One Mom's Wii Workout

Like this story?

One Mom's Wii Workout

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

filed under: health

Does Wii Fit live up to the hype? Guest blogger Julie W. puts it to the test.

I like working out. Up 'til now, my fitness regime included hiking, Pilates, and treadmill dates with a friend. So when my Wii Fit arrived, I was intrigued...and curious how it would fit into my life. Could standing in front of a television possibly compete with hiking in the mountains? Could it be as fun? Turns out: Yes, and yes.

But it took some finagling for me to find out for myself. You see, my 8-year-old is Wii-obsessed, so I had to find a time when she wasn't home to try this out. (Weekends were out, but school days were in.)

Finally, I had my opportunity. It was time to see if this game (er, fitness regime) lived up to the hype. First, Wii Fit checks your center of balance and BMI. (Warning: I discovered the BMI is not always accurate for kids--the Wii told one perfectly healthy British girl she was fat, and Nintendo was forced to apologize.) Then, Wii Fit guesses your age--but it isn't even close to my actually age. The assessment is meant to inspire one to improve, so I soldier on.

I start with yoga. I'm a bit wobbly at first on the poses. I have decent balance, but I think the game expects you to be very still. I then try hula hoops, some strength training, and skiing. It feels really weird at first to get a workout from a video game, but it doesn't take me long to get hooked.

I'm a multi-tasking mom (who isn't?), so I love any device that can multi-task as well. Now that I can get some use out of the Wii too, it makes me feel less guilty about spending 300 bucks on it in the first place. And it will be a great workout for days that are too rainy or too hot to exercise outside.

Finally, I'm thankful to have another fun thing in common with daughter, who only occasionally thinks I am cool. Wii Fit: bringing families together, one yoga pose at a time.

5 comments so far | Post a comment now >>

I totally agree with your assessment of Wii Fit. My husband bought it for me for Mother’s Day, and I was reluctant to try it. When I started, I couldn’t put it down. I have terrible balance, and I can see this game really helping me out. Now to get that BMI down and the “virtual” age too. I’m a decade ‘older’ than I should be GRRR.

- karen

Posted 05/22/08 05:16 PM

I like Wii Fit too. The positive feed back you get from the game keeps you motivated, you dont even realize you are exercising!

- Sue

Posted 05/23/08 08:22 AM

Cant wait to get one

- marie

Posted 05/23/08 09:43 AM

The Wii Fit is so much fun and hope that it does what it needs to along with treadmill, activities and correct eating!! I am having a ball with my 7 year old he love it to, but again it did say he was overweight, I don’t believe he is but he is a very sturdy Boy - solid! You don’t even think you are excercising!!!!! Love it so far

- Katnapfl

Posted 05/23/08 12:28 PM

- Katnapfl

Posted 05/23/08 01:18 PM

Name:
Email:	(not displayed)
URL:
	remember me? Yes No
Comment:
	Avoid clicking “Post” more than once.

One Mom's Wii Workout

See Also:

5 comments so far | Post a comment now >>