Are exercise videos and interactive video games considered physical activity?
Physical activity is any body movement that uses energy. Exercise videos and video games that get your body moving, like Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) and Wii, can help kids get an hour a day of physical activity. Movement-oriented videos and games are a fun alternative to traditional physical activity (i.e., sports, walking, or biking) and still provide some of the same health benefits. These are also a great way to be active as a family. Try setting up a family challenge that everyone can enjoy together! Just remember that it’s best for kids to experience many types of physical activity, including those that get them outdoors. Doing the real activity, not just acting it out in a video game, helps kids burn the energy they need to stay at a healthy weight. So although exercise videos and video games that get your body moving can be beneficial, think of them as just one of the many ways you can fit in one hour of physical activity each day.
