| Traditionally, people think of kids and teenagers when | | | | balance, and the player's weight, and the game allows |
| they think of video games. After all, they have | | | | players to track progress from the day a profile is |
| always been the demographic for video game | | | | created. |
| companies. From racing to sports to first person | | | | However, the exercises in WiiFit, for example, are |
| shooter games, there are a wide variety of video | | | | much more low impact, making them very helpful for |
| games that appeal to kids of all ages. But now, there | | | | the elderly or physical therapy patients, who may |
| are video games that reach outside the traditional | | | | need to build their strength and flexibility more slowly |
| demographic to draw in adults of all ages, as well. | | | | than other people. The Nintendo Wii allows them to |
| The Nintendo Wii Console, the most recent game | | | | do that, while it also tracks their progress so they |
| console from Nintendo, has revolutionized video | | | | can see how far they've come since the first day. |
| gaming. The motion sensitive wireless controllers have | | | | The game eases players into exercising, and helps |
| opened video games to new ideas, and have literally | | | | them build the skills they need to be healthier. That |
| gotten gamers off their couches and more involved | | | | way, people don't feel like they're pushing too hard |
| in the games. And as Nintendo uses games like | | | | to make progress. |
| WiiSport and WiiFit to find a unique balance between | | | | The games offered in WiiFit also give players a |
| fun and exercise, the doors are opened even further | | | | variety of opportunities for exercise. The four |
| to make video gaming beneficial to people's health. | | | | categories (strength, yoga, balance, and aerobics) |
| In fact, Nintendo Wii is not just seen in homes across | | | | cover many areas for exercise, and allow players to |
| the world. It's being used in hospitals, extended care | | | | work on specific areas. Physical therapy patients may |
| facilities, and physical therapy offices to help the | | | | benefit more from the yoga and strength training |
| elderly and physical therapy patients feel better and | | | | exercises, while the elderly may find more value in |
| get healthier. | | | | the balance and aerobic training exercises. The |
| The games, like WiiFit, offered by Nintendo for the | | | | Nintendo Wii has lots to offer, and can meet the |
| Wii are specifically designed to be exercise games. It | | | | needs of almost any exerciser. |
| uses a balance board to sense full body movement, | | | | |