Can We Get Fit by Playing Video Games? Yes Wii Can!

The American Heart Association (AHA) and Nintendo of America have joined forces to get Americans active through virtual play.  Approximately 70% of the nation's population do not meet the current recommendations for physical activity to promote health (approximately 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise).  Time constraints and perceptions that exercise is not enjoyable are top reasons for why Americans don't engage in physical activity.

The AHA and Nintendo hope that by joining forces they can reach a broader audience and "Inform", "Empower,"and get American's "Active".  Their goal is to increase the awareness that active-play video games, such as the Wii Fit Plus and Wii Sports Resort, can be a means by which individuals increase their physical activity levels as part of a healthy lifestyle.  This joint force will help Americans to:

• Get Informed:  Soon, American's will notice that the packaging for Nintendo's active-play video game products, such as Wii Fit Plus and Wii Sports Resort, will begin to carry the American Heart Association brand to remind people to "Get Active" for optimal health.  As part of their "Get Informed" campaign, the AHA and Nintendo have created an online resource, www.activeplaynow.com, where Americans can find tips and information about how to increase daily physical activity in an enjoyable way.
• Get Empowered:  Americans are encouraged to think "outside the box" and get creative with the ways they increase their daily physical activity.  The AHA and Nintendo want to help Americans take control of their health by making exercise fun through active-play video games and participating in the AHA's Start! Heart Walks.  
• Get Active:  Exercise can be fun and easily accessible.  Nintendo's active-play video games are enjoyable and can be performed in the comfort of your own home.

Exercise is necessary, but it shouldn't feel like a chore.  If physical activity is enjoyable you are more likely to continue it for a lifetime.  By getting creative and thinking "outside the box," you can find ways to include exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle.  Active-play video games is one way to accomplish this.

Note:  Before beginning an exercise program or increasing the intensity level of a current routine, a physician's approval should be obtained, especially for older adults and those at risk for or who currently have chronic health conditions.