Blog Articles

Case Study on Exergaming for Kids with Behavioral Issues – Preliminary Report

by Dan Lawler, Ph.D. on May 6, 2013 at 3:43pm

In schools today students who engage in antisocial behaviors are a real challenge for teachers and administrators.  Too often these behaviors diminish a student’s ability to learn and often interrupt the education of others.  Many times teachers and schools apply restrictions to privileges, more seat time, anger management strategies, and suspensions as a remedy for these behaviors.  A few months ago I assisted a middle school with initiating an alternative to...

AAHPERD Driving Toward a Healthier Generation Through Technology and Exergames

by Jeffrey Dammann on Apr 16, 2013 at 10:28am

The 2013 AAHPERD National Convention and Exposition being held in Charlotte, North Carolina, is coming up fast!  The convention takes place April 23-27th and over 5,000 health, physical education, recreation, dance, and sport professionals are expected to attend the show. AAHPERD, which stands for the American Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance has over 20,000 members and is the largest organization of professionals involved in physical...

Exerfit Family Fitness Center Brings Exergame To Their Members

by Jeffrey Dammann on Apr 15, 2013 at 9:38am

Exerfit Family Fitness in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, will be starting the 2013 summer off with a new addition to their family fitness center, a state of the art Exergame room! This is an exciting new element and is part of the Fitness 2.0 movement where technology and exercise are integrating.  Exerfit has been a Baton Rouge recreation community center for families to come and bring their children for a full fitness experience.  Offering programs for children and adults alike,...

North Crawford School District Gets Their Group Dance Class On

by Jeffrey Dammann on Apr 1, 2013 at 2:02pm

North Crawford School District in Wisconsin gets students moving in physical education classes with Exergaming.  Exergaming, or interactive gaming as some would call it, is technology, gamification, and fitness combined.   It is a better way to educate the importance of fitness because it makes the fitness experience fun, and keeps children engaged.  They have been playing videogames all their life, so shifting sedentary screen time into active game play, and reinforcing...

PEP Grants, What Are They And How Do We Get One for Our School or Facility?

by Parker Johnson, Relationship Manager on Mar 12, 2013 at 5:02pm

ON PEP GRANTS (Carol White Physical Education Program) The Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) provides grants to local educational agencies and community-based organizations to initiate, expand, or enhance physical education programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade to help students meet their state standards for physical education.  Money from PEP Grants may be used to purchase physical education equipment, provide support for students, provide...

Fitness 2.0, What it is And How it Benefits You

by Jeffrey Dammann, MSIS on Feb 27, 2013 at 4:59pm

Fitness 2.0 is an ideology, an ideology which has emerged out of the advancements we have made as a community, which is constantly working and creating one system that works, which leads to a new and improved system that works even better. This process in the health and wellness world has lead to something called Fitness 2.0.  But before I can explain it in more detail, it is important to frame what Fitness 1.0 is, or was, and how it differs from what Fitness 2.0 has become, and what it...

Exergame Fitness Educates the World at the Exergame Education Workshop 2013

by Ashley Staley on Feb 26, 2013 at 1:02pm

On average, children spend three to seven hours a day parked in front of a television.  Whether it’s watching after school cartoons, the Disney Channel, or playing video games, the rate of child obesity has had a drastic increase throughout the course of the past 20 years.  Let’s Move!  a campaign launched by First Lady Michelle Obama, has an ambitious but important goal: to solve the epidemic of childhood obesity within a generation.  This nationwide...

Case Study on Exergaming for Kids with Behavioral Issues

by Dr. Dan Lawler on Feb 21, 2013 at 5:07pm

In schools today students who engage in antisocial behaviors are a real challenge for teachers and administrators.  Too often these behaviors diminish a student’s ability to learn and often interrupt the education of others.  Many times teachers and schools apply restrictions to privileges, more seat time, anger management strategies, and suspensions as a remedy for these behaviors.  A few months ago I assisted a middle school with initiating an alternative to...

The ExerGaming Lab As an Effective Tool to Help Students With Behavior Issues

by Dan Lawler, Ph.D. on Jan 17, 2013 at 11:27am

The ExerGaming Lab As an Effective Tool to Help Students With Behavior IssuesSocietal and clinical concern of antisocial behavior in school-aged children is significant. Students engaging in antisocial behavior represent a major challenge in the school system (Cihak, Kirk and Boon, 2009) and account for a large proportion of placements in special education classes (Knitzer, Steinberg, and Fleisch, 1990). Despite significant support and interventions, issues involving anti-social behavior...

The Works Family Health and Fitness Center gets a tWALL

by Jeff Dammann on Jan 14, 2013 at 12:08pm

Back in December before the holidays demanded everyone’s attention, we traveled to The Works Family Health and Fitness Center in New Hampshire and installed the gift of tWALL.  It has been a month now and we have finally had the opportunity to speak with The Works and find out how things are going since we have been there.    Maria Jennings the Supervised Youth & Adult Sports Manager at The Works wanted to bring some new excitement into fitness. Not quite...

Happy New Year From Team Exergame Fitness!

by Jeff Dammann on Jan 9, 2013 at 4:30pm

Being that this is our first blog post since the beginning of the new year, we at Exergame Fitness hope that everyone had a great holiday!  As we all go back into the daily grind pursuing our life passions, we should remind ourselves that our new years resolutions need to be a part of our daily missions. I read a surprising infographic, yet not that surprising, which stated that 45% of all new years resolutions are health related.  Whether that is losing weight, eating healthier,...

The Best Way to Postpone Dementia is with Exercise

by Jen Wolfe on Dec 6, 2012 at 11:44am

What’s the best way to stay mentally sharp well into old age? According to a recent study by experts at Edinburgh University, it's not brain games. Turns out exercise may be the most effective way to keep elderly minds as big and functional as possible. More so than brain teasers and social interaction, exercise was associated with the biggest boost in brainpower. What can you do to be around for your grandkids? The study tested 638 Scottish 70-year-olds by having them...

