ask: Wii Fit -- Will You Try This?

Hey DragonFly,

One of the reasons live fitness class are so much more valuable than video is the instructor can keep a close eye on your alignment. That decreases unnecessary injury.

There's going to be tons of new games we're going to be playing via Wii technology, it will be interesting to see all the new injuries that people will experience.

Like Wii Tennis Elbow!

-Todd

Wii want to play, as the commercial goes. While I think it's a clever and ambitious marketing ploy, like Todd suggests, there could be some "interesting" injuries as a result of improper use of the Wii fitness module. I think it's just another excuse that will keep people indoors, instead of getting outside for a walk (or run), or gardening, or other activities that can contribute to overall fitness. Doesn't the screen capture enough of our attention already?

What is our problem with getting up and getting out? It's free, easy and environmentally friendly!

This will be an excuse to carry on watching Maury Povich (need to know who your baby's daddy is?!) once the exercises end.

Let's turn off our technology and go outside!!

In Arizona where we have scenic city trails, skies that go on forever and weather that delivers virtually no drama (unless you count 110-degree heat), it's hard to spend a lot of time indoors -- especially in front of the television or computer.

But believe it or not, it's a reality that my husband and I woke up to about 18 months ago.

It was about that time that we grew tired of the grind at the gym, dropped our memberships and opted for an in-home program instead.

While we both had some progress with the program, we decided to take advantage of our beautiful weather and moved the fun outside -- hiking, playing tennis, walking and soon swimming.

It's almost embarrassing that it took us five years and thousands of dollars to realize gym equipement and games like Wii provide simulated outdoor activities.

Products like the Wii can be useful for people who live in climates with not-so-cheery weather or a safe alternative for children whose parents don't want them outside.

I use the wii fit for medical issues. I have weak muscles and poor stamina so it is good for me. It is very useful for strengthening muscles through the muscle workouts and yoga exercises and also for improving balance and core stablity. I have a daily regime of physio but using the wii fit as well makes it more fun as sometimes doing lots of 'bed exercises' gets boring! I also find the aerobic exercises good for increasing my stamina. But I dont use it instead of going out. So I would recommend it to people with similiar issues to me (as long as they are careful about wii-injuries!)

I also have a friend who has been using the wii fit to lose weight and she has been successful so far after only 2 weeks. She does not use it to replace going outside and walking or anything but she uses it for around half an hour per day to burn fat and tone. And people are already commenting!