A few new youth fitness franchises have sprung up around the world which incorporate kids’ fitness with video games – the aim being to try and turn around the issues of childhood obesity.
NexGym keep kids moving through video game inspired workouts. Not dissimilar to the Canadian Bulldog Interactive Fitness or Colorado’s XRKade.
NexGym has virtual reality inspired workouts which are geared to the interests of children aged 6-14. Video games are wired to fitness equipment, making the experience both mentally and physically active. Kids can race bikes through lunar landscapes, sharpen hand-eye coordination with intergalactic hand-to-hand combat, or participate in virtual pro sporting events. They also offer interactive classes in sports, dance, karate, yogo etc.
Bulldog Interactive Fitness is designed for kids aged 3 and up and works with PS2 game bikes, Dance Dance Revolution machines, simulated mountain-climbing treadwalls, circuit equipment etc.
XRade pulled together an advisory board of kids 9-16 to design its exergames. Its fitness centers feature virtual cycling, snowboarding, climbing, dance, tae kwon do etc.
Currently most of these are US/Canada based, though XRade is reporting that it will open soon in China.