First Care For Then Educate

by By Dan Lawler, Ph.D. and Bev Bachman, M.Ed. on Nov 26, 2012 at 3:50pm

Peter Senge, in his 1990 book entitled The Fifth Discipline, talked specifically about well-intentioned goals and aspirations often leading to unpredicted outcomes that even the best leaders and thinkers could not have anticipated.  Certainly a 1981 government document release called “The Nation at Risk” intended to bring attention to the need for education to improve for all kids.  What evolved over the years was a tightening of curriculum, the development...

HEALTHY Armstrong, Incorporating Technology into Physical Education

by Jeff Dammann on Nov 19, 2012 at 1:12pm

In 2004 the state of Pennsylvania mandated all school districts to measure and track students Body Mass Indexes(BMI) and develop a Wellness Policy for students. Armstrong School District, located an hour north of Pittsburgh, has taken this initiative and created a coalition to address the problem of childhood obesity in Armstrong county. The coalition, called HEALTHY Armstrong, which is an acronym for Healthy Eating Active Lifestyles Together Helping Youth, has maintained excellent health in...

Suffolk Zone 2012 NYS AHPERD Conference showcasing Exergaming

by Jeff Dammann on Nov 9, 2012 at 12:31pm

New York suffered a huge blow due to Hurricane Sandy and while people were waiting in lines with gas cans at every gas station, the 2012 Suffolk Zone Professional Development Conference remained on schedule, drawing hundreds of physical education professionals from across the state of New York.   The NYS AHPERD, which stands for New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, has been hosting the Suffolk Zone event for the past couple years...

Exergame Fitness at Games for Health 2012

by Jeff Dammann on Oct 31, 2012 at 12:58pm

The first week of November will be a busy week for us here at Exergame Fitness.   Part of our team will be in New York for the Suffolk Zone Professional Development Conference 2012 event held at Sachem School District, and another part of our team will be overseas in Amsterdam at the Games for Health Europe 2012 Conference. Games for Health is a series of conferences that showcase the health and research implications of video games. Back in the spring, Motion Fitness was a...

Suffolk Zone 2012 NYS AHPERD Professional Development Conference

by Jeff Dammann on Oct 30, 2012 at 9:48am

The state of New York is facing some serious weather right now, but next week if the state survives the New York AHPERD will be hosting their annual Suffolk Zone conference where over 800 physical education teachers, school administrators, and fitness industry personal will get together and showcase the latest methods at bringing children into healthy active lifestyles.    This year you will find the Suffolk Zone event at Sachem School District which has made some huge...

Sierra Vista Jr. High Physical Education Demonstration

by George Velarde on Oct 29, 2012 at 2:23pm

As the Physical Education Department Chair at Sierra Vista Jr. High School, our PE program hosts PE Demonstrations for educators, principals, superintendents, and community leaders from all around the country to come and see the “New PE”curriculum in action. The demonstrations are designed to get them excited about the possibilities on how a comprehensive curriculum is implemented on a daily basis and the variety of equipment that is used to increase...

Exergaming in the Modern School

by Jeff Dammann on Oct 16, 2012 at 11:44am

Those of us who were lucky enough to get one of the first video game systems and play the game Pong all remember playing long hours with family and friends in the living room. Video games have come a long way since then, but still require a lot of living room time, most likely on the couch.  This has led to very sedentary lifestyles for children, yet a new form of gaming is beginning to emerge, that being Exergaming. Exergaming combines physical activity with video games,...

Integrating ExerGaming with Instruction: One Model

by By Dan Lawler, Ph.D. on Oct 9, 2012 at 12:12pm

By Dan Lawler, Ph.D. This school year a Title I teacher in Colorado will be integrating into her teaching both effective practices in literacy instruction and current research on how exercise prepares the brain for learning.   She is a strong literacy teacher, long grounded in strategies that have been supported by research in reading instruction.   This year she is excited to add this new dimension to her literacy lessons by having her classes participate in 5...

Target Fitness Games make an Impact in the Exergame Market

on Sep 27, 2012 at 10:42am

New products like the Nexersys keep the Exergaming market fresh by combining technology, games, and fitness.   Exercise and getting a great workout does not need to be work, it does not need to be boring, it can be fun and engaging.  All good Exergaming products will do this. Commercial grade Exergame products have been used for many years in health clubs and non-profit facilities around the world.  They started out targeted towards kids to keep them active while...

Play Games to Get Healthy

on Sep 5, 2012 at 10:02am

Play games? Yes, playing games can improve your fitness and overall health.  The American Medical Association strongly supports prevention and wellness efforts to promote a healthy America, including the promotion of physical fitness, and activity-based games (Exergames) offer a fun and engaging way for kids, adults, and seniors to increase their physical activity. Physical activity has been shown to help reduce many health risks, including diabetes, heart disease, and...

Students with Disabilities First Experience with Exergaming - Scott Adolf

on Aug 22, 2012 at 12:39pm

Last year, I was offered the opportunity to test a new product, MOVE + by Motion Fitness.  I was extremely excited for this and now fortunate enough to write about my experiences.  I guess there is something to say about first impressions and by seeking professional developments when you are can attend.    As a member of TEN (The Exergame Network) and an active participant in many other Exergame/Active Gaming websites and social media outlets, I was anxious...

Exergaming Health Video - ExergameFitness.com

on Mar 15, 2008 at 1:15pm

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Healthy Families Healthy Communities Program Starts at Port Discovery

on Aug 8, 2012 at 11:18am

Port Discovery Children’s Museum is ranked as one of the top 12 children’s museums in the country by Forbes and offers three floors of educational, interactive exhibits and programs for children ages birth through ten years.  All of the Museum’s programming aligns with the Maryland Model for School Readiness and the state curriculum, with a focus on five core Platforms of Learning:   1.   Early Childhood Learning 2. ...

