Exergaming Facility Opens Second Texas Location

Officials from the child focused exercise facility NexGym, which emphasizes exercise through “high-energy fitness activities” such as Konami's popular rhytm game Dance Dance Revolution (DDR), announced that the fitness club will open a second location in time for the new year. NexGym distinguishes itself by offering interactive classes and programs for children ages 3-14 and exergaming programs featuring video game and virtual exercise technology equipment designed specifically for kids 6-14. NexGym opened its first location in Southlake, Texas in May 2006, originally under the name Energym. The gym's success, as well as what organizers note as a “growing need for fun kids' fitness options” has prompted officials to launch a second NexGym in Plano, Texas, with plans to open additional franchises in 2007. NexGym Plano will open on January 2, 2007. To celebrate its expansion to Plano, NexGym will host a New Year's Eve party aimed at children, providing Plano parents with a night out while their children take part in exergaming and other activities, including dodgeball and DDR. "NexGym makes it simple," commented NexGym Plano Co-Owners John and Dawn Daley. "By combining video gaming and virtual reality with healthy activity, kids don't even know they're 'exercising.' They just know they're having fun." The popularity of using DDR as a tool for education and physical fitness has grown over the last year. In April, Konami participated in the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) convention as a way to showcase the health benefits associated with playing video games such as those in the DDR series.