CRI听力: US Gym

At Powerhouse Gym, in Burbank, California, clients are trying out the latest in fitness gaming technology, or 'exergaming' as it's called. 'Exergaming' keeps users interested throughout the game, as young generations now want to be entertained while working out. With Dogfight, users fly a plane by pedalling and controlling a simulator with levers on the sides of the seat. State-of-the-art graphics and sounds take users on exciting virtual flights.

Developed in California by Electronic Sports, a leading industry provider of competitive active gaming machines, Dogfight is meant to make working out exciting. CEO Joe Dean says when people are engaged in what they're doing, they end up having fun.(www.hXen.com)

"The commercial fitness industry is really ready for a change like this and we think there's going to be a huge growth in this market. It's a multi billion dollar industry and we think we're the first company that really adopted it for the high end commercial market."

With Dogfight he's merged the traditional gym and active gaming to engage the user so much that they don't realize they are working out. His mission is to bring innovative Virtual Sports and Active Gaming products to a new generation that enjoys online physical competition in their homes, gym or at local schools.

As the user pedals the bike, the propeller of the plane spins. The faster they pedal, the faster the plane goes. If the user stops peddling, they fall out of the sky, so there is motivation to continue to play and pedal. The graphics and the sounds absorb the users mind thus maintaining their interest.

In order to climb, the spring-loaded handles on the sides are pulled, which is effectively a workout for the arms. Buttons on the handles fire weapons and there are targets to shoot at. Once the player has mastered the art of flight, battle commences and competition with another player begins, as users compete for an adrenaline-pumped game of aerial combat. There is a choice of futuristic aircraft in which to undertake their mission. Participant Oscar Gonzalez says he loves the game aspect because of its escapism.

"I think I love it, I jumped on it for five minutes and I was hooked. From the start, I enjoy that you forget that you're working out. You're just playing a video game. By the time you get off the machine you're soaking wet and you finished your workout."

Cindy Salazar agrees that mixing working out with gaming is a great way to get in shape.

"Everybody like guys, my girlfriends, they play video games all the time and they play video games over working out. They'll choose video games. So, if you can kill two birds with one stone, you get the workout and you're playing, so it's a game, so it's fun."

Today's young generation is no longer interested in exercising in front of the TV. They need much more stimulation. Perhaps exergaming will help raise a new generation of superfit couch potatoes.

For China drive, I'm Huang Rui.