BrainBike: Exercise for the Brain and the Body by Dan Lawler, Ph.D.

by by Dan Lawler, Ph.D. on Jul 24, 2012 at 1:28pm

Most often wellness programs focus on improving employee fitness levels along with emphasizing good nutrition.  Seldom is any specific attention given to retaining and improving the functions of the brain. “A life-long commitment to stimulating brain activity contributes to quality of life, especially in the later years. Exercises that promote brain health vary widely and include physical activities such as walking and intellectually stimulating activities....

Games for Health 2012 Recap Focuses on Social Gaming

on Jun 18, 2012 at 2:42pm

The 8th Annual Games for Health Conference is now in the rear view mirror!   On June 12-14 hundreds of game developers, health professionals, and leading researchers gathered to discover, brainstorm, and debate how videogame and videogames technologies can work to improve health & healthcare. Founded in 2004, the Games for Health Project supports community, knowledge and business development efforts to use cutting-edge games and game technologies to improve health and...

PE Central Active Gaming and Exergaming Information

on Jul 19, 2012 at 12:18pm

FREE Exergame Lesson PlanRequest Exergame Lesson Plan Exergame Fitness is proud to be a Vendor Partner with PE Central.Save 10% on any purchase! Your Exergame Resources Include: Physical Education and Exergaming Success Stories Popular Exergame Products How to fund your Exergame room with Grants How to Create a Exergame Room Why Exergaming Works? Improve Health & Fitness Improve Academics Improve Social Development Physical Education and Exergaming Success...

Doctor Ernie Medina Jr. Exergaming Study

on Apr 15, 2012 at 8:20pm

Research on Xavix Last year, we were involved in a research project examining Xavix's Jackie Chan Run to two traditional tools for assessing fitness in middle school kids ( 1 mile run and PACER shuttle run). Here's the abstract for this study: Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine whether a correlation existed between the scores of the Jackie Chan Action Run active video game, the one-mile run/walk and Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) aerobic...

Kenston High School to Host a Community Fitness Day with Exergaming April 15 in Bainbridge

on Apr 11, 2012 at 2:58pm

BAINBRIDGE - Kenston High School will host a community fitness day 1 - 4 p.m. April 15 featuring activities and Olympic gold medal gymnast Dominique Moceanu. Moceanu will sign autographs and pose for pictures from 1-2 p.m. Called Play Blue – In Motion, the event will take place in the main gym, auxiliary gym, the loft gym area and connecting areas. It is designed to connect physical fitness to academic achievement. Visitors are encouraged to come dressed to play. Activities will...

The Benefits of Exergaming for Kids

on Mar 21, 2012 at 9:12pm

Exergaming is a new form of gaming that has been developed. The games require players to perform physical activities in order to play a game, therefore combining games and exercise. Physical activity includes anything from window washing to dancing, aerobics, martial arts and a variety of sports moves. Kids can play a game of tennis right in their living room. In the safety of their homes kids can go virtual skiing, flying down snow covered mountains and dodging trees. Exergaming...

Exergame Cybercycling Can Help Cognitive Benefits in Seniors

on Jan 26, 2012 at 4:16pm

In a recent publication by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine entitled “Exergaming and Older Adult Cognition”, researchers concluded that Virtual reality-enhanced exercise, or “exergames,” combining physical exercise with computer-simulated environments and interactive videogame features, can yield a greater cognitive benefit for older adults than traditional exercise alone. In a quote directly from the study, “We found that for older adults,...

Exergame Fitness Targets 2012 Fitness Trend Predictions

on Jan 6, 2012 at 12:10pm

The Exergame industry hits the right buttons to provide solutions for the Top 20 Worldwide Fitness Trends for 2012, recently released by ACSM. According to an annual survey conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine, “Children and obesity, dance workouts, and Group personal training were top fitness trends predicted for 2012.” Other activities making the top-20 list included Fitness programs for older adults, Exercise and weight loss, Functional fitness,...

Group Dance System Featured at Mall of America

on Dec 14, 2011 at 3:21pm

Since opening its doors in 1992, Mall of America® has revolutionized the shopping experience and become a leader in retail, entertainment and attractions. Mall of America is one of the top tourist destinations in the country as well as one of the most recognizable brands.   Mall of America has earned a national reputation for entertaining guests. From musical acts to celebrity book signings to fashion shows, Mall of America is the Hollywood of the Midwest. Along with...

Bringing Life to PE Programs: The Power of ExerGaming

by Dan Lawler, Ph.D. Educational Consultant on Nov 16, 2011 at 2:29pm

The popularity of ExerGaming™ is growing rapidly in schools, YMCAs, fitness clubs, and homes across the country.  The significant rise in interest caused me to wonder about the impact of this new trend on student motivation and teacher involvement in schools.   My own first-hand experience with ExerGaming™ in an elementary setting gave me some preliminary answers to those questions.  What I observed was incredibly positive for kids and immeasurably...

ESPN Presents Rise Up Chicago with Help of Exergame Fitness and Makoto

on Oct 4, 2011 at 2:30pm

ESPN's new original series RISE UP will be telling the story of four communities coming together to renovate their local high school’s athletic facilities.  The inspirational, four-episode series will showcase renovation projects from start to finish and will also focus on giving students advice, training, and tools that they can use to become better athletes.  POWERADE® is a sponsor of RISE UP, providing hydration products for the series.  As a final...

Autism and exergaming: effects on repetitive behaviors and cognition

by Anderson-Hanley C, Tureck K, Schneiderman RL on Sep 22, 2011 at 1:32pm

Authors: Anderson-Hanley C, Tureck K, Schneiderman RL Published Date September 2011 Volume 2011:4 Pages 129 - 137 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S24016 Cay Anderson-Hanley, Kimberly Tureck, Robyn L Schneiderman Department of Psychology, Union College, Schenectady, NY, USA Abstract: Autism is a...

"Plugging" into Physical Activity by Dr. Ernie Medina of MedPlay Technologies

on Jul 23, 2010 at 1:41pm

Exergame Fitness advisory board member Ernie Medina on "Plugging" into physical activity through the means of Exergames... These days, it seems that every where you turn, someone is talking or writing about pediatric obesity. While there are many factors for this epidemic, physical inactivity is one that is often stated, and technology is often blamed for this. Well unless an alien race comes and blasts us with EMF (electromagnetic field) weapons, knocking out everything...

