News: American Heart Association admits exercise is boring

On the list of products bearing the iconic American Heart Association logo, video games may not immediately spring to mind. But all that is about to change, thanks to a new partnership between the AHA and Nintendo America.

As part of their partnership, Nintendo games’such as Wii Fit Plus and Wii Sports Resort‘will bear the AHA’s heart logo to show that they are a "healthy choice," and in return, Nintendo will donate $1.5 million to the AHA. Not a bad deal. The new team has also launched a website called Active Play Now to encourage people to lead a more healthy lifestyle.

"We can keep beating the drum on traditional exercise and make small changes to the obesity epidemic, or we can try something that is really provocative and new," said Clyde Yancy, president of the AHA, as reported by the Associated Press.

But why is the AHA’s more traditional method of trying to get people interested in exercise failing, anyway? Well, according to the organization’s website, most people cite lack of time and lack of fun as their primary reasons for inactivity. Let’s face it, working out isn’t always "fun." That’s why it’s called working out. If you’re looking for a good time, you may not find it on the Bowflex.

The AHA and Nintendo are hoping to change that attitude, though. By suggesting fun ways to engage in physical activity’even if it means playing "active" video games’they may very well get more kids off the couch and out of the trap of childhood obesity. Considering that Canadian kids have also been issued a failing grade when it comes to physical fitness, I think it’s safe to say that we need to try whatever will work.

What do you think? Is this really a healthy partnership? Do you think that the new campaign will motivate people to be more active?

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‘ Why video games are good for kids
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