Video games and exercise

**mike** · #1 (**permalink**) 04-04-2005, 05:07 PM

There’s a story on CNN today about a study being done in West Virginia to assess the feasibility of using a dancing video game as a means to counter child obesity. Now, on the surface, combining video games and physical activity sounds like a fine idea. This dancing game though… I’m not so sure.

You see, I know this game. I bought one for my daughter last Christmas. Now my daughter is merely 4 and nothing like overweight but she does love running around like a maniac and she already has quite the penchant for Mario. As such, I assumed the dance game was a sure fire hit. Not exactly. Within seconds of popping in the game and plugging in the dance mat it became obvious there was a problem. My daughter, unable to read the instruction manual, stared blankly at the screen full of arrows and had no idea what she was supposed to be doing. Someone was going to have to show her how to do it. My wife immediately removed herself from the situation reminding me that it was all my idea to begin with. It was up to me to demonstrate.

What followed was doubtlessly the most ridiculous display of ineptitude and awkwardness my child had ever seen. I can’t say for sure that her psyche was permanently scarred, but mine may well have been. 15 fumbling, stumbling, humiliating minutes later the dance pad was safely packed away in the closet under the stairs. I taught her instead how to play Pac-Man and figured with spring around the corner she’ll get plenty of exercise outside.

Moral of the story: sure the dancing game might help you lose some weight. But at what cost my friends, what cost?

JKomp · #2 (**permalink**) 04-04-2005, 05:52 PM

So does this mean using the excuse that you're 'exercising your thumbs' is no longer valid?

flood6 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-05-2005, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike

What followed was doubtlessly the most ridiculous display of ineptitude and awkwardness my child had ever seen.

You need to teach your daughter how to work a digital camera and set her up with a WebProWorld account.

**mike** · #4 (**permalink**) 04-05-2005, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flood6

You need to teach your daughter how to work a digital camera and set her up with a WebProWorld account.

No I don't.

MaineWeb · #5 (**permalink**) 04-05-2005, 10:37 AM

I have to say, I bought one of these for myself and had a similar experience. I'd seen the arcade version and maybe my expectations were too high, but there were NO instructions and the music and graphics reminded me of the old Pac-Man games. Its a nice idea though. I'm happy to say there was no one around to witness my performance!!

mtheory · #6 (**permalink**) 04-05-2005, 04:54 PM

There are no shortcuts to good parenting.

This device compounds a serious problem in our society by rationalizing parental neglect and having technology "babysit" our children.

I think Mike was right to ditch this thing in the closet and look forward to enjoying some outdoor activities and honest to goodnes exersize with his daughter.

**mike** · #7 (**permalink**) 04-06-2005, 10:08 AM

Well, all things in moderation of course. I don't think the device itself (being a game) is in any way indicative of poor parenting. I see nothing wrong with kids playing games.

It aint in the closet out of any idealism I'll put it that way. It's in the closet cause I have about as much rhythm as a doorstop.

**jawn_tech** · #8 (**permalink**) 04-12-2005, 01:31 AM

I know she'll enjoy that memory for years to come, and will haunt you with it years from now. Hmm, wouldn't it be great if there was a webcam nearby recording the whole thing?

Lol...just kidding. Teasing aside, that is an excellent example for Dads to follow -- the willingess to try something like that for your daughters sake. I know one day she'll appreciate it, probably already does.

Hey maybe you can teach her how to use that air cannon if you still have it --- the loud obnoxious thing, unless it got 'permanently' hid...lol

gworld · #9 (**permalink**) 04-12-2005, 09:52 PM

Mike don't worry about it.

Part of being Dad is to put yourself in the most stupid situations that you thought you will never put yourself in a million year; before becoming a parent.

Believe me, I know, I have a daughter too.

adbart · #10 (**permalink**) 04-13-2005, 07:37 AM

My fingers have big muscles.

paulhiles · #11 (**permalink**) 04-13-2005, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adbart

My fingers have big muscles.

I hope that's from all the mouse-clicks you do and not from anything else!

Although I guess Xbox and other gaming consoles can give your hands a pretty good workout too!! :o)

Paul

adbart · #12 (**permalink**) 04-13-2005, 08:19 AM

Oh, typing as well, remember ;)

adbart · #13 (**permalink**) 04-13-2005, 08:22 AM

On a serious note though, you should be careful about all that RSI stuff though.

You know most keyboards come with warnings on the back about it? It's actually pretty serious. Someone I know has a brother who managed to form it from working in a manufacturing plant - he was doing exactly the same job over and over again with his hands, day in, day out. He can't use them anymore. Really dark.

I'll try and find some links about it......

adbart · #14 (**permalink**) 04-13-2005, 08:24 AM

http://www.rsi-uk.org.uk/

SEOforGoogle · #15 (**permalink**) 04-15-2005, 02:36 PM

Hours of Halo 2 is all the video gaming I need...