At the Hoover YMCA, part of the YMCA of Greater Birmingham, kids are discovering that fitness doesn’t have to feel like “exercise” when it’s fun, engaging, and interactive. This summer, campers dove headfirst into the world of Exergaming—and they can’t get enough of it.
Movement Meets Play
Exergaming blends physical activity with interactive technology, turning traditional workouts into exciting challenges. Instead of being told to run, jump, or stretch, kids are drawn into games that naturally require them to do those things. Whether it’s racing against a friend, testing their reaction time, or keeping up with fast-paced music, they’re staying active without even realizing how much exercise they’re getting.
The Favorites: iWall, iDance, tWall, and Heavyball
As summer camp counselor Logan Colville shares in the video, some of the most popular stations at the Hoover YMCA include:
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iWall – An interactive wall where kids run, jump, and move their whole bodies to complete games and challenges.
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iDance – A multiplayer dance system that gets kids competing, collaborating, and laughing while improving rhythm and coordination.
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tWall – A reaction training wall where kids smack lit-up targets as fast as they can, testing speed, focus, and agility.
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Heavyball – A fun twist on strength and coordination, where kids use medicine balls to hit targets, combining play with power.
Logan says kids don’t just like these games—they love them. And what’s more, they keep asking for more time on them.
Why It Works
At its core, exergaming taps into what kids already enjoy—technology, games, and competition—while delivering the physical activity they need to stay healthy. It motivates children of all ages and fitness levels, making exercise feel inclusive rather than intimidating.
The Hoover YMCA has seen firsthand how these tools transform activity time into an experience kids look forward to. Instead of dragging their feet, they’re running to the iWall, dancing on iDance, and smashing targets on the tWall. The laughter, smiles, and energy in the room tell the whole story: fitness is fun again.
Building Lifelong Healthy Habits
By making movement fun, the Hoover YMCA is not just keeping kids active during summer camp—it’s helping instill a love for fitness that can last a lifetime. When children learn that exercise can be exciting, social, and rewarding, they’re more likely to keep moving well beyond the camp walls.