'Games For Health' - Four major trends emerging

on May 9, 2008 at 6:47pm

Story Updated: May 8, 2008 BALTIMORE and WASHINGTON -- Four major emerging trends -- exergaming kicks into high gear, video games go to rehab and therapy, major health care providers arrive on the scene, and the rise of video games for first responders and medical professionals -- were highlighted during a telenews event conducted by organizers of the Games for Health national conference at the Baltimore Convention Center.Two of the major Exergame distribution companies in the...

15 applicants receiving anywhere from $100k-$300k for Exergaming now available!

on Jan 15, 2009 at 10:57am

Health Games Research is an $8.25 million national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) that supports outstanding research to enhance the quality and impact of interactive games used to improve health.Download the color brochure hereThe goal of the program is to advance the innovation, design, and effectiveness of health games and game technologies so that they help people improve their health-related behaviors and, as a result, achieve significantly better health outcomes....

2 years old -- a childhood obesity tipping point?

on Sep 2, 2008 at 2:30pm

Research suggests that childhood obesity begins in infancyOver the last decade, childhood obesity has grown into an epidemic, reflected in soaring rates of type 2 diabetes and recommendations that pediatricians check toddlers for elevated cholesterol.What hasn't been as clear is how early to intervene.A study presented at a pediatric research program on Friday suggested obesity prevention efforts should begin as early as age two, when children reach a "tipping point" in a progression that...

2011 Games for Health Recap

on May 24, 2011 at 4:05pm

The 2011 Games for Health Conference in partnership with the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation on May 18-19 continued to highlight the very best in gaming technologies. During the conference events on mobile games, games accessibility, and game-based medical learning, modeling, and simulation were all part of learning and networking experiences for industry leaders.   During this event Motion Fitness in a combined effort with many other companies provided participants with an in...

25 Facts on Children and Exercise

on May 15, 2009 at 11:22am

This is a great list of facts in children and exercise:View a list of our 25 Facts on Children and Exercise hereExergame Fitness USA Exergaming Research & Testing Center 530 West Colfax Palatine, IL. 60067 Office: 847.963.8969 x1103 Fax: 847.963.8966 Cellular: 630.408.9995 info@exergamefitness.com www.exergamefitness.com

33 Mind-boggling Stats About Childhood Obesity

on May 29, 2010 at 9:59am

Health professionals, including nurses, may find a new and frustrating problem facing them on the job, presented by childhood obesity. The numbers are staggering, showing that childhood obesity has become a nationwide epidemic. While the nation is addressing the problem, illnesses that affect obese children often become obstacles in helping them to lose weight. Hence, obese children often become obese adults who often carry health problems with them into adulthood. Numbers An...

A Fit Body Means a Fit Mind

on Jan 31, 2011 at 10:56am

by Vanessa Richardson Edutopia Forget the term "dumb jocks." According to the latest research, that's an oxymoron. New findings from biology and education research show that regular exercise benefits the brain in numerous ways. Not only can regular workouts in the gym or on the playground improve attention span, memory, and learning, they can also reduce stress and the effects of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and even delay cognitive decline in old age. In short,...

A Healthy and Happy Childhood

on Sep 2, 2008 at 9:09pm

Local programs show kids that eating healthier and becoming more active is not only good for them, but also fun.By Julie EngelhardtGetting kids to maintain a healthy lifestyle can be challenging for parents today. Instead of going outside to ride their bikes or run and play when there’s down time, children tend to plop down on the couch to play videogames or watch TV. Or when hunger pangs hit, they’ll likely choose a can of soda and a bag of chips for a snack, instead of water or...

ACE-Sponsored Research: Exergaming—Not Just for Kids Anymore!

on Feb 21, 2011 at 10:45am

ACE: Community: Certified news: March 2011: ACE-Sponsored Research: Exergaming—Not Just for Kids Anymore! Full Article Here BY SUSAN CAPAROSA, M.A., JEANNE NICHOLS, PH.D., SIMON MARSHALL, PH.D., DANIEL CIPRIANI, P.T., PH.D., TREVOR KINGSBURY, B.S., KENT LORENZ, M.S., KRISTI ROBUSTO, M.S., AND VIRGINIE NICAISE, PH.D. Introduction One day a group of 15 adventuresome older adults, ages 67 to 87, gathered in a gymnasium at San Diego State University, which had been transformed...

Active Kids Score Higher: More Activity Time Adds Up to Better Learning

on Jun 3, 2009 at 8:17am

Active Kids Score Higher: More Activity Time Adds Up to Better Learning By Active Healthy Kids Canada Here's good news for parents, teachers and legislators who want to help kids learn and excel: it's easy as child's play.The 2009 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth, released in collaboration with ParticipACTION and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute – Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group (CHEO-HALO),...

Active Video Games Help Kids Burn Calories

on Mar 8, 2011 at 11:54am

Study Shows Kids With the Highest BMIs Enjoy ‘Exergames’ the Most By Brenda Goodman WebMD Health News Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD March 7, 2011 -- Video games that mix entertainment with exercise can help kids burn calories and have fun at the same time, a new study shows. The study had 39 middle-school aged kids play six different kinds of “exergames” -- video games that require a player to move around. The games included games such as trying to keep...

Active-Play Video Games Show Promise in Promoting Physical Activity

on Apr 26, 2011 at 2:59pm

Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association DALLAS, April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Active-play video games show potential in increasing players' physical activity, according to a new report in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. However, continued research is needed to investigate the health effects and other potential benefits of active-play video games,  researchers concluded. The review, designed to examine the possible influence...

America is Fat: We have a solution...

on Jul 2, 2009 at 10:30am

Adult obesity rates increased in 23 states and did not decrease in a single state in the past year, according to a report released today by the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) In addition, the percentage of children who are obese or overweight is 30 percent or higher in 30 states.Mississippi had the highest rate of adult obesity at 32.5 percent, marking the fifth year in a row that the state topped the list. Four states now have adult...

