Balance Wii Fitness with feeling the fool

Wii Fitness: InGear preview

Later this year Nintendo plan to release a new game called Wii Fitness (or Wii Fit if you are outside Europe). Consisting of 40 or so fitness games, it also includes a 'Balance Board' that gives feedback on how the prancing folk in front of the TV are doing. Basically it's the workout version of the popular DS game, Brain Training. In Japan, Nintendo shipped over one million units for launch and have managed to sell them. Obviously there is a demand but, would you use one? I think it's safe to say that if you're a male sharing a flat with a couple of other male friends, then breaking a sweat on your Balance Board is going to invite all sorts of abuse. In a fatigued state, you may well be too exhausted to fight your flatmates off, verbally or otherwise.

However, an easy way to workout in your living room that can avoid boredom is bound to be popular with people. I could do with dropping a few pounds but I just don't know if this is something I want. I think it's due to all the ratings and feedback that are offered. I'm in my 30s and I really don't want a game telling me I have the fitness of a man in his late 40s. Perhaps if the fitness rating were based on animals I would be happier. I can live with being told I am at a badger's level in fitness so I could perhaps aim towards being rated as something such as a squirrel or a lemur. It's pretty much the same reason I have never played Brain Training on the DS. As well as yogic balance and press-ups (yawn) there are some fun mini games involved in the Wii Fitness, such as ski jumping and hula hooping, so I might find I love it when I actually have a go.

I do have a fitness regime idea of my own. My 'act like a child' regime is easy, free and pretty simple to follow as the rules are very flexible. You just act like a four year old. Seen a wall? Climb up it and walk along. Need to walk somewhere with a friend? Run to the nearest lamp post and back all the way. In a hospital, school or hall that has a smooth floor? Running knee slides are the answer. I think my scheme would genuinely work and would also make any commuting so much more entertaining for both participants and observers. I am happy to sell my idea if Microsoft or Sony are looking for an inroad.

Comments

[john cowle]

if the 'Act like a child' fitness regime comes with a diet based around cake and party rings im in.

Im old school... keep sweat in the gym, space aliens and big guns on my tv screen.

[Jessie-Jela]

I'm a 40+ woman and having experienced the Wii Sports and the Mario & Sonic Olympics I can't wait for Wii Fit!!

I've already extolled its virtues to my work colleages and I'm looking forward to getting fit at a mere fraction of the cost of a gym!

[Rorkimaru]

The act like a child regime is all well and good untill you climb a wall four times your height because the bricks stick out so much... then you realise you are stuck and about to be blown off... thank god the wall sloped further along or you wouldnt have read this amazing story!

[alex]

My first foray into modern gaming was"Hitman 2" on Xbox. I played for about 5 hours virtually non-stop and whenever I took a short break I was shaking from adrenal fear and concentration. What "Manhunt" etc must be like I cannot imagine, but I bet it gives a "heart and wrists" workout.

Why does Nintendo not combine this boogy-board thing and the light-sabre with some really frightening games? Being chased by zombies while snow-boarding through the Dark Forest would get almost anyone moving...

[Chairman Meow]

Contrary to the article's sentiments on potential low demand in testosterone-heavy households, actually most of the flats I know that are of a bachelor-only ilk have a Wii installed, and our house for one is eagerly awaiting Wii Fit to provide one further platform to prove our relative ineptitude!

[Drew Miller]

The Writer spent more time and words on his distane for fitness and exercise and almost none almost previewing the actual product in question. And i can't wait to try this toy and see what it has to offer.

[Sasha]

There is a smaller version of Wii Fitness on the Wii sports pack and its brilliant for working out. The boxing really makes you sweat and knowing your fitness age gives you something to work for. Plus the fitness games are good for all ages; my 80 year old grandad loves the tennis! I can't wait for the new Wii Fitness pack to come out- looking stupid is all part of the fun.

[Scott Lamb]

Is it too much to ask that we get some info about the game?

We're spun stereotypes for years about games being the domain of insular, slovenly, violent males, then Nintendo makes a demographic-exploding console that involves a bit of exercise with a FITNESS game of all things, and you go on about how we won't, of course, be interested.

We are! I'm one of several Wii-owning men I know with this on pre-order. Can't wait!

[RStewie]

My mom, nearing 60, is so excited about Wii Fit coming out, she's talked about it for the last week. But the same is also true of my niece and nephew (13 and 10). If that doesn't tell you something about the vast appeal of the Wii and the way it's changing the face of gaming, you need to wake up and smell what the Wii is cooking!

[Zara]

I think women should organise wii fit nights, a bit like avon parties or Virgin vie but with sweat!

[Home Fitness Equipment]

I think it's a great idea. I can't wait to try it out

[Marky Mark]

The best thing I like about the Wii Fitness is the goal setting side of it. I do most of my fitness routine in the Gym, but use the Wii balance board weekly to monitor my BMI and weight.

That aside, my kids love playing the mini-games which is 10 times better that them being sat in a chair for hours on end with thumb ache, playing the more traditional video games.

[Personal Trainer]

I prefer proper exercise regimes rather than those shortcut ways of keeping fit. Proper fitness and diet regimes gets you enduring results, which will help your attain the maximum fitness. Since its from Nintendo we can expect something better.

[Patrick McCandless]

Pretty cool stuff, but I see it tricking a lot of people into thinking you can get the body you've always wanted just by buying a Nintendo game. People will store it in their closet once they realize it's not enough.

Patrick McCandless, CFT, EMT-P
www.MACFitnessOnline.com

[Josh G.]

True, but games like this are always a great place to start!

[Wii Fit Gal]

I for one cant wait to get my hands on a copy of Wii Fit. I enjoyed Wii Sports and want to take the next step. Trouble is...its so popular here in the UK, finding stock at the £69.99 RRP is almost impossible :o(