Healthy Living

The Nintendo Wii: Is it exercise or just gaming?…

For years, health and fitness experts have been steering people away from sedentary past times such as video games and television. Now a new phenomenon referred to as “exergaming” has caused professionals to think twice about video games, but is it really enough?
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse conducted a study monitoring men and women 20-29 years of age using the Wii Sports Bundle which includes baseball, boxing, bowling, tennis and golf. The results of the study found caloric expenditure levels to be less than performing the actual sport due to less body movement; however the study also reported playing 30 minutes of Wii Boxing burns 216 calories, which is 51 calories more than brisk walking. Also, a 30-minute Wii Tennis match burns a respectable 159 calories.

The Wii can provide a sufficient workout for those who lack time and motivation to get out of the house and exercise. Other benefits include convenient exercise location in the comfort of one’s living room and an increase in motivation due to taking on an opponent during games. Both of these factors may improve exercise adherence and provide a recreational outlet. Further studies are being conducted on gaming systems such as Wii Fit to find the extent of the benefits of exergaming.

Relieving Stress During the Holidays…

The holidays can be a joyous time of year shared with family and friends, but they can bring stress and anxiety as we struggle to keep up with demands and expectations. Here are some great tips for increasing your energy and reducing your stress, this season and all year long.

• Take time for yourself. Although spending time with friends and family is essential, it’s also important to have at least five minutes to yourself to relax.

• Don’t set unrealistic exercise goals. Aim to exercise 20 minutes a day instead of an hour.

• Enlist a friend or family member to exercise with you. Walking and talking with a friend can be a great way to burn extra calories and reduce your stress level.

• Create new, more active traditions. Play powder puff football or build a snowman.

• Don’t try to lose weight or stick to a restrictive diet this holiday season. If you enjoy your favorite foods in small portions, you’ll feel more satisfied. Trying to stay away from certain foods may leave you feeling deprived, which may cause you to eat more than you intended to.

• Drink plenty of water. Water helps counter the dehydrating effects of travel or drinking alcoholic beverages, and it may also help satiate your appetite since thirst is often mistaken for hunger.

• Spread out meals. Try eating dinner early and then taking a walk before sitting down for dessert.

• Don’t overdo it with alcohol or caffeine. Try drinking hot herbal tea instead of coffee, and keep the number of alcoholic drinks to a minimum.

• Don’t aim for perfection, and enjoy the imperfections. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment by placing unrealistic demands on yourself.

• Laugh. Laughing is a great tension reliever. It burns calories, reduces stress and usually means that you’re enjoying yourself.

Source: American Council on Exercise Website

Back to Top

Decatur Indoor Sports Center • 1295 West Wood Street • Decatur, IL 62522 • 217-429-3472 • Contact Us

Owned and operated by the the Decatur Park District