And just when you thought the obesity epidemic couldn’t get any worse…

on Feb 9, 2009 at 10:34am

Kids as young as one are being diagnosed as obese, and one hospital is treating youngsters twice the size they should be. We’re not talking baby fat, or big boned, or chubby, or even overweight.We’re talking obesity…clinical, medical obesity.“A one-year-old who should be 10kg is actually 18-20kg or a two-year-old who should be 12kg is 25kg.”And wait, it gets better…Doctors at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, are admitting youngsters...

Baltimore's B'More Healthy Expo by FOX45 TV was a HUGE Success!

on May 17, 2010 at 7:13pm

This interactive event featured FOX45 and CW Baltimore stars, Baltimore athletes, and exhibitors from area health, fitness and wellness businesses and organizations. Included in this expo in partnership with Fox45 Baltimore was Exergame Fitness USA. Exergame Fitness brought the iDANCE Wireless Dance and Step System, Gamercize FIFA Soccer System, XaviX Power Dash, The NeuroActive BrainBike and the Makoto Sports Arena. The B'More healthy Expo generated huge interested in keeping the Baltimore...

Bill to mandate phys ed in Va. schools advances

on Jan 21, 2011 at 10:31am

By Julian Walker The Virginian-Pilot © January 21, 2011 Legislation to require an average of 150 minutes a week of physical education for students in Virginia elementary and middle schools was approved by a Senate committee Thursday. The measure, SB966, is sponsored by Sen. Ralph Northam, D-Norfolk. It incorporates similar bills from Sens. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, and John Miller, D-Newport News, and passed the Senate Education and Health Committee on an 11-1...

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Offers GRANT FUNDING for Elementary School Programs Focused on Reducing Childhood Obesity

on Jan 20, 2010 at 11:50am

Building Healthy Communities grants available for physical activity and nutrition programs DETROIT, Jan. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Childhood obesity in America is a major public health issue. Blue Cross Blue Shield, committed to building a healthier Michigan, is partnering with schools across the state to get kids moving and eating healthier. The Blues are accepting grant proposals from public and nonprofit private elementary schools in Michigan for programs that increase physical activity and...

Boost Your Child's Brainpower by Simply Letting Them Spend More Time on a Playground

on Sep 2, 2008 at 2:21pm

Who doesn't want to spend more time playing? I know I do! Today's guest column by Marina Mironov underscores the benefits of play for our kids. We grown ups benefit from our relationships with happy, well adjusted children too! We all know kids love playgrounds. Now, research shows that playing on the playground can boost brainpower too! Playing has been linked to emotional, social, motor and cognitive development. Playgrounds facilitate the benefits of pure, spontaneous and active free...

Brain Rules by Dr John Medina

on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:43am

If you have not had a chance to read Brain Rules by Dr John Medina – take the time to watch this video – by the time you get done watching this video – you will begin to realize how important cardio vascular fitness it to brain function – you probably don’t have time to watch this video, at least watch part of it – a real challenge – try and get a school administrator to watch it……very educational – this video puts PE on the...

Brand New Day: The YMCA Unveils New Brand Strategy to Further Community Impact

on Jul 12, 2010 at 6:50pm

Campaign for a Healthier America

on Jan 20, 2009 at 10:58am

At noon today, Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America while the nation is facing challenges not seen in decades. Yet the people of this great country are filled with a renewed sense of optimism. Citizens are recognizing that their power to influence government goes beyond a visit to the voting booth on Election Day.For the fitness industry, these are both challenging times and rewarding times. While the day-to-day operations within a club,...

Carol M White PEP Grant winner Marvin Christley talks about Exergaming

on Jun 2, 2010 at 11:38am

PRESS RELEASE | Original Source Here Carol M White PEP Grant winner Marvin Christley talks about his Physical Education Program with the New Haven, CT School districts. With over 18+ years as a physical education teacher and over 5+ years as a grant facilitator, Marvin is leading the way to keeping kids active, healthy and fit by introducing a new PE concept called Exergaming. The New Haven PE department received about 1.5 million dollars over three years, to...

Celebrity Trainer Partners with Girl Scouts of America to Combat Obesity

on Jul 2, 2010 at 10:35am

Michael Torchia, President/Founder of the Shape Up Campaign, will be heading down to Washington D.C. to conduct workshops that will seek to educate and certify Girl Scouts as personal fitness trainers. The goal of these workshops is to create thousands of young peer fitness advocates to help stop the increasing levels of obesity among America's kids. Torchia and his Shape Up America Campaign Team have spent years educating parents and kids about better fitness and proper nutrition,...

Center for the Study of AutismSensory Integration

on Sep 23, 2008 at 10:54am

Center for the Study of AutismSensory Integration Cindy Hatch-Rasmussen, M.A., OTR/LTherapy Northwest, P.C.Beaverton, OR 97005Children and adults with autism, as well as those with other developmental disabilities, may have a dysfunctional sensory system. Sometimes one or more senses are either over- or under-reactive to stimulation. Such sensory problems may be the underlying reason for such behaviors as rocking, spinning, and hand-flapping. Although the receptors for the senses are located...

Chicago Bulls Sox Exergame Academy – Grand Opening

on Mar 21, 2011 at 9:39am

In light of the recent publicity of the growing obesity epidemic the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox Training Academy has found a new way to fight the cause through their partnership with Motion Fitness, one of the leaders in the Exergaming industry.  Exergaming is a term used for video games that are also a form of exercise. In recent years Exergaming, also known as Active Gaming, has started to gain popularity not only amongst children, but adults as well as a new way to...

