The Wii Fit game by Nintendo has specific breathing exercises in the Yoga training section. Wii Fit includes a balance board and virtual training that can mimic what you may find in a yoga class or a training video The Wii game provides "realistic training from an on-screen instructor who can detect how your performance is going," according to the manufacturer. For example, if you are having trouble balancing or if you're shaking during one of the yoga poses, the avatar of the trainer may suggest that you relax with some deep breathing exercises.
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing exercises are an intrinsic part of yoga practice. Wii Fitness encourages breathing through the diaphragm and uses a blue circle surrounding the avatar to encourage the proper method. The guide tells you to inhale as the circle shrinks and exhale as the circle expands. If you feel lightheaded or dizzy, stop the exercise at once and sit or lie down.
Tree Pose
The Tree Pose is one of the first yoga techniques offered by Wii. Bring the sole of your right foot to your opposite thigh. Practice your balance by slowly raising your arms overhead. The Wii trainer avatar will prompt you to take slow deep breaths during this pose.
The Half Moon
The Half Moon pose also requires slow, deep breaths. As you stand with legs slightly apart, move your hands overhead locking your hands together. Slowly lean to your right and left, while keeping your breathing in line with the prompt.
Spine Extension
While interlocking your arms in the back and keeping one foot in front of the other, slowly bend forward. The Wii prompt will ask you to take a deep breath and hold it during the pose. Slowly release the breath afterward.
Purchasing Information
Wii Fit retails for $89.99 in 2011. This price includes the software and the balance board. However, in order to use the solftware, you must first purchase a Wii console, which sells for approximately $250 on up depending on the accessories you get with it. Wii Fit has been a popular seller since it was developed. Although Wii has added new poses, some yoga enthusiasts will find the Wii system overly simplistic. However, as you advance in the game, the exercises do become more challenging. The trainer offers encouraging phrases, like "Good job!" or may make suggestions to adjust your pose.
