Exergaming Part 1: – Chameleon Fitness
Innovation, evolution and revolution are human imperatives, no doubt. In the realm of technology, these imperatives extend across the entire software/hardware process, from conception to manufacturing and roll-out. However, when you apply these mainstays to more ‘emotive’ areas of our lives, it becomes all too easy to ‘box’ or package arising trends and technologies, in an effort to understand what may initially seem odd, alien or even ridiculous. Exergaming certainly engenders a diversity of reactions, often resulting in bewilderment or confusion, depending on the...
read moreExergaming, the UK government and Aardman Studios
The UK government has released a new anti-obesity ad using the services of Aardman Studios (of Wallace and Gromit fame). This in itself isn’t so interesting, other than seeing the Aardman crew’s intelligence and unique skills directed into a Health initiative, but seeing how they are promoting active gaming/exergaming in the ad certainly is! This seems to be an about-turn for the UK government but regardless of its motivations, the current ad is certainly a welcome endorsement for exergaming. The full report is at the...
read moreCheerleading and Exergaming?
Rhythm games can be somewhat of an oxymoron in that they are more epileptic than rhythmic. Still, the point from a fitness perspective, is motion, preferably full-body with scaleable intensity. Now, being somewhat ‘feet challenged’ and always seeming to find the section of the dance mat that doesn’t have an arrow, I thought I’d experiment with ‘upper body’ driven rhythm games. Enter PS2 & ‘Eyetoy Groove’. I was in my element, finally! I began to relax into the rhythm much more effectively which made the game more fun and the fitness...
read moreFullbody Exergaming Exertion
A four year old technology is still at the forefront of Exergaming methodology, and four years is a long time in this arena. In conjunction with Kinetic SCE London Studio and Nike Motionworks, the Eyetoy and Kinetic are a credit to its designers. Many of todays game producers could do much worse than to use this inception as a yardstick for successful Exergaming implementation. At Exergaming Finland we’ve been promoting the outstanding high intensity workout that can be achieved by the Eyetoy, particularly in relation to Kinetic and Kinetic combat. Exergaming can offer a total body...
read moreExergaming Scandinavians
The Scandinavians produce some fantastic Exergaming products and services…check out these two I found recently: Virtuagym (still in Beta) http://www.virtuagym.com/about.php and their video at http://www.vimeo.com/3455005 and Positive Gaming at...
read moreEyespy with my Exergamer's eye
The Eyetoy has been a favourite and a workhorse of our companies stratergies. It has a wealth of software available and fits well with our modular and portable service delivery. However, it can be finnicky or just a bloody nuisance to set up. Varying environments, creating varying result on the Eyetoy accuracy. I guess it has bad days just like the rest of us mere mortals. I’ve been fortunate in the past of being able to create highly effective testing areas. This has allowed me to experiment at will with various exergaming models and programs across multiple hardware...
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