However, I think MNW is taking a different approach by coupling the prompts with actual exercises. And the exercises are part of a bigger program – when put together over a course of a day, week, etc is designed to help achieve bigger goals.

Thanks for your comments!

After reading your thoughts, I think there may have been a disconnect with what I was trying to articulate. I’m not suggesting that those who play exergames do not know it is a ‘game’. Nor am I saying that accessorizing your Wii is ineffective (it certainly can burn more calories!).

What I’m suggesting is that marketers are promoting exergames as the next new way to reach a sedentary audience – those who might never go to the gym or do a 3″ step class. So when this journalist asked me about ways to make the “wii” more challenging by adding extra exercises on the side – I only meant that it was once again promoting the wii the way ‘exercise’ or ‘fitness’ is traditionally promoted. Once again, alienating that core demographic of sedentary folks who would still never attempt a bout of sit-ups on or off the wii.

But if the point of the article was for people like you who *DO* enjoy these added benefits and accessories, my question was then posed to the ‘exergame’ programmers/developers. If fit people really are drawn to these games but are having to modify with additional exercises to enhance game play, then are programmers failing to develop games that meet the demands of this ‘fitter’ audience?

Thanks for contributing to this conversation!

Having just bought the Everlast Balance Board step booster and wimpy 2lb weights to help ramp up my Wii Fit Plus play, I do find it more helpful because “Free Step” is now with and extra 3″

Most fit people, or those who strive to be, will automatically find other things to do with the Balance Board (between games or while watching TV…the thing’s out anyway)…

* tricep dips
* dumbbell side-to-sides
* calf raises

And all the other things folks do with steppers.

I think exergaming can be part of any home gym so that it adds to an overall routine. So, yes, we agree with the end result, Biray. I’m simply suggesting that you give “exergamers” a bit more credit.

So. How to make it better? Make a community out of it like Mario Kart so that you can essentially do a cardio class/competition with someone else around the world…or around the block.

A lot of these games to allow for gamers to input exercises from real life. “How many steps did you take today?” or “What other activities did you do today?” True, it could be more robust and user-friendly but it’s available.

Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge in the field of Blogging, marketing and managing. I attended three of your IDEA World workshops and found you to be fun, informative and down to earth. Thanks again.

Ryan

The experience is very different than using something like the Wii – Web 2.0 for me is motivational, the Wii is more of a tool or piece of equipment than anything else.

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