet (Yes, bore me with your "I read some bog posts" knowledge of Wii Fit somewhere else), you don't spam listserves or LinkedIn groups with mindless links or piggybacks no one cares to read or reply to? Well, maybe you can join ... the Exergaming Evangelists! Here's the job:
WANTED - EXERGAME EVANGELIST
Follow in the footsteps of the Chief Exergame Evangelist and promote a form of physical activity that is the 21st century answer to inactivity and obesity.
Experience Required : You need to have delivered exergaming first hand to lots and lots (and lots) of people, and seen the realization in their eyes that fitness means fun, not pain.
Debating skills : You must be able to appreciate the viewpoints but firmly be able to counter the following arguments (using your own experience, research findings or yourself and others and first hand comments from users you have intorduced to exergaming):
1. Exergaming is not as much exercise as sport
2. Exergaming is not good enough to be MPVA
3. Exergaming is a fad and won't be used long enough
4. Exergaming is not social
5. Exergaming promotes those bad video games
6. Exergaming is too heavily branded - doesn't fit in with unbranded PE
7. Exergaming is keeping kids indoors when they should be outside
8. Exergaming is too hard to integrate in PE
9. Exergaming is unreliable and breaks down
10. Exergaming costs too much to buy and support
11. Exergaming doesn't include monitoring
12. Exergaming is a commercial solution that cannot be recommended by by non-profit/government
13. Exergaming research is commercially based and unreliable
14. Exergaming provides incorrect medical analysis
15. Exergaming is just for kids
16. Exergaming hasn't been proven to work for gateway effect / weight loss
17. Exergaming takes participants away from traditional sport
18. Wii Fit is endorsed by the NHS Change4Life Campaign
Background : You must have come from either the Fitness Industry, the Gaming Industry or the Parentally encumbered (tick as many as applies!!)
Remuneration: Nothing in cash terms. You must love people and exergaming enough to give up your free time and energy to help others with this new way of activity.
Well, I hope the last point hasn't put you off applying, if you can't see the benefits of exergaming past the dollar signs then you're better off in the carbon trading derivatives markets!!
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