Recently I bought a Nintendo Wii, not for my children, but for myself. I am determined to loose weight in a non conventional way, and what better line of attack than through fun? I have recently learned that I am not disciplined enough for gyms and other “normal” exercise methods. I often feel intimidated in the gym setting and lets face it…when I am at home, I think of one million other things I need to be doing instead of exercising. Watching a video or television show with chiseled bodied hosts and hostesses who effortlessly perform physical tasks barely breaking a sweat or breathing hard is also intimidating. I subscribe to the school of thinking that basically says…if it’s not fun, what’s the point? Thus, I discovered the Wii and the Wii Fit!
I use the regular Wii console which contains Wii Sports (tennis, boxing, bowling, baseball, and golf) and the Wii Fit (balance, strength and aerobics training) interchangeably for my workouts.
Wii Sports is exactly that! You are seriously playing on the court, in the ring, on the field, and on the green! You do have to exert almost the same exact effort with this game as you would playing these sports in real life. That is what makes it fun…and makes you sweat! You hardly think you are exercising while challenging your friends and family…or the machine…until of course you wake up in the morning sore from using muscles you never knew existed.
I especially like using the Wii Fit because of its progress tracking and…well…its companionship. Wii Fit gives you your own personal trainer (yes, a man or woman who talks to you) who helps you through strength training and yoga by showing you the proper way to complete the exercise and cheering you on in the process (provided you do it right, of course). This witty little gaming system tracks your weight loss, BMI (body mass index) and all of your exercise progress and even attempts to develop a relationship with you by offering advice for diet and overall healthy living.
In the short time I’ve been using the Wii, I have lost weight, gained a motivation to exercise, and gained a bit of self-confidence. Being able to have fun while exercising and competing to reach my goals makes Wii the ultimate new home gym!
Photo Credit © Kumikomurakamicampos | Dreamstime.com
Tags: Christie Crowder, Exercise, Fitness, health, Weight Loss, Wii, Wii Fit
2 comments
Posted by: Casey on February 5, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Seriously? You are sore and working up a sweat? Really?
I have been dying, DYING!, to read an article like this to justify to myself why we, no-better be truthful, I, need a Wii and Wii Fit.
I hate the gym. Used to be a gym rat but I have lost that lovin’ feeling for the gym. Now I sound more like your description of thinking of every reason NOT to exercise and its just pure torture. This sounds fun!
Does it get harder as you get better and stronger?
Posted by: Kristel Gillies on May 12, 2010 at 10:00 am
Christie… you have GOT to get Just Dance for the Wii. It is a total workout! I have Wii Fit, Wii Sports and Dance Dance Revolution (yes, I’m 32 years old… don’t judge me). I swear Just Dance is the most fun, intense workout ever. I force all my friends to play it and every single one has gone on to not only buy the game but a couple have even purchase a Wii specifically to buy the game. I figure it’s cheaper than a gym membership so why not?!? It is so much fun!!! And a huge workout! And did I mention fun?!?!?