Fitness Games Help Users Keep New Year Resolutions

A new study from the Consumer Electronic Association shows that the spread of technology-based fitness programs, with video games like Wii Fit, Your Shape or EA Sports Active leading the charge, have helped quite a few users keep their New Year's resolutions of dropping a few pounds after the holidays.

The study shows that half of those questioned have used a fitness technology at some point during the last year, although it's not clear if all of them used video games or other products, and another 37 percent are interested in using a fitness technology in the coming 12 months.

54 percent of consumers have said that lack of motivation is the main reason for not exercising and shows how technology can allow them to create an environment where information is more easily available to them and where realistic goals and stat tracking can lead to increased engagement with exercise routines.

Rhonda Daniel, manager of market research at Consumer Electronics Associations, has stated, “Fitness technologies can play a significant role in motivating consumers.“Compared to consumers who are not using fitness technologies, consumers who use these devices view exercise more positively, and are more likely to enjoy exercising and to view it as important to their health.”

He added, “The demand for fitness technologies is wide-ranging, and a variety of technologies are available – from standalone devices such as digital weight scales, pedometers and fitness companions, to software programs and applications, to peripherals and games for gaming systems.”

The launch of Kinect and the PlayStation Move, the motion tracking devices for the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3, will probably see more fitness based experiences delivered in the coming months while already established players like Nintendo, Electronic Arts and Nintendo will probably launch new products in their series to keep their market share.