Well it’s been a week since exercise has returned to my life and I’m still standing. Yes I’m no fan of physical activity. I’d rather walk than run. I’d rather float than swim. I’d rather watch than play. Of course like most semi-conscious health folks these days I understand the need for fitness…I just don’t like it.
Leave it to Nintendo to exorcise the boredom from exercise. The Wii Fit has a few kinks but overall is a very successful first foray into the world of video fitness. Probably its biggest misstep comes in its BMI measurement system. The balance board apparatus weighs you and asks for your height and age. However it never asks about your bone mass or muscle build which can both affect the results. Even though the resulting measurement can be off it still gives you a broad idea of where you stand. For example, I quickly realized I have the balance of a much older man.
Wii Fit balances both a fun and serious approach to the off-couch world. The balance and aerobic games are in the same vein as Wii Sports as you use your Mii in a variety of tasks. My partner and I have both enjoyed the downhill skiing and hula hoop events. Surprisingly the jogging event has become a favorite in my house. The balance board gets put away and you simply jog in a virtual park with the wiimote in your pocket. It’s a good workout and graphically pleasing. The strength and yoga exercises are where the serious work comes in and the training continues to reward. I particularly am finding the yoga intro very rewarding. My partner was very skeptical of the work out potential the game truly holds but after a pair of back to back workouts she’s convinced this is the real deal.
The balance board itself deserves a quick mention here. Once again Nintendo has made another break through in gaming. As I do the simple tasks in Wii Fit, I can’t help but think how the board could lend itself to skate and road games. Its mechanics are near flawless and the reaction time is instantaneous. I can’t wait until Tony Hawk brings us something that utilizes the board even further.
With 3 days of training down I can hardly contain my Wii Fit joy. Of course its summer and I should be enjoying the great outdoors but why do that when you can exercise in the comfort of your own private gym.
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