I finally had a chance to use a Wii. After getting by some initial embarrassment, I had an terrible lot of fun! I tried the tennis game and, sadly decent, I’m as not good at virtual tennis as I am on an actual tennis court. While the Wii was certainly more active than playing any other video game system, it wasn’t nearly the same type of exercise as a real sport.

Both Bev and Bethany have written about the exercise potential in the interactive gaming system before. And, compared to sitting like a lump playing regular video games, the Wii is a great thing. But it doesn’t take the place of real exercise. The active games are a great alternative to regular video games. plus, many of the games aren’t violence based — as a parent, I know I appreciate that. They plus offer hand-eye coordination benefits. And, for kids

(or adults) who aren’t active at all, the games may be a stepping stone for developing interest in real sports.

So the Wii isn’t a not good thing at all. But don’t count moment spent playing interactive video games as exercise date. It’s just not the same as the real thing. The CDC recommends that kids be physically active for at least an hour every day. So put absent the video tennis, seize a racquet, and play a game of REAL tennis with your kids.

Original post by Maggie Vink

yankee stadium restaurants NYC new york bay ridge broadway staten island Queens bronx mets shea stadium shopping knicks New York City Manhatten giants attractions sightseeing madison square garden Brooklyn NY jets hotels tours