Social Connection

Whether a club owner opts to invest in a Wii gaming system or devote an entire room to other active gaming equipment, operators will find that they can bring people together through active gaming.

"It adds to the whole social element of exercise, which is so important for the senior population," Coffman says. "When you get the social, recreational and competitive aspect to it, you get laughter."

When club owners can get laughter and excitement into their clubs, then they are more apt to retain their members and even pull in new clientele.

"Offering active gaming is a great way to bring in new members who may otherwise be intimidated to join a fitness facility," Buchanan says.

Buchanan advises health club owners to sponsor Wii tournaments, which have been extremely popular at her retirement community. To make these events even more successful, club owners can create multi-generational leagues or competitions. For example, Nifty After Fifty recently worked with a community organization to sponsor a Wii bowling tournament pitting seniors against teenagers.

"They can learn from each other, and it's a great way for them to communicate," says Zinberg. "We're planning on holding several more of these events. I think it's the beginning of a trend."

Although not all club owners are sold on this trend yet, Coffman says they should seriously consider it.

"You can bring 20 people into a 400-square-foot room and have them bowl, play tennis and golf," Coffman says. "It's a way for the fitness industry to bring people back to their recreational roots."

Through the world of active gaming, club members of any age can stimulate their spirits, bodies and minds.

Read the "Comparison of Wii vs. Active Gaming" sidebar or the "How to Integrate Active Gaming into a Club" sidebar for more information.

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© 2012 Penton Media Inc.