(0 comments)

Enter the World of Exercise Entertainment

Walk anywhere in the world without leaving your house? Yep, just plug in. A new breed of video games can help get you moving.

The inside of a gym probably is one of the least scenic places on earth—rows of machines, sweating bodies, and mats on the floor. However, when you hook up to a new generation of fitness-related equipment, you can transport yourself a world away or simply make your living room a fun place to burn some calories.

Stroll Scenic Sites
DVDs of scenic locations can provide incentive to step up your workout. Filmed from a viewpoint of a walker taking tours of some of the most beautiful cities in the world, the DVDs are meant to be watched from a treadmill or another stationary workout machine. Choose an exotic locale such as Hawaii or Rome. Or select a themed walk, such as strolling through the seasons, as you see leaves change and then buds blossom, going from autumn to spring while you workout. The DVDs are 30 to 60 minutes long and cost about $15. Check out www.treadmilltourist.com for more info.

Feel the Ride
When you attach a virtual cycling trainer to your bike, you not only see the simulated roads, but also get the replicated feel of the ride. If you’re climbing using a program that simulates an alpine mountain, the system will increase resistance, giving your quads a good workout on the way up. Thankfully, the computer also simulates descents. Some come with steering programs and allow you to group ride with others hooked into the virtual-reality bike network. For those who want to ride like the pros, try programs that replicate stages of the Tour de France and other classic bike races. Systems can cost $750 or more. Go to www.tacx.com to learn more.

Game On…in the Living Room
While standing or even sitting in your living room, you use the wireless Wii controller strapped to your wrist to control what happens in the game. Swing the controller and you move an on-screen arm. Click a button and you release a ball or swing a bat. Assisted-care facilities have even started offering the systems to residents, who enjoy the low-impact exercise of games such as bowling and tennis. There are a variety of simulated sports available, from running and swimming to table tennis and basketball. The system costs about $600 with games ranging from about $40 to $70. Check out www.wii.com to see if your favorite game is available.

Swing Away on Virtual Links
How convenient would it be to step onto Highland National Golf Course whenever you felt like it? And if your time is limited, maybe you can just work on that approach to hole. 4. With golf simulator games you can receive feedback about your swing as you work on achieving par. Systems start at $972 and go up based on the number of courses offered in the program. Take a swing at www.virtualgolf.com.

Hit a Homer Off a Major Leaguer
Using life-size images of real pitchers, the ProBatter Professional Baseball system gives you the feel of stepping up to the plate. The ball flies through the video image at the release point of the computer-generated pitcher. And don’t think you can sit on a fastball—the machine can throw balls at up to 100 mph. To keep you on your toes, the system throws in curves and sliders as well. Probably a bit too pricey for home use, these systems are found at batting cages. For more info, check out www.probatter.com.