Emily Lampa, Your Kids

Childhood obesity is growing, and statistics show one factor contributing to the obesity boom is too much time in front of the TV.

But if you give kids the choice between exercising and playing video games, what do you think they would pick?

News 13's Emily Lampa tells us how Xergames hopes to get kids up off the couch by giving them exactly what they want.

Xergames designs interactive games  games to be played on a sport wall by kids in schools.

"We take something that they already know and understand, which is technology, and put it into a fun format which creates movement, and group activity for kids," said David Urmston, Xergames' sales manager.

Up to seven kids can use the sport wall at one time., and its not just fun, it can be used to teach. Each light is labeled with a different color, number, and shape and it can be used to teach math and symbol recognition.
 
The game is designed to help hand-eye coordination. If you stand in front of it you can work on peripheral vision, speed and timing, and agility.

You can also throw a medicine ball at it.

It is designed for kids from 5  to 70 years old.

Another interactive product is the dance platform. You may be familiar with the concept, but what makes this one different is that the dance pads are wireless, so up to 32 kids can play at a time.

"It's all about brain-body -- or bringing the two together to create fitness products or to play interactive products," Urmston said.

Through YMCA's and schools, about 500,000 kids across the county now have access to these devices. 

How does the game rate with school administrators and board members?

"This is great for kids. It's energizing, you get tired, you get relaxed, you get a good workout rather than staying at home in front of the computers, moving your hands. You exercise. It's fun," said Laura Fuller, a member of the school board.

To see more Your Kids stories, go to News 13 On Demand, Digital Cable Channel 313.

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