Play video games and get … fitter? That’s right. According to a number of recent studies, some video games can actually help you improve your fitness level, lose weight and get stronger and leaner.

A study published in the “Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism” journal, the main benefits come from interactive video games. This is the kind of games where things you do “in the real world” are shown on the screen. This is done through the clever use of cameras, wireless gadgets and a platform in which you stand when performing certain exercises. The first computer games console that comes to mind is the Wii Fit system from XBox -- but others are also available.

And that’s just the beginning.