Workout with Wii

More and more aspects of our lives today are becoming virtually-oriented. Sometimes the trend can be a good thing. According to GameSpy, video games are used by close to three-fourths of Americans. When real physical exercise becomes part of the game, good health stats happen for the user and not just for the virtual character.

Nintendo is paving the way in the new trend of exergaming, which is the combination of exercise with video games. The Wii game console is designed to have users become more active while playing games. Nintendo has even released games specifically for fitness, such as Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus.

The idea is that people will be more likely to exercise if it is part of what they do already, such as playing video games. Plus, exercising is more entertaining when it is part of a game and you can play with your friends with games like Wii Sports, Wii Play, and EA Sports Active.

The first time you start Wii Fit it will weigh you to determine your body mass index (BMI), a measure of body fat based on weight and height.  You can set weight loss goals or just do a workout.  You have your own personalized Mii that wears a leotard for working out. 

The game will save your workout information.  The next time you login the game it will give you body tests and fitness tests based on what you did the previous workout.      

Wii Fit has a personal trainer to give you tips as you do the exercises and play the games.  You can select either a male or a female. 

There are yoga exercises to help with deep breathing and various poses such as warrior and half moon.  You can also work on strength training doing the leg extensions, squats, and lunges.  The balance games are a fun way to help you work on your posture.  Play soccer, go skiing, or walk on a tightrope to get yourself more coordinated.  Get your heart pumping faster with the aerobics exercises.  You can take a run through the park or use the balance board for a step class.  Tone your hips with the hula hoop game.  Get your hips swinging to keep the hula hoop moving.  Luckily virtual hula hoop is much easier than real hula hoop. 

More exercises unlock as you play and the intensity increases so you won’t get bored.  If used consistently, Wii Fit can help you shed some pounds and get into better overall shape.  It is also fun and entertaining.  It is after all a game.     

Cons:

• You don’t get as wide of a variety of types of exercise
• Most games require you to hold the Wiimote in your hand
• You are stuck inside in front of the tv
• There is less social interaction with those outside your home
• You have to pay for the Wii, the games, and the balance board
• The sports games don’t provide as much of a workout as the real thing

However,

Pros:

• Great for winter, so don't have to get out in cold
• Don't have to leave the house
• It's entertaining, it keeps your mind busy while you workout
• The whole family can exercise together while having fun
• No gym fees to pay
• You can keep track of your own fitness goals and how well you are meeting them
• Convenience of workout anytime day or night
• There are many games available to use for workouts or just playing sports

If you are going to be playing video games anyway, why not be active while you are playing.  This especially goes for kids.  It is better for them to get some exercise rather than just sitting like a lump on the couch. 

Wii exercise is like any other kind of exercise.  If you are serious about getting into shape and determined to lose weight, you will be successful.  If you don’t have the motivation, it won’t work just as any other program would fail if you aren’t dedicated. 

Using the Wii for exercise can be fun and rewarding if you really want to see results.