Video gaming has been believed to be one of the causes of childhood obesity but this is changing with Nintendo’s Wii. The game console gets people up and moving and is being used by people of all ages.

The game has you holding controllers that require movement in order for you to win. There aren’t just games for teens and tweens either. Everyone from your preschooler to your grandma can be entertained and become addicted.

Play boxing games that require you to do a Billy Blanks type tae-bo workout. You will likely be surprised at the feeling of having had a real strenuous workout when you wake up the next day! You can play tennis and swing your arms like Anna or Venus.. Play baseball and find you’re breaking a sweat. You might even want to dress up in funny shoes and gawdy shirts to do family bowling tournaments.

Whether with the wii or another gaming system like the Sony PlayStation, interactive games like Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution get you up on your feet instead of being sat on your rump getting repetitive stress injuries on your wrists. So,  you can not only get exercise but you can burn calories too!. There’s another bonus to this: family time! As a family you can enjoy family game nights that get you all using coordination skills and having a laugh together. They family who plays and prays together stays together 

When you buy your gaming console such as the Wii it comes with the Sports package that includes many games that get you up and moving so for one price you can get a running start at that active lifestyle you’ve been trying to talk yourself into. You can also try out different games at the video store before buying.  This latest craze is a hit with people of all ages and there are all kinds of accessories that look like the real deal such as tennis racquets, baseball bats, golf clubs, light sabres and target practice equipment so that it feels like the real deal.  It’s not going to replace a gym membership but it’s definitely a start in a more active lifestyle as well as getting your kids up and moving.