OK, you’re gonna like this. How about a health authority coming out and saying that playing video games can actually be good for you!

If you haven’t heard, it’s called “Exertainment.” Here’s what Dr. Thomas Fahey, Dept. of Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology Laboratory at California State University Chico had to say:

“Exertainment will promote metabolic health. Moderate intensity exercise reduces insulin resistance, promotes sodium-potassium pump activity, burns some calories, and promotes nitric oxide production. It also has positive effects on immunity and builds resistance to free radicals.”

Just in case you’re wondering - those are all good things.

Maureen Jeanson, an International Sports Sciences Association Certified trainer recommends using Dance Dance Revolution to get the blood pumping.

“Simply moving can increase one’s metabolism.” She goes on, “The Nintendo Wii can get teens off their butts, but it would need to be a more full-body involvement game to benefit in way of fitness. As far as striving for better fitness, I think the Dance Dance Revolution games have been used successfully by a lot of beginners in various fat burning programs as a way to do enjoyable cardio.”

If you have kids, you’ve probably got some type of game console - Xbox, Wii or Playstation - somewhere in the house. All you need is a fast paced game like Dance Dance Revolution and you’ll be in business.

And if you have trouble getting the kids to stop playing their games so you can use the system, just do what I do. Tell them you’re going to start singing Karaoke - my kids run out of the room every time!