The American Heart Association found that Wii games like Wii Sports and Wii Fit are gateways to real exercise. The AHA had an opinion prior the survey, but to put it to the test it conducted a survey. The results showed that nearly 70 percent of respondents considered games such as Wii Sports Resort and Wii Fit real forms of physical activity.
TV station My Fox Houston solicited the opinion of Dr. Barry A. Franklin, who calls this phenomenon "the gateway effect." While he stresses that these games are no substitute for a real exercise regimen, they do encourage people to get healthier. Here's some select quotes from Franklin:
"The fact of the matter is that 70 percent of Americans don’t exercise," Franklin said. "Some of the reasons they don’t exercise s that it’s not enjoyable, it’s no fun, and it’s not readily accessible."
"Often times the boxing, the golfing, and other activities have an energy expenditure that is equivalent to slow, moderate walking," Franklin said. "That’s a lot better than sitting on the couch."
Indeed.
With PlayStation Move out and Kinect on its way soon, Americans will have even more ways to get up and get moving. Xbox 360 Kinect is set to hit North America on November 4.
