Exergaming—video games that incorporate physical activity—aligns well with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) health and wellness programs by promoting physical fitness, social engagement, and cognitive development in an engaging and accessible way. Recently we took a visit to the Boys & Girls Club of High Point to talk more about how active gaming is impacting their healthy lifestyle goals.
1. Encourages Physical Activity in a Fun, Engaging Way
Traditional exercise can sometimes feel like a chore for kids, but exergaming turns movement into a fun and interactive experience. Games like Exerbikes, tWall, and iWall get kids moving with activities like dancing, boxing, and obstacle courses, helping them meet daily physical activity recommendations.
2. Supports Healthy Lifestyle Habits
By integrating exergaming into BGCA’s programs, which emphasizes the mind, body, and soul, kids learn that fitness can be enjoyable and part of a healthy lifestyle. Over time, this can foster long-term fitness habits and reduce the risk of obesity and related health issues.
3. Provides an Inclusive Fitness Option
Exergaming is accessible to kids of all fitness levels and abilities. Unlike traditional sports, which may require specific skills or physical capabilities, exergames allow all kids to participate at their own pace and gradually build their confidence in being active.
4. Enhances Social Interaction and Teamwork
Many exergames support multiplayer modes, encouraging kids to play together, compete, and collaborate. This fosters teamwork, sportsmanship, and social bonding, all of which are critical to BGCA’s focus on character and leadership development.
5. Improves Cognitive and Motor Skills
Certain exergames require quick decision-making, coordination, and problem-solving, which can help improve cognitive skills, reaction time, and hand-eye coordination. Games that involve rhythm and movement also enhance spatial awareness and motor skills.
6. Creates a Safe and Structured Environment for Exercise
Exergaming provides a safe, supervised environment for kids to be active, particularly in urban areas or communities with limited access to safe outdoor play spaces. This ensures kids have a consistent opportunity to engage in fitness activities.
7. Bridges the Gap Between Technology and Fitness
In an era where kids are increasingly drawn to screens, exergaming blends technology with physical movement, making fitness relevant and appealing. This approach helps combat sedentary screen time while still leveraging kids’ interest in digital entertainment.
By integrating exergaming into BGCA’s health and wellness initiatives, clubs can encourage kids to be more physically active, improve their social skills, and develop lifelong habits of health and wellness—all while having fun.