No replacement for real exercise

Lately ive read many posts stating the benefits of the Nintendo Wii and how people are using it to get active and fit, Parents are encouraging inactive children to get active using the Wii, But its not exactly doing what you think it is. Nothing can replace being active on the field or the swimming pool etc.

Interactive games such as the Nintendo Wii are far better for children than conventional computer games like the Xbox or Playstation but they do not tackle the obesity problem in children.

A study has shown that playing virtual sports such as boxing, tennis, bowling and aerobics on the Nintendo Wii burned around 50% more energy than playing computer games where you remain motionless. Real boxing burns over twice as much energy as Wii boxing, Real tennis is 77% more demanding than the electronic version, and conventional tenpin bowling uses more 15% more calories than virtual tenpin bowling.

A child who plays Wii sports will use about 2% more energy than a child playing Xbox or Playstation and the activity isn't enough to be counted as recommended daily physical activity. However these games can play a role in weight management and are preferred over Xbox and Playstation.