Losing weight through the use of a video game might sound like heaven to many. In fact, the Wii Fit system, which is part of the Nintendo video game platform, allows you to do just that. You can exercise in the comfort of your own home, but rather than following DVD instructions, you can become an active participant in a game.
Equipment
To follow a Wii Fit weight loss plan, you will need a TV that allows video game connections, a Nintendo Wii console and a choice of games. For some games, you will need to buy a balance board, while others can be done using only a hand-held controller. Owning the console not only increases your choice of games, but it will also help you keep track of your weight, calories burned, BMI and strength. The computer built into the console will record and remember all this information so you can easily keep track of your progress.
Plan
A number of weight loss plans are available for the Wii Fit. Because Wii Fit is technically a video game, it doesn’t come with an official weight loss plan. Instead, plans have been created by individuals or organizations using the fitness activities that are part of the game. An example of a well-organized plan is the Wii Sports Weight Loss Program created by Wii Healthy. It consists of 30 to 45 minutes of exercise for a 10-week duration. The website also offers testimonials so you can see how others are doing in their weight-loss challenge.
Games
A number of games are available for the Wii Fit console. According to Wii Healthy, boxing burns the most calories, at an average of 121 calories per 15 minutes of playing time. Other games good for calorie burning include tennis, bowling and baseball. If you want to target a specific part of your body, the Wii Fit also offers yoga, step aerobics, and balance games such as ski jumping and stretching.
Pros
The Wii Fit is a gaming system in which players must perform the moves that they want their characters to do onscreen. The Diets In Review website calls the Wii Fit family-friendly and easy and fun to use. For those who don’t have a lot of free time, the Wii Fit can be a good way to have fun and exercise at the same time. It can also help encourage children to be more active.
Cons
One of the major cons of the system is its price, which as of 2010 is over $250 just for the Wii Nintendo console. The board sells for around $100. No nutritional tips are available to go along with the exercise, so you will need to handle the diet part of the program on your own.
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