BlueEyes31

FWIW, I really like it. I know it's not going to make me into a supermodel (I don't think anything could...genetics are against me on that one..LOL), but judging by my sore muscles, I think it's going to help tone and firm things up a bit. And like others have said, 20 minutes of moving your whole body while playing games burns more calories than 20 minutes of sitting on your duff while playing games. In this day and age, when 2/3 of adults are considered overweight and our kids are more sedentary than ever before, how could that be a bad thing? *shrug*

I'm not using it as my sole source of exercise...I walk/jog anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5 miles 4-5 times a week. But I've noticed that I'm getting more work in my arm and ab muscles from Wii Fit. Running is great cardio, but it doesn't do much for muscle work outside of the lower body...and even then, it's not really a true muscle-builder.

A little note to all those out there who claim it's totally stupid and a waste and that you wouldn't be caught dead buying it...great! That's your OPINION, not the end-all, be-all truth on it. Just because *you* don't like it, no need to slam folks who do. I can bet that I would have zero interest in playing games that you probably rank as your favorites, but I see no reason to degrade you for liking them. How 'bout a little live and let live, huh?

wiiner13

I used to work as a personal trainer for a fitness club right out of college, and know my way around a weight room, but I dispise most people that go to the gym and stare at themselves in the mirror for 3 hrs, and then go tanning. The fit offers many of the same things that a fitness club does, if you are actually willing to put the time in to doing the excercises properly and trying to improve on them. The only draw back is the low intesity. Anyway, my girlfriend and I love it. It has definately gotten us up off the couch, and are more active because we own it. Our excercise was limited to walking our dog, because I am post-op from a double operation on my knee, plus working full time, yada yada, finally able to do physical activity again. Balance is such an important part of my rehab on my entire leg, and I find the balance board is an excellent tool for re-training my body to share my weight rather than doing everything on oneside of my body. My physio workouts have gotten easier, because I have an affordable means of getting a good strengthening workout inbetween physio days. Anyone with crappy knees knows how important it is to keep them active, or they tighten up badly, sometimes for a couple days. It works great for me, because I am motivated, but I'm just trying to get into a little better shape, not become Mr. Universe. Will I use it in three months? Not for an hour a day like I am now, but probably, because I think its fun. (not nearly as fun as Mario Kart, which I do burn calories playing mostly because I get schooled online and have to yell and curse at the tv and punch my couch!) plus there will be other applications for the board in the future, hopefully some creative and fun games will incorporate it. As for being a valuable tool for weightloss, yes and no;
The only way to lose "significant weight" is by doing cardio, maintaining an 80% of max heartrate (220 - your age, X .8 = max heartrate) for half an hour a day or more, swimming is the best, then eliptical, and so on down to jogging (jogging is great, but high impact)
The fit can help get muscles used to moving in a more effcient manner, which promotes growth, but nothing to spectacluar without weights. The more in shape you are, the more calories you burn doing everyday activities, so it will help a little.

I see the fit being pretty successful, but it would definately need some kind of upgrade, or a fit 2, because the same excercises will get a little tiresome.

CherScoled

I love the wii fit.

And I believe the general definition of "Fit" is 30 minutes of cardio exercise 5 times a week. The wii fit will help me do that -- especially on those days that it's raining, too cold, too hot and muggy or too mosquito ridden to go outside to walk. And then with the way gas prices are -- maybe the ability to cut back one or 2 trips a week to the gym isn't such a bad idea either.

Some schools of thought also say 2 days a week should be spent on exercises that specifically work the muscles -- in other words -- strength training. Fit isn't necessarily the ability to lift 300 pounds -- Just simply working the muscles enough that fat doesn't invade into the muscle replacing muscle with fat.

So -- it's not the wii SuperModel, it not a wii BodyBuilder -- it's a wii Fit. And with the amount of obesity in the US -- it should seem appearent that many people are not currently getting the basic amount of exercise to be considered fit.

Not all the exercises included are for everyone -- personally I love the jogging in place with the changing scenery and the mii turning back to wave at me cherring me on-- compared to a stationery bike where I stare at a wall....

I really hope I continue using it! I plan to check in in 3 months -- barring re-wrecking my knee -- I expect to continue!

dean29

I agree with Cher. I have complaints about it but this is a first time effort and great to see it was not a complete dud.

Yes directed exercises, recommend people weighting themselves weekly, and having everything unlocked at first would have been better as long as it had an option for video game mode if the player wants to have to achieve certain goals to open up new levels.

The best part is more exercise programs and games will be coming out for the balance board.

I know I feel like I have got my $90 out of it. I have worked out 7-8 times on the Wii Fit since I got it.

Dean

CherScoled

I've put my wishlist together -- looking forward to both We Ski and Tony Whites Snowboarding -- both using the Balance board.

Also curious about Active Life: Outdoor Challenge, but really bummed (I could even use a stronger word here) that they have made their own proprietary mat -- and are not using the balance board or the DDR mat. How self-centered. Just hope they change their mind on the "proprietary" thing before it's actually released in the US.

dean29

I will never buy third party addons. Nintendo produced an item that should be used for it. There mat may be better for their program but we need a standard for peripherals. Let Nintendo make the peripherals and the third party compaies write the software for the Nintendo products.

It may just be they make more money selling the mat too.

Dean

CherScoled

Yea -- I really think I'll end up passing on Outdoor Life (my wish list is long enough without it - LOL!), unless it's reworked for the DDR mat or Balance Board. DDR's been around a while -- for this particular game, that mat should be the standard -- there's mats that work across all of the consoles, and even connectors to the PC -- crazy to come up with a different mat.

dean29

DDR has to have it's own mat and its been out for many years on many consoles.

There is really no way it could use the balance board. Howvever, other games can.

My wife asked about a dancing exercise and I told here i didnt think the balance board would be a good fit.

CherScoled

Oh I completely agree -- DDR just wouldn't be right on a balance board. And I also think the balance board is a great addition for games that utilize the balance board.

Just don't understand why Active Software would make their own mat, when there is already one on the market that is proven.

dean29

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Frog

I just watched a free propaganda DVD about WiiFit.

The mini-games like Skiing and Snowboarding look very fun.

Yoga looks like it might actually work and be realistic.

Using it as a scale to track your weight would have merit.

But most of the other stuff does not look that useful.

But it does look better than I thought. I really doubt I will get it though.

__________________
Buy Okami!!!

CherScoled

Hey Frog,

I'd suggest waiting until a friend gets one, and try theirs out before you buy one -- if the minigames of skiing and snowboarding look cool to you -- you may like We Ski and Tony Snow's Snowboarding when it comes out later this year -- that way you'll have a full game, and not just a minigame.

When I'm in the mood for it -- the "Step Class" is quite fun, and I really like the jog -- I'm sure screen shots or video wouldn't do it service.

I guess what I'm trying to say, is like any other game -- it's not necessarily for everyone. (But if it IS for you -- it can be a lot of fun! )

__________________
wii Sports || Nerf Sportspack || wii Fit || Sega Superstars Tennis || ThrillVille

dean29

Do any rental places rent out Wii Fit with the balance board? Just a thought. I do think it is a title that is not for everyone and should be tried first. Just keep in mind their will be at least 10 games coming out that use the balance board.

Dean

dean29

Frog,

Since you are on the fringe, why not wait until some more balance board games come out to decide. There might be some must have ones.

Dean