CHICAGO BULLS UNVEIL FIRST ENERGIZABULLS EXERGAME FITNESS CENTER.

on Mar 13, 2010 at 4:11pm

"With the grant money and additional funding and support from local companies such as Direct Fitness Solutions and Exergame Fitness, the Bulls decided to create 25 EnergizaBulls Fitness Centers in Chicago Public Schools by the 2011-12 school year. The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago Community Schools, a lead collaborator in this initiative, will be the recipient of the first EnergizaBulls Fitness Centers." Bulls use $1.475 million grant to create fitness centers in local...

Childhood Obesity - The Problem...The Solution

on Apr 24, 2008 at 9:18pm

The Problem Childhood obesity is one of the most urgent public health threats facing our country. Today, more than one-third of all children and adolescents in the United States—approximately 25 million kids—are overweight or obese. The epidemic already is affecting our kids’ health and quality of life in ways we’ve never seen before. Children are being diagnosed with conditions previously considered “adult” illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes and...

Childhood Obesity and Diabetes: My Personal Mission

on Feb 3, 2011 at 11:40am

Andrea Pennington, M.D. Your wellness and self-empowerment doctor Posted: February 2, 2011 01:28 PM Huffington Post I am on a crusade to eradicate childhood obesity and diabetes. For me, it's more than my profession, it's my personal mission. As you've undoubtedly learned, Type 2 diabetes is a condition that is caused by a lack of physical activity, overweight and unhealthy eating. Previously, it was called Adult Onset Diabetes because it usually occurred in people...

Childhood Obesity Study

on May 26, 2009 at 2:39pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Starting on Monday, April 20, 2009, Walkabout Technologies is proud to announce that we will participate in a 10 week study of childhood obesity in the Peoria area.This is a collaborative study with OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Exergame Fitness USA, Peoria Park District, gitm (Gifts in the Moment) llc, and the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOMP) and is spearheaded by Peoria pediatrician, Dr. Amy Christison.The objectives of the study will...

Childhood obesity worries Santa

on Dec 1, 2008 at 11:37am

All Santa wants this Christmas is for kids to lose a few of those extra pounds.It turns out the rising rate of childhood obesity isn't just worrisome for parents, it's also cause for concern for Santa's health.So says Victor Nevada, a Calgarian who has played Mr. Claus for 23 years. He runs a four-day Santa School every year and has written a lengthy training manual for aspiring Santas.The latest chapter of Nevada's book, a 535-page manual that is continually being added to, details what to...

Childhood Obesity: The Educational Cost

on Sep 15, 2008 at 12:18pm

A Message from Phil Lawler - PE4LifeMany people argue that childhood obesity is not a school issue and it is not the responsibility of the school to be concerned about children’s health. Schools are designed to teach reading, math, science, English, now foreign language, and history. No Child Left Behind as made sure core academics remains the focus of American Schools.These same people argue children’s health is totally the parent’s responsibility. I agree the...

Children Tell Researchers: We'll Get Fit if it's Fun

on Dec 1, 2008 at 10:25am

An independent study at the University of Cumbria found that nine in every ten youngsters want to play video games at the same time as exercising. The games reduce the boredom of exercise.Fifty children aged 11 and 12 were asked to use exercise equipment combined with video games provided by a company called Gamercize.The children could play their games only while they maintained movement on the fitness machines. If they stopped exercising, the games paused. Researcher Jack Tyson said:"The...

Children's International Obesity Foundation Challenges Candidates' McCain and Obama About Obesity Epidemic

on Sep 9, 2008 at 10:31am

A report released recently by the University of Michigan stated, unequivocally, that OBESITY is the most dangerous and prevalent health hazard facing the United States, surpassing nine other cited health problems. To date, neither 2008 presidential candidates, John McCain nor Barack Obama have made any public statement regarding this issue. Children's International Obesity Foundation(CIOF) has taken notice. New York, NY (PRWEB) September 8, 2008 -- With the presidential election less than...

Click and Be Fit

on Jan 20, 2011 at 3:08pm

How a video game can get you off the couch and in shape By Lauren Ober [01.19.11] Seven Days Vermont As I stand with feet squarely on the ground, about shoulder width apart — a confident, athletic stance — a glowing green hoop appears above my head. I reach up to grab it, pull it down over my shoulders and set it at my waist. Then I swing my hips. And swing. And swing. And swing. The hoop wobbles at first, then sets to spinning. Soon a second, orange...

Congrats to Phil Lawler - Lifetime Achievement Award

on Feb 4, 2009 at 10:57am

Madison Junior High School commemorated its 30th anniversary Monday with a celebration that often focused on the lifetime achievements of Phil Lawler.Lawler is a member of the original Madison faculty, a retired District 203 physical education coordinator and the director of education and training for PE4life, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of quality, daily physical education programs for all children.Madison Junior High celebrated its 30th anniversary Monday...

Discovering How Video Games Can Motivate Healthy Behaviors: More than $2 Million Awarded to 12 Research Teams Across U.S.

on May 29, 2008 at 7:04pm

Awards go to researchers in CA, FL, IN, ME, NC, NY, SC, VT and WA; Studies explore how games can increase physical activity and enhance prevention, self-management of health conditions PRINCETON, N.J., May 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) announced today during a telenews conference the first round of grants awarded through its Health Games Research national program. More than $2 million in grants will enable 12 research teams to help...

Donovan McNabb, schools tackle childhood obesity

on Sep 21, 2010 at 7:09pm

More than 600 school children are setting a world record on the very well-known FedEx Field Tuesday. Eighth grader Thomas Booker said, "I'm kind of pumped about this because, you know...it's one of my main books. I like to read the Guinness books of world records." They are there for a massive interactive fitness session that is making history with the help of some local Marines and Redskins players, anchored by quarterback Donovan McNabb. "Just about 12, 13 years ago my father...

Emerging Developments Outlined As Games for Health Conference Gets Underway; Health-Oriented Innovations - Such as Guitar Hero Modified for Arm Ampute

on May 20, 2008 at 8:40pm

BALTIMORE and WASHINGTON, May 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Four major emerging trends -- exergaming kicks into high gear, video games go to rehab and therapy, major health care providers arrive on the scene, and the rise of video games for first responders and medical professionals - were highlighted today during a telenews event conducted by organizers of the Games for Health national conference (http://www.gamesforhealth.org) taking place May 8-9, 2008 at the Baltimore Convention...

