Wii Fit changes the face of video games. Nintendo creates a video game that replaces your gym membership.
Thanks to the new Wii Fit, two very different worlds have collided. No longer are video games reserved for couch potatoes, now anyone who feels like hitting the gym can call themselves a video gamer. If you’re a gym rat, have a regular exercise routine, or looking to add a little activity to your week, the Wii Fit is, well, a perfect fit. You'll get a serious cardio workout, focus on core strengthening and do it all at a time and place that is most convenient for you.
Where gym memberships and fitness classes can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars every year, the Wii Fit is a one-time investment. The game is only about $90 and the Wii console is about $250. Figure in the added advantage of saved gym fees, gas for driving to and from and the time- you’ve got a serious bargain on your hands.
When is the last time you had your friends over to exercise? It’s a funny thought, but one that might become quite common. Dinner guests can bring a pair of sweats with them, out of town visitors don’t have to worry about guest gym passes and you can even spend quality time with your kids by working out together.
BACKGROUND
The Nintendo Wii is one of the most revolutionary gaming systems available. While up and down arrows on a remote typically let you navigate a character on screen through mazes, dragons and underwater assaults, the Wii gives you real-time interactivity with a character you create yourself. Rather than sitting back in a beanbag for hours on end, the Wii not only encourages, but nearly requires, players to get up on their feet and move. Quite the opposite of traditional video games.
The Wii Fit is the newest game players can add-on to their Wii gaming machines. Using a balance board that plugs into the Wii, users can follow along and do real exercise like Yoga, Aerobics and Squats. These exercises concentrate on strengthening your core, and thanks to a pressure-sensitive board, you can watch yourself on screen. While the board is picking up your motions, it's also recording the number of calories you burn, monitoring your BMI and recording how your strength increases. Over time, you can look back at your progress.
The Wii not only makes a great fitness experience for yourself, but it's something the entire family can get involved with. While you weren't likely to haul your kids and spouse into your yoga or aerobics class, you can invite everyone into the living room for group-participation Wii Fit.
PRO
- Encourages physical fitness
- Broad range of activities
- Easy for anyone to use
- A fun way to incorporate more exercise into your daily schedule
- Family-friendly
- Encourages socializing via the Wii Channel
CON
- Initial investment is kind of pricey, especially if you do not already own a Wii
- Only one participant at a time, unless you buy multiple boards
- Does not provide any diet or weight loss instruction
FOOD and RECIPE
The Wii Fit is solely a fitness video game and does not provide any additional weight loss guidance.
EXERCISE
It's practically in the name. The Wii Fit advises that users engage in 30-45 minutes of exercise each day in order to achieve best results. There are more than 40 fitness and strengthening activities available, these include:
- Yoga
- Muscle Stretching
- Jogging
- Push Ups
- Step Aerobics
- Balance games like ski jumping and heading soccer balls
The Wii Fit lets you record your non-Wii activities as well, to help paint a complete fitness picture for you. Things like walking, gardening, playing a sport or swimming all count, and should be added to your profile.
EXPENSE
The Wii Fit itself retails for $90. The Wii gaming system is $250. There are many add-on accessories like protective sleeves for the Wii board Wii yoga mats that will vary in price according to the retailer.
CONCLUSION
The Wii Fit is such a perfect alternative to the gym for so many reasons. For many, it's easier to be at home then go out to a gym, making the Wii Fit a convenient exercise choice. It easily travels so you can take it on business trips or vacation. While the initial investment might be a blow to your wallet, over time, it will pay for itself; unlike expensive gym fees that you continually pay.
Also unlike the gym, you can get your entire family involved. The Wii Fit makes it easier than ever to commit to exercise regimen that is fun, effective and creates a social outlet for you, your family and friends.
No matter what your fitness philosophy may be, the Wii Fit is definitely worth your consideration.
Common Misspellings
We Fit, Wi Fit, WiiFit, Wii Fitness, Nintendo Wii Fit, Wii Sports, Wee Fit
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