XAVIX: USING ACTIVE TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE FITNESS FUN

written by Donna Moore, Julia Randall Elementary School, Payson, Arizona

Physical Educators are continually searching for innovative equipment to excite their students into being active. Xavix is the answer. After piloting Xavix in my Physical Education classes, during summer recreation camps and with my own niece & nephew, the one comment I often hear is "this is better than Wii." When I ask what makes this gaming system better, I am told the graphics are better and the activities are fun. Our goal as Physical Education specialists is to educate children to be physically active for a lifetime. Integrating Xavix into any curriculum will provide teachers additional tools to increase physical activity and the lasting enjoyment of movement.

There are a number of features which attracted me to the Xavix system. First and foremost was the price. The XaviXPORTS cost around $80.00. The variety of Xavix games range from $50.00 to $80.00. There was one feature that immediately drew me to Xavix – the games were cartridges, not DVD's. Other games which use DVDs get scratched over time with continual use. Once a DVD is damaged, it becomes useless. The Xavix games are kid tested and Physical Education classroom approved for durability! As Physical Education specialist, finding money to purchase new equipment is difficult enough. Replacing equipment which does not last is not an option. The Xavix gaming system is a product which will provide Physical Education classrooms years of enjoyment, laughter, and improvement in student's overall health & fitness.

So what is Xavix? Xavix is a gaming system in which students can participate in sports, increase fitness levels, socialize with friends, monitor their health, and engage in leisure time activities. Rediscover the magic of television and experience true interactivity with the revolutionary XaviXport system. Instantly turn your gym into a fun, interactive sports and fitness environment with exciting applications that are powered with Xavix wireless controllers.

Set up is as easy as connecting the red, white and yellow jacks to a TV. Students can move in a circuit type setting participating in various sports and fitness type activities. Get up and exercise with Jackie Chan Fitness products, or just sit back, relax and enjoy Xavix Bass Fishing. Each application utilizes realistic sporting equipment which makes this gaming system more realistic for kids. The XaviXPORT system incorporates multichannel infrared, optical radio frequency sensors which allow the participant to truly control interaction with the television. Xavix has a wide-range of games and fitness programs which will excite every student. These are the games which are available through Xavix:

• Baseball – Simulates the entire game experience.
• Bowling – Enjoy the feel of a real bowling alley.
• Golf – Allows students to enjoy 18 holes of golf.
• Power Boxing – Team up with Jackie Chan to tone-up and improve endurance.
• Tennis – Experience back strokes and volleys and winners with the same timing as a tennis match.
• Jackie Chan Fitness – Enjoy an aerobic workout with Jackie Chan as your personal fitness instructor.
• Music Circuit Workout – This program allows you to tone up with your own tunes.
• Xavix Bass Fishing – Designed to act and feel like you are out on a real lake.
• Hand-Eye Workout - A fun "multi-task training" application that stimulates the neurotransmission system between the brain and the body to develop powers of judgment, reflexes, and dexterity.
• Lifestyle Manager – This program works to show you where you are with your lifestyle and what needs to be changed.

As a Physical Educator, I am continually searching for curriculum which serves two purposes. The first most important purpose is it must be fun. As adults, we rarely volunteer to do anything unless there is fun involved. Kids are no different. If we can educate children with "fun" activities they will continue these activities into adulthood. The second purpose is transfer. I like to expose my students to activities they can teach their families and continue to participate in outside of Physical Education.

There are unique aspects of the Xavix system. Xavix encourages social interaction between students while they participate in the game or physical activity. The applications are non-violent and promote health and fitness. Xavix gets participants moving and allows them to burn calories by selecting a light, moderate, or heavy cardio workout. All of the Xavix applications are gender and age neutral.

XaviX improves Basal Metabolic Rate, coordination, balance, strength, agility, cardio, reflexes and more through games and fitness activities. XaviX is a challenging, creative movement experience that contains the technology for record keeping and differentiated levels of activity. This system presents a variety of interactive fitness and sport activities. So what are you waiting for? Xavix is a gaming system that should be in every Physical Education program across the United States! Get Xavix, get your favorite XaviX sports and fitness applications, and get up and get active!

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Biography: I have taught Physical Education for 30 years. I am as passionate today about teaching as the first day I began. My goal is to create an environment which allows my students to develop an intrinsic love of movement. I want my students to be healthy for a lifetime!

During my year as the Arizona Educational Foundation's Ambassador for Excellence, I had the opportunity to travel the state of Arizona spreading the importance physical activity has on the academic performance of students. In October of 2011, I was honored in Washington D.C. by the Century Council as one of their "20 People to Watch."

I am married to my high school sweetheart, Mike, for 30 years and we have 2 adult children, Michael & Brittany. Michael will be married in June and Brittany & her husband Branden gave us our first grandchild, Brock Channing Echols in May.

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