July 11 : Here’s some good news for computer games buffs who spend all that time stuck to their consoles – you’re getting as much exercise in 35 minutes as a short aerobics class or a brisk one-hour walk.

The finding comes straight from researchers themselves who state that the latest generation of “active” computer games like the Nintendo Wii or Sony PlayStation EyeToy involve so much waving of arms and moving around, that they are effectively a good workout.

And though researcher Alasdair Thin, of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh insists that it is not a substitute for exercising, these games do help players burn calories.

“Playing these video games can actually provide an effective workout. It’s not a substitute for an aerobics class or going for a run, but it is equivalent in burning calories,” Times Online quoted him, as saying.

The study was presented at the Life Sciences conference. (ANI)