Surprisingly, there are a number of video games available that will get your son moving. But the system your son is probably talking about is the Nintendo Wii (nintendo.com/wii/).

Wii has revolutionized the gaming industry. Unlike most video game systems, which plant players firmly on their bottoms – likely contributing to the childhood obesity epidemic – the Wii system requires movement for most game play. Many video games increase eye-hand coordination, but the Wii can also give players a real workout all in the name of fun!

Several games available on multiple platforms require or encourage movement to play. Dance Dance Revolution, or DDR, originated in the arcade arena. It requires a floor dance pad with directional arrows. The player selects songs and a difficulty level. When the music starts, the screen directs the player to move according to the arrow pattern on the screen. The score is based on accuracy of movement. Even this coordination-challenged PropellerHead has attempted the game with some success. You can easily see sweat glisten if you watch players for long.

DDR has actually been registered as an official sport in Norway. If you think that’s just another weird European thing, the state of West Virginia is in the process of incorporating DDR into its school fitness programs. Many schools have independently incorporated DDR into gym classes.

Another game available in several formats is Rock Band. Rock Band allows players to simulate rock musicians by playing guitar, singing with the game microphone, or playing drums. According to my personal rock star, only the drummer gets any real exercise. Even so, it’s fun and is likely to be more palatable to parents than the real rock band my Mom endured for years in her basement.

Wii was developed by Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, of Mario and Luigi fame, and was released to the US market just in time for the holidays in 2006. It quickly became the must-have system, surpassing sales of its major competitor, Microsoft’s Xbox 360. (PropellerHeads just love it when Microsoft is number 2).

What makes Wii so different from other game systems is its Wii Remote, which uses wireless infrared technology to sense position in game play. Players must move their bodies to gesture intended action. In Wii bowling, the player simulates throwing a bowling ball. In Wii tennis, players swing a virtual racket.

While this may not seem like a lot of exercise, there are games specifically designed to help players get fit, such as the newest Wii game – Wii Fit. Wii Fit includes a Yoga component, balance games, strength training, and aerobics. Even your couch potato will find it hard to resist burning a few calories.

Wii has received such acclaim for promoting movement and building coordination that it is now being used as a physical therapy tool in rehab centers for patients with brain injuries, in nursing homes, and even as a weight loss tool.

But, don’t discount the value of a summer walking program. You and that couch potato will enjoy the time together and get healthier too. Just make sure your walks don’t include stops at McDonald’s for fries!