The Positives:
• Body Mass Index (BMI) check to provide some information about your overall health.
• A variety of programs: aerobics, yoga, strength training, balance, boxing, tennis, and more.
• It doesn’t take up as much space as other home exercise equipment might.
• It can burn calories!!
• It’s fun!
The Negatives:
• It’s expensive, and the reality is that you can do these same exercises without a Wii Fit.
• The BMI measurement can be faulty as it is based on weight and height. Someone with a high weight because he is a body builder would be told he was overweight, when in reality he is just muscular.
• The balance test does not provide an accurate tool for assessing one’s physical fitness levels.
• You may be performing exercises incorrectly which could lead to an ineffective workout, or worse, injury.
Overall Assessment:
Wii Fit is a great introductory tool for fitness, but definitely should not be the extent of your workout regime! If it gets you off the couch: wonderful! Working out should not stop there, however. The strength training routine provides a good challenge, but cardiovascular exercise can be more intense and varied. To sum it up: Wii Fit can provide a good base and help you burn some calories, but over time I would suggest you incorporate other activities into your exercise regime if you want to achieve optimal physical fitness.
My Recommendations:
• If you’re going to use Wii Fit, mix it up with other activities! Take a walk, go to a yoga class, or check out workout DVDs from your library to try at home.
• Make sure you are also following a balanced diet. Check out the meal plans available on my website!
• Make a commitment to yourself. Find a vision that motivates you and don’t lose sight of it! Your mindset is often the main challenge!
Have you tried Wii Fit? What were the results for you?
We’ve all heard the staggering statistics about how the vast majority of Americans are overweight and obese. We know it’s linked in part to lack of exercise as we’ve become a more sedentary nation that is more likely to play sports through the Xbox than out on the field. That’s why the concept of Wii Fit is so intriguing – a videogame that actually requires movement! It sounds genius, right? But does it really work?
Wii Fit and other exergames are quite effective in getting bodies up and moving. It, like any other activity, is a tool one can use to work out. It is underestimated by the "experts" because it has not been validated by science and the jury is still out. However, more and more research is emerging that will make everyone sit up and take notice of this " video game" that can have a significant impact, not only on physical fitness, but in so many other health and wellness areas.
Personally, as a writer and retired group fitness instructor, I use my Wii everyday to keep me in tip top shape and to make sure I play. And yes, I walk the dog daily, but the Wii is key to my fitness regimen and bringing a sense of playfulness to my day while I work up a sweat.
Play Wii seriously, and you will fall in love with the experience! It has changed my life.
Fit-fully yours,
Raina Casarez
Wii Fitness Examiner (Atlanta)