Excitement of Exergames

on Jan 25, 2011 at 2:10pm

Phil Lempert Supermarket Guru phil@supermarketguru.com January 24, 2011 Here we are, it’s almost the last week of January, just when Americans are ready to give up on their New Years resolutions to improve their health, and technology is here to the rescue- thanks to exergames.  Imagine this: take one part video game, one part work out add in interactivity and you get "exergaming" which could well be one of the most effective getting in shape ideas since...

Exercise the name of the :Game"

on Apr 1, 2008 at 5:29pm

Exercise the name of the game! IF YOU were to conjure up an image of a dedicated videogame fan, would they be: (a) a pale, highly caffeinated, thumb-mashing, hirsute individual with little respect for personal hygiene, or (b) a toned, lithe, fitness-obsessed creature with great balance and amazing abdominal muscles? The average gamer probably lies between these extremes, but videogame makers are striving to swing their...

Exergame Experts wish you "healthy holidays" with Video Games

on Dec 18, 2009 at 4:58pm

Exergame Experts wish you "healthy holidays" with Video Games The holiday season is always a health rollercoaster. We eat too much, watch too much TV and exercise too little and then make New Years resolutions that we can't keep. This year, make a change with Exergaming. The Exergame Network (TEN) reveals five ways of getting fit with video games, perfect for school kids to silver gamers with fun as the focus! The good news for these holidays is you can over-indulge in fitness and fun...

Exergame Fitness "Committing to a Healthy Cause"

on Aug 2, 2010 at 1:32pm

(Rolling Meadows - IL) 8/2/10 Exergame Fitness is excited to announce they have become a partner with the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation.  Through this partnership Exergame Fitness will extend their reach to more schools, marketplaces, workplaces; and help them gain knowledge on the benefits of combining exercise and gaming. The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, a CEO-led organization, is a national, multi-year effort designed to...

Exergame Fitness & Green Bay Packers Tackle Childhood Obesity and Inactivity at the YMCA Healthy Kids Day Event - Over 2000 Kids & 4500 Attended

on May 19, 2009 at 3:03pm

GREEN BAY, WI – Thousands of kids packed the atrium at Lambeau Field, home of the NFL’s Green Bay Packers for the YMCA Healthy Kids Day on May 2nd 2009. Throughout the day, kids around the state were introduced to a popular new form of videogame exercise called “Exergaming”. Exergaming is a new form of exercise by playing video games that require movement and interaction on all different levels! Exergaming inspires physical activity through the most cutting-edge...

Exergame Fitness - Experience The Difference

on Jul 28, 2008 at 12:52pm

WELCOME!We are elated that you are taking a big step forward into learning and/or providing Exergaming products & services at your facility! To have come this far we know you are very serious about opening a facility or are interested in adding new products to your Exergaming center. Please take some time to see how we can partner with your company providing you with the best & proven products, unique & professional services and a long-term relationship. We are 100% confident we...

Exergame Fitness Attends Games for Health 2009

on Jun 7, 2009 at 1:09pm

Chicago IL – Chicago based company Exergame Fitness USA, will be attending the 2009 Games for Health Conference located in Boston, Massachusetts. This year’s conference features two-days of talks, more than 300 attendees and 40 sessions provided by an international array of over 50 speakers cutting across a wide range of activities in health and health care. Topics include Exergaming (Active Gaming), physical therapy, disease management, health behavior change, biofeedback,...

Exergame Fitness Helps Kids Get Fit!

on Apr 17, 2008 at 11:23pm

The Government's targets on obesity and physical activity create a massive opportunity for the health, fitness and educational sectors. From birth onwards, movement is essential to developing and maintaining health and emotional well being. But baby seats now move from car to pram, to highchair, limiting neurological and muscle development and flexability. And computer games and television provide a 'safe' and easy entertainment option for older children affecting...

Exergame Fitness Incentives Health Trends in 2009

on Jan 4, 2009 at 10:50am

RAYTOWN, MO. -- At the start of the New Year, the focus is always on being fit, instead of fat. FOX 4's Meryl Lin McKean went looking for "fit" trends to look for in 2009.Look for more fitness programs geared toward your age group. Martha Corey came to Fit for Life in Raytown where she feels comfortable exercising and socializing. "It's like our second home and the social is every bit as much as the physical," said Corey.In '09, there will be more health professionals offering...

Exergame Fitness Supports SGMA's National Health Through Fitness Day

on Dec 14, 2010 at 10:20am

SGMA National Health Through Fitness Day (NHTF Day) is the culmination of a year round effort by the SGMA and its many sponsors and volunteers to pass major U.S. legislation to “Get America Moving”. For the past 10 years, the SGMA has brought people together in Washington, D.C. to accomplish our goals. Approximately 100 leaders from the sports, fitness, and PE industries meet in early March to lobby Congress to pass key legislation which will help our country overcome a...

Exergame Products 20% OFF Holiday Special

on Nov 22, 2011 at 1:12pm

Check out our once a year Black Friday / Holiday Special through November where everything is 20% OFF! iDANCE Wireless Dance & Step Game System for up to 32 Players    Exerbike with PS3 Game Software   Makoto Interactive Arena   Lightspace Play Floor     3 Kick - Fit Interactive     Sign up for our Newsletter, and LIKE us on Facebook and you are...

Exergames - A Digital Drive for Healthy Living

on Jul 13, 2010 at 8:53am

EXERGAMES DOWNLOAD A POSITIVE HEALTH CHECK 4 COMPUTER GAMING Computer gaming, branded a major contributor to inactivity and obesity, is undergoing a radical rehabilitation as a healthy pastime thanks to new innovative Exergames. Computer games that incorporate physical activity – or Exergames - are at the heart of a digital environment being created to support wellness and healthy living. Scottish gaming companies with a global reputation as leaders in the industry are now being...

