TechnoFitness Fun (3): Family TechnoFitness Game Night
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By: Meredith Rosson, Cooper Fitness Center - Dallas Youth Programs Director
Part three of a series of articles featuring popular "technofitness" gadgets, programs, and equipment. Take family game night to a new level with three electronic games that get you moving - Hyper Dash, Hyper Blast, and Hyper Jump.
I talk to parents on a daily basis who are struggling with ways to interest their children in being active in this age of technology that encourages us to entertain ourselves through screen-based electronics. Often they admit they don’t limit their children’s screen time on a consistent basis…key word being consistent. Parents will also admit to using technology such as NintendoDS and Xbox to get their children to comply.
I encourage parents to commit to two things: 1) Be consistent with the limitations you place on stationary activities and equally consistent with the amount of time devoted to being active. 2) Be an active role model for your children by participating in fun, physically active games. One solution—Family TechnoFitness Game Night. It’s “Family Board Game Night” version 2.0. Instead of playing board games, you will be playing games that include electronics and current technology that helps keep your children's interest.
When planning your game night, pick games that incorporate elements that appeal to your children. For many children, their favorite elements are lights, interactive gaming, levels that mark their success, and something challenging enough to keep their competitive juices flowing. It is equally as important to be consistent with your game night and to participate in the fun with your kids if you hope to see your kids interest in other physical activities grow beyond your one night a week together.
There are several games I always tell parents about when they are looking to start Family TechnoFitness Game Night. So put down the TV remote, the video game controls, and mouse. It is time to get active!
I am a sucker for any game that incorporates child development (motor skills and cognitive skills), which is why I LOVE the following three games that are part of Wild Planet’s Hyper Game line of toys.
1. Hyper Dash
Hyper Dash is the perfect mixture of the games such as Simon, Brain Bash, and active gaming that have become so popular now. This game can be played indoors or outdoors with family and friends or by yourself. You have one Hyper Dash controller and five numbered multicolored targets. There are multiple game options—everything from solo player to relay races to memory challenges—and two factors that play into the game’s difficulty, difficulty of the commands and the difficulty of the “playing field” (distance between targets). If you are outdoors, you can really work up a sweat depending on how far you spread the targets apart. If you are indoors, you can add an additional level of difficulty by hiding the targets behind items (for example, on the other side of the sofa, in the kitchen, etc.).
Now let the game begin! On each player’s turn, voice commands from the Hyper Dash controller are given and the player must run to the specified target. Through wireless signals on the target, the controller will detect the success or failure of each player’s turn. Once you have completed the sequence, the controller will tell you your time. At the end of each game it will announce the winner.
For younger kids, there’s a version that uses animals and Disney characters. I found Hyper Dash at Target for only $19.99.
2. Hyper Blast
Hyper Blast is similar to Hyper Dash but it has a launcher that has five removable numbered balls around it. You use your foot to hit the large “blaster button” in the center of the launcher to send the balls flying. The launcher will give you commands depending on the level you have selected. What I love about Hyper Blast is the mathematical element that some of the harder levels incorporate. You use your mind and your muscles. This game will be your scorekeeper/timekeeper and announce the winner. You can buy this game online for $29.99.
3. Hyper Jump
Using many of the same basic concepts of the two previous games and a similar concept to Twister, Hyper Jump is a great way to work on reaction time and flexibility. Along with the special commands, each level is guaranteed to continuously challenge players of all levels. I found this game at Amazon for $14.99.
These games are a great start to your family’s collection of active games and will make your Family TechnoFitness Game Night a hit with all members of your family. Parents, teachers, child development specialists, and, most importantly, children have chosen these Planet Wild games as some of the best games on the market. They are great for parties, sleepovers, and play dates as well.
Before the games begin, I recommend adding another element to your game night—cooking a healthy meal together. Choose the recipes together and let each family member be responsible for a part of the meal. This is a great time to discuss the importance of expending energy and being aware of the food (or energy) we choose to put in our bodies.
Once Family TechnoFitness Game Night is part of the weekly routine, you’ll want to periodically change up the games. In future articles I will share other games you can use to help keep your children active that also incorporate technology and electronics.
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