Nintendo's Wii Fit software revolutionized the gaming industry by enabling Wii owners to get off the couch and enjoy a fully interactive fitness program. If you suffer from back pain, Wii Fit contains a variety of exercises that can stretch and strengthen your core muscles. The software also offers helpful onscreen advice during exercise and tracks your progress over time. Make sure to speak with your doctor before attempting any of these exercises for the first time, to prevent risk of injury.
Cobra
The cobra activity requires you to lay face down on a yoga mat. You then place your palms and elbows on the floor and push yourself up, so that you face and chest are facing upward while your legs and pelvis remain on the floor. You hold the pose for 30 seconds, and then lower your body back to the floor. The activity strengthens your back and core muscles, and can help improve your posture.
Bridge
The bridge activity requires you to lie on your back on a yoga mat. You then bring your feet closer to your hips so that your knees are in the air. While your feet and hands remain on the floor, you slowly raise your hips into the air. You hold the pose for 30 seconds, making sure to keep your pelvis from dropping. The bridge activity strengthens your hips and abdominal muscles.
Spinal Twist
The spinal twist activity requires you to lie on your back on a yoga mat, with your arms stretched out to either side. You then bring your right knee in toward your chest, grasp it with your left hand, and pull it to your left side. You hold the pose for 30 seconds. The spinal twist activity stretches your back and abdominal muscles.
Shoulder Stand
The shoulder stand activity requires you to lie on your back on a yoga mat. You then lift your legs into the air and bring them over your head, so that your feet touch the floor above your head. You place your hands on your back for support, raise your feet straight up into the air, point your toes skyward, and hold the pose for 30 seconds. The shoulder stand activity strengthens abdominal and back muscles.
Hula Hoop
The hula hoop activity requires you to stand on the Wii Fit Balance Board. You then swivel your hips in time with your onscreen avatar to twirl a hula hoop. Other characters will throw more hula hoops toward you that you must catch and keep twirling. The hula hoop activity exercises abdominal and back muscles.