Exergames Gain Momentum!

on Jun 6, 2008 at 7:51am

As seen on: Be Fit With Biray Original Article Here: http://befitwithbiray.com/2008/06/06/exergames-gain-momentum/The field of exergaming and ‘games for health’ continue to grow. The momentum is strong and the scientists, programmers and health/fitness professionals have been rapidly pushing its research, development, and application. I’ve been following and even participating in some of these discussions, and I thought I’d share some highlights from the past few...

Exergames Help Kids Lose Weight

on Mar 14, 2008 at 10:25am

“Exergames” Help Kids Lose Weight” Dance Dance Revolution, a video game in which players compete to keep up with dance steps to popular music, is helping kids lose weight. West Virginia school officials implemented Dance Dance Revolution in all public schools as part of a statewide physical education initiative. An evaluation of the program found that the games improve the fitness levels of regular participants. While typical video...

ExerGames: Nοt Jυѕt Another Health Craze!

on Feb 7, 2011 at 10:50am

Article bу Katt Mollar Active video games otherwise known аѕ Exergames аrе being touted аѕ tһе ultimate cure fΟr obesity. Refreshing, ѕіחсе everyone іѕ still looking fΟr tһаt magic diet pill! Iח contrast tΟ traditional video games, tһіѕ “active entertainment gaming system allows players tΟ experience various activities such аѕ bowling, fishing, tennis аחԁ golf іח a virtual world” Οr “even take...

Exergames: Video Games That Keep Players Fit!

on Mar 16, 2008 at 11:19pm

Exergames: Video Games That Keep Players Fit! Exergame Fitness USABy Marilyn FerdinandMany parents are looking for ways to wean their children from video games and get them interested in pastimes that exercise more than their fingers. But not all video games are created equal. One type of video game that parents may actually encourage their children to play is exergames. These interactive games that get kids moving are already offered at many schools and athletic facilities, as well as at...

Exergaming Inspires Kids of All Ages to Get Fit

on Jan 4, 2011 at 5:43pm

Posted in January 4th, 2011 by admin in Kids Fitness Racheal St John, 13, knows how to bust a move, thanks to the video game “Dance Dance Revolution.” She plays at least twice a day – at home in front of her TV and also at the local YMCA teen center. At the slowest speed, St John keeps pace with the dance moves on the monitor. But when teen center coordinator Damien Hunt ratchets up the tempo, the seventh-grader from Fishers, Ind., struggles to keep up. “That’s...

Exergaming Kicks into High Gear with New Study & Exergame Fitness Products

on Apr 20, 2008 at 12:25pm

Exergaming Kicks into High Gear with New Study & Exergame Fitness Products In other news, a pilot study has come out of New Zealand showing that exergaming titles are just as good as casual exercise. No surprise there, but it’s nice to see the empirical data bear out common sense and provide argument ammo against doubters. Exergaming is at the leading edge of helping kids become fit and active. Exergame Fitness USA carries the largest selection of Exergaming titles...

ExerGaming Kicks into High Gear with New Study & Product

on Apr 1, 2008 at 7:34pm

ExerGaming Kicks into High Gear with New Study & Product There was discussion this week on the Serious Games listserv about ME2, a virtual world from Irwin Toy aimed at kids that links to a real world pedometer (tagline: You are the power!). The more exercise, running and walking the kids do in RL, the more points they earn to use in the game. Scott Traylor over at 360KID wrote up the details here. In other news, a pilot study has come out of New Zealand showing that...

Exergaming New Trend In Parkinson's Treatment

on Dec 19, 2009 at 1:53pm

A combination of exercise and video games is helping some patients with Parkinson's Disease. What was life like before 68-year-old Bob Rohrman started exer-gaming to help his Parkinson's? "My biggest scare when I first was diagnosed with it was that I would trip and fall, but now I don't have that problem," Rohrman said. Rohrman took part in a study that was funded by the National Parkinson's Foundation that combined movement or exercise with the playing of video...

Exergaming Picture Video Collage

on Jun 2, 2009 at 2:50pm

Here is a quick video picture collage of some of the Exergaming (Active Gaming) products we have installed into locations worldwide. To learn more about what Exergame Fitness can do for your facility, please contact us at 877-668-4664 or visit our website at ExergameFitness.com Exergame Fitness USA Exergaming Research & Testing Center 530 West Colfax Palatine, IL. 60067 Office: 847.963.8969 x1103 Fax: 847.963.8966 Cellular: 630.408.9995 info@exergamefitness.com www.exergamefitness.com

Exergaming Puts F-U-N Back in Fitness

on Jan 3, 2011 at 11:54am

December 31, 2010 by Lailani Mendoza Mind & Body I’m standing in front of the large flat screen TV waiting for my virtual river rafting adventure to begin. I’m at Game On! Interactive Fitness to see what the hype is behind this phenomenon called exergames. Coined from “exercise” and “games”, exergames is the latest trend in video games combining traditional gaming with some form of exercise. Having a bad reputation for encouraging...

Exergaming scores extra points in fitness studies

on Aug 9, 2010 at 8:38am

It's a vicious, ugly battle. Punches rain down upon the battered boxer. His head snaps back and around like a dog's toy being shaken. Finally, a final straight right sends him to the canvas. Beaten -- by an 8-year-old girl. "Woo-hoo," yells Lorelei Mansfield, throwing her arms in the air. Her breath is audible and the smell of sweat is in the air -- par for the course for a boxer dealing some rough justice. Then she puts down the controller and heads to the kitchen for some fruit...

Exergaming Your Way to Fitness

on May 16, 2008 at 10:30am

NPR RADIO - by Allison Aubrey Listen Now [4 min 39 sec] add to playlist Are those mail-order kickboxing tapes gathering dust on top of your VCR? Before you pop them in, consider some of the advantages and disadvantages of sweating in the privacy of your own home.The Pros of Home Workouts It's CheapMany exercises can be done at home for free or for the price of a few sets of dumbbells. Workout videos are another option, generally only...