From the Editor's Desk

I am working on my third straight month of Nike+ Kinect Training. This game has been kicking my behind three to four times a week. Want to know a secret? I appreciate that. For too long exercise video games let me cheat. Before you get all judgmental let me explain something. When I get tired I naturally do not do my best exercising. When I am sore, in pain, and hurting – I am not hitting those knees up into my chest. Nike+ Kinect Training recognizes this and points out where I am missing the boat.

Before we go much deeper, there is something else we have to discuss. Video games have a bad image. The gamer has a really bad image. I have asked plenty of people on the street what the typical gamer looks and acts like. A high percentage came back with a fat, lazy slob who bonds with their couch too much. The next highest response was one of those school shooters. I blame the majority of the gaming media for this. Their unhealthy obsession with over-covering the macabre and morbid rated games continues to hurt the image of the entire industry.

Yes my friends there are good video games out there. Nike+ Kinect Training is one of those. This Xbox 360 Kinect game is improving the health of millions. The trainers are positive, upbeat, friendly, and most of all encouraging. I hear: “Stand Up Please,” quite often while playing Nike+ Kinect Training. Why? I was just doing a floor exercise and now I need to get vertical for the next exercise. But I am tired. I just want to lay down. Nike+ Kinect Training encourages me to get up, and fight through those last few reps or seconds.

Nike+ Kinect Training can usually tell when I am cheating. The trainers are programmed with the technology of being able to see my skeleton. They can see immediately where I need to improve. So I hear things like: “Keep the weight on your heels,” and “Keep your back straight.” I love to hear my form is exactly as it should be. I love the encouragement. Most of all I love how Nike+ Kinect Training never gives up on me. Even when I have given up on myself.

The payoff has come in how Nike+ Kinect Training has improved my health. I have more energy, I have more stamina, and I can feel it while doing other things. This has improved my mood, and attitude. I am thankful that Microsoft Game Studios published Nike+ Kinect Training.

God bless you and yours,
Paul Bury
Editor in Chief
Family Friendly Gaming