PROVO, Utah— A new study out of BYU says that certain video
games can be a legitimate form of exercise. BYU Assistant
Professor Bruce Bailey says active video games boost energy and
burn calories, but not all games are beneficial. “Be aware that
not all games are the same, and if you want to get the child
more physically active, you have to help them choose the right
games and levels.” “If you choose the right games, and the right
levels on the games, you can increase physical activity from a
moderate to vigorous level,” said Bailey. Bailey’s study found
that playing games like Wii Boxing or Dance Dance Revolution for
twenty minutes provide equivalent exercise to walking a mile at
a brisk pace with the added benefit of being more fun than
regular exercise. “It was enjoyed a lot by all the children, but
the children who were a little bit heavier tended to enjoy the
activities a little bit more,” said Bailey. Gaming shouldn’t be
used as a replacement for regular exercise, Bailey advises, but
as additional indoo