Exergames help fight depression?

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180497.php

I found the above article interesting and thought I'd share it. I know in the long winters here it's hard to motivate myself to exercise, but this sounds like it could be fun. Anyone have any experience with these Wii () games. I'm not sure what you need to play Wii or how expensive it is?

Yes Pom we have the Wi system and Wi Play - tennis, bowling etc. - it's a lot of fun. I think it's a great idea for seniors to get involved in - gets them physical but also improves hand/eye coordination which stimulates brain function. I was thinking of buying Wi Fit which comes with a 'balance board' and this is even more physical. Here in Canada it's about $299 not including games or extra remotes. I know it's cheaper in the U.S. I'm wondering if the Wi Fit is fun? If you have the money you should get it Pom.

We have the Wii and the Wii Fit (plus just a bunch of random games). It really is fun! You will be surprised how you will find yourself running all over the room to play tennis (or whatever). The Fit is great because its like you have a trainer getting you to do certain activities. You can chose games (balance and such), yoga or exercises. It is expensive. The Wii costs $199 now (it was more expensive when we got it! Dang!!) and the Fit is like $80 or so. If you are like me and don't like being with other people, especially while exercising, its wonderful and it keeps you motivated.

I have actually found it helpful in the past. Actually, rather than wii I have found this through an old (and cheap, used) xbox and DDR. For me it was a fun way to move around that I could do in the safety of my home, even when I couldn't go out the doors. Since I began playing, I have also been going to the gym on a regular basis (trying for twice a week) - and that has helped even more =)

So yes, I think these games are wonderful! There are varying levels of play and some of them can get you even sweating, even if you're in decent shape (in the case of some friends I used to know).

Thanks for sharing this


Also in answer to your question to play wii you need:
A tv that you can plug the wii into
A wii
The game
Possibly some extra controllers (I'm not 100pct sure on that, but especially if you want to play with other people you may need to go to some extra expense)

In the US, using amazon I see that new wii's are still pricy, but there may be a possibility of getting a used system, or a better price in stores??? It looks to be north of 200 dollars.
Each game varies in price: one of them on amazon looks to be 20 dollars, with a possibility of needing some kind of extra remote (I haven't tried it so I don't want to give you wrong info)

There are other games that use body motions, specifically DDR but these are of a different type, and are harder on the body/ require different sorts of skills that might be hard to pick up at first. You may be able to get some old versions of such games for cheaper though, because they've been out for years whereas the wii is still pretty new.