Virtual workout games may not really work

The games typically allow participants to do everything from chart their fitness progress to take part in activities such as boxing, tennis, aerobics and jogging. However, the Australian Medical Association has warned that dependence on solely those games to fight obesity or to keep fit is a recipe for disaster.

"There is more to exercise than just jumping around in the lounge room," said AMA Victorian president Dr Harry Hemley.

"There's a lot of aspects to fitness and wellness which I don't think jumping around the lounge room will address.

"I encourage everybody to perhaps go walking with friends, do classes at the local gym - even get a fitness adviser if you can - just get out there and do those different kinds of exercise."

Sports scientist Kira Johnson of Monash University-based Exercise Research Australia also shared the same view and remarked that the video games workout could not replace doing proper real exercise such as swimming or jogging.

Based on the popular weight loss TV show of the same name, The Biggest Loser allows players to take part in a tailored weight-loss program, get nutritional tips, participate in challenges and work out alongside an on-screen personal trainer.

Fitness games designed for Nintendo's wireless Wii console have been a key component in the game machine's success in Australia.

Statistics compiled by market research firm GfK show the personal development category, which includes home fitness games, grew 33 per cent last year.

Wii Fit was the biggest-selling game in 2008 and 2009, with sales of more than 740,000.

Credits to: Herald Sun