Today, Clyde and I started our workout program, using the new Wii Fit software and balance board for our Nintendo Wii.
The game begins by calculating your BMI, based on weight and height. Its verdict for me? “You’re obese.”
I’m obese.
That shouldn’t be news to me, of course. After all, I’m wearing my own skin, thank you very much, and I know I’m far too thick in the middle for my own good.
But there’s something about hearing it (“You’re obese!”) and seeing it (the Wii automatically redrew my onscreen personna to reflect my actual body weight, giving him wide hips and a jiggly spare tire) that drives the fact home.
After this wake-up call, the game introduced us to our patient, positive virtual personal trainer, who led us through some basic yoga moves, balance games, strength builders, and aerobic exercises. I was pleasantly surprised at how the games got me moving (and sweating … and puffing). Perhaps more importantly, I really enjoyed myself … and I can’t say I’ve ever enjoyed any other workout or exercise routine, ever.
So … have I finally found the exercise program for me? Maybe. On Day 1, it’s easy to be optimistic. For now, I’ll just note that I’m already thinking of “playing” more tonight … and that, alone, says a lot about my personal experience with the Wii Fit program so far.
Hi Mark, you article on the Wii made me laugh out loud, Martin said he would buy me one but i’m not sure now, might have to go on a diet beforehand!! XX
Okay, so we joined the gym in early June and, though my arms look a little more toned, they were the only feature I was okay with before and it is frustrating to NOT see progress in other less-pleasing areas. My husband says that I am not seeing weight loss because I am gaining muscle, but this is a small comfort, if at all. So I read your blog about the Wii Fit and I get excited, b/c comcast has decided to bestow upon us a new Wii if we get ALL the channels when we “ditch the dish” and I think I can add the Wii Fit to my routine and up the ante on my weight loss game. THEN I read your May 26 post that warns me that the Wii will “redraw my onscreen persona” and I am not sure my delicate psyche could take it! Now, instead of excited…I am frightened!
Heh.
Actually, for me, having the Mii (the little character on the Wii that represents me) reflect my weight and height has been good for me. Over time, as I’ve lost weight, he’s become much slimmer and happier!
I like this feature because it provides a visual interpretation of progress that doesn’t involve numbers … so I can understand and monitor my progress on a visual or emotional (instead of strictly intellectual or mathematical) level.
So: no worries! 🙂 Your Mii will be lovely, I’m sure.