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Many kids love interactive video games that involve movement. The shelves of electronic stores are full of these types of games. Does playing a video game really help a youngster get the exercise that they need? Is it the same as if they participate in more traditional activities? New generations of active computer game systems like the xbox 360 kinect stimulate greater energy expenditure than sedentary games, but they are no substitute for playing real sports, yet the younger generation seems to be turning to them more and more every day.

The allure of gaming systems is very strong in our children. Kids who don't already have them really want them. Does playing a video game really help a youngster get the exercise that they need? Can the game replace going outside and running around? New generations of active computer game systems like the xbox 360 kinect stimulate greater energy expenditure than sedentary games, but they are no substitute for playing real sports, yet the younger generation seems to be turning to them more and more every day.

Will interactive video help a child get healthier? What matters is what a parents expectations are. The use of video games and watching the television consumes a large part of our kids daily activities. When watching television the amount of physical activity is minimal. Research has shown that every child should get at least sixty minutes of activity on a daily basis to keep themselves in shape. If the only way a parent can get their children doing the needed physical activity is through a video game, than that is a benefit. Any movement will use up energy. However, they're better off going out and playing real sports instead of jumping in front of a TV screen. Researchers say energy used during interactive games was much lower than during the real sports, such as bowling, tennis and boxing and have found that using something like the Wii system or the new Microsoft kinect system was not intense enough. The movement that kids get while playing video games is not as strenuous as they get when they play sports or other type of games that do not involve the television.

How do video games compare with real sports in terms of calories? Studies have shown that doing the same activities in a traditional way will burn as much as twice the amount of energy as doing these activities with a gaming system. It does matter which method you use. But if a person is to choose between doing nothing and playing a video game they will get a lot more return on the investment they made for the xbox 360 kinect price when they turn on the television and get up off the sofa to interact with it.

There is proof that if a child is using some of these interactive platforms, they will be able to get healthier. A quick search of the Internet will show many cases which prove that a youngster can lose some fat when playing video games. The results have been pretty impressive. A recent study found kids playing these types of active video games burned twice the number of calories compared with kids playing traditional video games. It is hard to deny the evidence. Children have gotten fit and trim. Most of the time they do not realize that they are exercising. Kids do not associate playing video games with staying fit because they are just playing games. Playing on these platforms does not have to be a solo adventure. It is another way for kids to enjoy social activities. When a person connects the system to the Internet it opens up a whole community of players. If you want the company of others while you exercise, it is possible.

What is the best way to keep our kids fit and active? Kids need to be moving around. A game that gets a kid moving and jumping around could be used when it is not feasible to run around outdoors. Any movement is helpful. Playing video games should only be one part of a child's fitness, they still need to do other types of activities that get them moving. The old school way is still the best way.