Last week Wii Fit was launched by gaming giant Nintendo.
As it gains popularity, especially amongst my clientele, I there is a responsibility a fitness professional I could not deny. I had to learn as much as I could about Wii Fit and create an informed opinion to pass on to you.
IF you have already paid $250 plus for the original console and controls with a few games you can purchase Wii Fit as an add on for around $175 depending on where you get it. Wii Fit is very interactive. You can choose from all these different features and more:
- Yoga
- Balance Games
- Strength Training
- Aerobics
- Body Test
- Pick a trainer
- 3D demos
I must say as I reviewed the support site for Wii Fit I was pleasantly surprised. The exercises are depicted in a very easy to understand and anatomically correct way. There is a way to monitor progress and “how well you do” for each workout.
Could this be a viable alternative to help people of all ages and ability levels to engage in physical activities on a consistent basis? Time will tell. I have already heard the argument “atleast my kids will be moving while they play their video games”. True but what ever happened to activities like these:
- Riding bikes
- Tag
- Hide and seek
- pick games – soccer, baseball, basketball, etc.
- Play ground activities, swings, slides, etc.
The CDC (Center for Disease Control) just released the latest statistics on childhood obesity and the good news is the numbers are not any worse. NO increase in childhood obesity is a victory and should be celebrated. However our job as professionals and as parents is NOT done. The rate of childhood obesity has not decreased so it is still alarmingly high.
Wii Fit is a commentary, poor or otherwise, on where our society is and where it is going. This may be one of the few times that technology has actually come through and made life easier without a negative side effect. If the consumers of this product become consistent exercisers then I applaud Nintendo for a job well done. Until I see some evidence of that…
Too Be Continued…
Dave
www.homeofficeworkouts.com
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As I talk with people around town, it becomes clear to me that avoiding a conversation with me about video games (like the Wii or Wii Fit) is considered a no brainer. Not unlike the old adage – “never talk politics or religion with friends, especially the parent of the kids I train will avoid talking about video gaming like the plague.
