In fact, spending 30 minutes pummeling a virtual punching bag provides virtually the same burn as a real bag. A group of 29 students spent 30 minutes punching a real punching bag as well as 30 minutes virtually boxing via the Wii. Information from a heart monitor, pedometer, and oxygen analyzer was streamed into a computer and analyzed.

The conclusion? The students only burned an average of 28 more calories on the real thing, an amount which is not statistically significant. On the other hand, heartbeats were higher on the real bag by a large margin. Participants said that, because they’re not actually punching something, the Wii workout felt easier than the gym.

That's actually a good thing, according to CSU Professor Associate Professor Ken Sparks. "One reason people don't exercise is because they feel like it is too strenuous." He said, "With the Wii, they get the workout, but there isn't that negative feeling." So despite the lower heart rate on the Wii, someone who wants a workout on the games system can have it. You just "really have to get into it," Sparks said.

The students hope that Wiis can be implemented in schools and senior centers as an alternative to hard-hitting real-world exercise.

The news story does not specify whether or not the students were playing Wii Sports or Wii Fit, but Wii Sports seems like the better fit (pardon the pun).