The Nintendo Wii rocked the world of video gaming by adding a fitness element to the gaming experience. The Wii sells a range of games based on popular gym activities, from step aerobics and yoga to tennis and strength training. Wii fitness games appeal to both fitness enthusiasts and newbies who want to get in shape. While any activity that gets you moving is better than sitting on the couch, real sports still provide more benefits.
Calories Burned Performing Wii Exercises
A study funded by the American Council on Exercise examined the physical effects of some popular Wii Fit activities on 16 volunteers between the ages of 20 and 24. Each participant's baseline fitness level was evaluated, and each performed six minutes of six activities, each on a separate day. The study found that Free Step, Advanced Step Aerobics and Free Run, activities that can also be done at the gym, burned an average of 3.3, 3.6 and 5.5 calories per minute, respectively.
Calories Burned at the Gym
According to MayoClinic.com, each minute of low-impact aerobics done at a gym burns an average of 7.6 calories, while high-impact aerobics will burn around 10.6 calories per minute This is well over twice the calories burned with aerobics on the Wii. Jogging at a pace of five miles per hour burns an average of 12.1 calories per minute, a much higher rate than Free Run on the Wii Fit.
Significance
Playing Wii Fit burns about twice as many calories as playing sedentary video games, but the game alone is not enough to meet healthful physical activity recommendations for cardiovascular exercise. According to the ACE researchers, the strength training and yoga portions of Wii Fit should have equivalent benefits to the real thing.
Getting the Most from the Wii
Pair your Wii Fit exercise routines with other aerobic activities in the gym or at home. If you want to do cardio with the Wii, choose games that allow you to jump around instead of constraining you to the balance board. Interact with the game daily as a way to track your progress and keep you motivated to exercise.
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