Pros:
Gets you off the couch
Costs less than a gym or sport club membership
Fun and engaging way to work out
Can be done with the family
Cons:
Burns less calories
Health benefits not proven.
Pro: Couch-Potato No More
For the avid gamer, the Wii provides a change of pace by requiring you to get off of the couch to complete the game. Sitting and using only the fingers and wrists is a thing of the past when it comes to the Wii's fitness games. Several games require the purchase of the Wii Fit Balance Board, essentially a step device that transmits movement into the game.
Con: Doesn't beat a real workout
Nintendo funded a study to examine the rate of exertion each Wii fitness-based game requires. The study found that about one-third of the games required enough energy to be considered moderate exercise by the American Heart Association.
WiiHealthy.com has a breakdown of the different sports and the calories you'll burn playing Wii Sports. Here is how they stack up against the real thing:
Sport Wii Real Activity
Boxing 121 Calories – 15 Minutes 153 Calories – 15 Minutes
Tennis 110 Calories – 25 Minutes 229 Calories – 25 Minutes
Golf 99 Calories – 45 Minutes 229 Calories – 45 Minutes
It's obvious that the playing the real sport burns more calories, but being able to play these games in the comfort of your own home is a plus (add to that the cost of tennis and golf equipment, club membership fees and the fact that I don't plan on getting punched anytime soon to the pro list as well).
Pro: Costs Less than a Gym Membership
Compared to an annual gym membership, the Wii and the necessary equipment and games to perform physical activity are considerably less expensive. The Wii originally sold for $249, plus tax but the fall selling season of 2009 saw a moderate price drop when the Wii was advertised at all retailers for a mere $199 plus tax. The cost of each Wii game varies between $40 and $89 but most of the higher end games come with additional hardware, like the Wii Balance Board. A monthly gym membership varies regionally, but major gym chains report prices near $25 with additional joining fees.
Con: The Jury is still out on the health benefits
Reuters points out that evidence to prove actual health benefits has yet to be revealed. Consumers who live sedentary lives can benefit from moderate activity, especially in the current age of obesity and weight-related health problems. The Mayo Clinic explains that health professionals in the rehabilitation or retirement industries are creating interactive video game regimens to fit the mobility of their patients. For example, the patient confined to a wheel chair may bowl on the Wii Sports game. The clinic also points out an increase in fine motor skills, energy levels and a decrease in depression in people with Parkinson's disease who played Nintendo Wii.
Pro: You don't have to leave home
People with chronic health conditions, a lack of spare time or who do not leave the house much are likely to find the Wii to be a great option for improving physical activity. The Mayo Clinic reports that such interactive video games are helpful for people with chronic health conditions and even improves the ability to care for oneself. The Wii allows consumers to exercise in their own home without a large investment in gym equipment. The Wii does not require much space and is simple enough to be used by nearly everyone.
In Conclusion:
So while a Wii Fit can't beat a vigorous workout at the gym, it works as a great supplement for people who can't make it to the gym every day. It's also a great alternative for people who want to include their family members in their workout regime. It's a fun addition to any weight loss plan, and one that will keep you engaged and excited about exercising.
The cons are that it wouldn't be an adequate replacement of a regular gym workout, so adding it onto whatever you are already paying might be too expensive.
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