Wii Exercise And Weight Loss Programs

The Wii is a gaming console manufactured by Nintendo. Game manufacturers have developed several fitness titles for the Wii that can help you reach your exercise and weight-loss goals. Examples of weight-loss titles available for the Wii include "Wii Fit," "Wii Sports," "The Biggest Loser" and "EA Sports Active." Speak with your doctor before incorporating the Wii into your weight-loss program.

Features

"Wii Fit" includes a balance board and instructs you on how to complete a variety of fitness challenges. These challenges are separated into categories, including yoga, balance, strength training and aerobics. As you master tasks, new challenges are unlocked. Each time you play the game, you are asked to stand on the board. You'll be given your current weight so you can track your progress towards your goal weight.

Significance

According to the Centers for Disease Control, you should participate in moderate-intensity exercise five days a week for 30 minutes. Make sure that you stick to your weight-loss program while using the Wii if you want to see results. After the novelty of the fitness games wears off, you may find it difficult to continue using these games on a regular basis. Add regular aerobic exercise into your routine if you find it difficult to focus on the Wii exercises. Activities you can do to change things up include jogging, cycling, swimming and kickboxing.

Expert Insight

A study commissioned by the American Council on Exercise in 2008 found that the Wii helps increase a person's calorie burn. The study focused on "Wii Sports" and found that boxing burned 7.2 calories per minute, tennis burned 5.3 calories per minute and baseball burned 4.5 calories per minute. You'll burn about 216 calories boxing, 159 calories playing tennis and 135 calories participating in a game of baseball if you follow the Centers for Disease Control's 30-minute daily exercise recommendation.

Considerations

You need to do more than just exercise in order to lose weight. Your diet plays an important part in reaching your weight-loss goals. Follow a reduced-calorie diet with an emphasis on fruits, veggies, whole grains and lean proteins. Titles for the Wii, including "The Biggest Loser," make calorie-intake recommendations and offer healthy recipes. You can also enter in your food items to track your progress towards your weight-loss goals.