While some studies have shown a link between excessive video game playtime and obesity, there is now a way to get buff while you’re gaming. The answer lies in an assortment of new game concepts designed to get you off the couch and in the groove. Whether you choose to dance your way thin or try an assortment of more manly sports, the Wii gaming system can get you in shape from the comfort of your living room.

Gaming for the Non-Gamer

These at home workouts are not remotely like the DVD aerobics of days past. With a Wii system, you can compete against each other or against the system in sports like tennis, baseball, golf and boxing. By simulating the motions with the Wii wand of these various activities, you can effectively work up a sweat, burn some calories and tone some muscle at the same time. And the Nintendo Company that created this gaming system is continuing to bring new sports to the gaming dads of the world, introducing a ninja games and their own version of Dance Revolution.

While the Wii may not replace visits to the gym entirely, it is a good way to fit some aerobic activity into your day. There are reports of guys who have lost weight and improved their fitness levels simply by playing on this system for 30 minutes most days of the week. And the younger guys in your family can benefit from the workout as well, when the weather does not permit outdoor activities like bike riding and a neighborhood game of touch football.

Wii Warnings

The activity level for many of the Wii games has been enough for some guys to experience sore muscles and even injuries from overuse or overzealous playtime. The California Athletic Trainers Association has come up with a few guidelines to follow when playing on your Wii to help you avoid injury. First, always warm up your muscles before warming up your gaming system, by doing a few jumping jacks or walking in place for a few minutes. It is also a good idea to do some light stretching of the muscles you will be using during your Wii workout. It is also a good idea to wear appropriate shoes that will offer your feet and ankles the proper support during play.

If you want to try a Wii workout for yourself, make sure you treat the time as an exercise program and not simply a game. This means paying attention to your body to make sure your movements are correct for the sport you are playing, and heeding any pain the movements cause. It is also a good idea to limit your playtime to no more than an hour a day, to avoid the chronic issues that some repetitive motions can cause.

With the proper preparation, a Wii workout can be a great way to get in shape and lose that beer belly you have been trying to ignore. The best thing about a workout like this is that you can have so much fun playing the games, you may not even notice that you are getting fit in the process. Isn’t it nice to know that something healthy has come from the gaming industry? Play on.

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