{"contentId":"1728099","authorDomain":"helenaspopkin"}

Wii're already fit, thanks

The recent spate of exer-games may be great for the sedentary, but what if you're already in shape? Can "Wii Fit" make you fitter?

If you own a Wii or you play "Wii Fit," what's been your experience? Are you considering getting a Wii so you can get in shape -- or just play games? msnbc.com wants to know what you think.

{"contentId":"1728099","authorDomain":"helenaspopkin"}
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{"commentId":2392324,"authorDomain":"jdanielsdvm"}

I'm just curious how far you took some of the aerobics? The hula has an advanced hula stage that has you swinging right for three minutes, then swinging left for three minutes. Likewise, the step program has an advanced step program of 5 minutes of stepping, sidestepping, kicking and limited twisting.

Rhythm boxing has an advanced 10 minute workout (actually comes out to 13 minutes, since you can't fast forward through the trainer telling you what rhythm you're using).

I'm getting the most use out of the Wii fit after I've unlocked most of the advanced things it offers. A failure on the game's part, since it takes some dedication to get through the baby beginnings. But after that, it gets better. :)

{"commentId":2392324,"threadId":"327487","contentId":"1728099","authorDomain":"jdanielsdvm"}
    Reply#1 - Thu Aug 7, 2008 2:53 PM EDT
    {"commentId":2393961,"authorDomain":"eliboone"}

    My family and I were lucky enough to get a Wii Fit a week ago and love it. I try to get in at least 30min a day. Suprisingly I really love the Yoga, because it helps me with my balance and you really have to use your core muscles to maintain the positions. The games are really fun too. At times you are so concentrated on getting a move done just right that you forget that your obliques, etc. are burning. I really like this game and if it can get anyone to burn a few extra calories a day than that is a good thing. The strength training is really good too.

    {"commentId":2393961,"threadId":"327487","contentId":"1728099","authorDomain":"eliboone"}
    • 1 vote
    Reply#2 - Thu Aug 7, 2008 5:22 PM EDT
    {"commentId":2394069,"authorDomain":"cholowich"}

    Just got a Wii fit 5 days ago. Already (according to the Wii) I've lost 2.2 lbs. Not bad since my overall goal in 2 months is to lose 11 lbs. I've never been overweight but I'd been having a hard time making it to the gym after working 10+ hour days, so I invested in the Wii fit.

    As a former Division 1 college athlete (only 5 years removed from my last season), I know what a "hard workout" entails. If you put the effort (and don't cheat), the Wii fit is a great mechanism to become fit. Already, I can feel my core muscles strengthening and I have more energy throughout the day. I agree with Jenn above - you do have to "unlock" the Advanced levels to really feel the burn. But, once you do, I can definitely feel my body working. Plus, because of my competitive nature, I try to beat my score every time, causing me to work harder.

    One thing: I think you need to do at least the 30 minute workout to see any changes. My previous gym habits (when I could make it) were 2-3 times a week for an hour. But, now that I have the Wii fit, I work out every day, even if it's just for 30 minutes a day, rain or shine. The true test, I believe, will be when I go outside for a run/bike ride/ etc.

    I think it's fun and I recommend it, but by no means is it designed for the competitive athlete. Just for people who have never worked out before, or those (like me) who know what they are doing, just hadn't had the time to do it. :)

    {"commentId":2394069,"threadId":"327487","contentId":"1728099","authorDomain":"cholowich"}
    • 1 vote
    Reply#3 - Thu Aug 7, 2008 5:31 PM EDT
    {"commentId":2394157,"authorDomain":"debmassey"}

    Whew!! I'm worn out just reading the article!

    {"commentId":2394157,"threadId":"327487","contentId":"1728099","authorDomain":"debmassey"}
    • 1 vote
    Reply#4 - Thu Aug 7, 2008 5:40 PM EDT
    {"commentId":2394702,"authorDomain":"adankg76"}

    This article doesn't mention the therapeutic benefits of the Wii. Many PTs are adding the Wii as a tool in their physical therapy programs. Wii Therapy has quickly become a great extension to traditional therapy. See my upcoming web site at www.wii-therapy.com for more resources.

    {"commentId":2394702,"threadId":"327487","contentId":"1728099","authorDomain":"adankg76"}
      Reply#5 - Thu Aug 7, 2008 6:44 PM EDT
      {"commentId":2396346,"authorDomain":"lindaataorm"}

      I've been using the Wii Fit for the last 3 months. It's slow going but I've already lost 10 lbs. The Yoga routines are great. Very helpful and relaxing. Aerobics are also very good. OK, so the animated plastic board is a little sarcastic. I can take it. It's a fun program. I highly recommend it.

      {"commentId":2396346,"threadId":"327487","contentId":"1728099","authorDomain":"lindaataorm"}
        Reply#6 - Thu Aug 7, 2008 10:01 PM EDT
        {"commentId":2400582,"authorDomain":"eliboone"}

        When you're doing the Yoga I really like how you have to control your breathing so you keep your balance. Don't mean to sound too philosophical but it is very relaxing for your mind while working your body. If anything the Wii Fit will possibly reduce back problems and people who use it will have better posture because your 'core' comes into play in so many of the exercises/games.

        {"commentId":2400582,"threadId":"327487","contentId":"1728099","authorDomain":"eliboone"}
          Reply#7 - Fri Aug 8, 2008 11:51 AM EDT
          {"commentId":2401085,"authorDomain":"Exergames"}
          ExergamesDeleted
          {"commentId":2402914,"authorDomain":"marmaladehypnosis"}

          My golf swing has improved dramatically since I got my wii. Sure, it's not going to give you the burn of real sports. And it's easy to improve a golf swing without the weight of the club, the sun in your eyes and the added assistance of a little map to help measure your angle. Still though. My form has gotten much better. So has my flexibility since I no longer have to go to a driving range to get a few swings in and I can do it much more often.

          {"commentId":2402914,"threadId":"327487","contentId":"1728099","authorDomain":"marmaladehypnosis"}
            Reply#9 - Fri Aug 8, 2008 3:14 PM EDT
            {"commentId":2418570,"authorDomain":"BILLIII"}

            Like the writer said, ...lucky enough to get one..." Why is it next to impossible to purchase one of these things? Seems like every week ONE store advertises "Ten in each store-no rainchecks" How can this game been on the market so long, and be so hard to come by? I only got the Wii by buying a bundle. What is the point?!

            {"commentId":2418570,"threadId":"327487","contentId":"1728099","authorDomain":"BILLIII"}
            • 2 votes
            Reply#10 - Sun Aug 10, 2008 6:56 PM EDT
            {"commentId":2420521,"authorDomain":"marmaladehypnosis"}

            I bought mine secondhand from a friend. I would never have found one otherwise :)

            {"commentId":2420521,"threadId":"327487","contentId":"1728099","authorDomain":"marmaladehypnosis"}
              #10.1 - Mon Aug 11, 2008 12:13 AM EDT
              {"commentId":2427027,"authorDomain":"cholowich"}

              If you really want one, I suggest signing up to wiialerts.com. The site scans the Internet for inventory at the major retail sites (Best Buy, Circuit City, Amazon.com, Sam's Club, etc.) and will e-mail or text message (or both, if you choose) you to log on and purchase one. I was wary of the service at first, thinking that I would be bombarded with spam. The opposite is true. The site prides itself on its confidentiality and I have never received one bit of spam after signing up for the service.

              The good news: about a week after I signed up, I got a text message to buy one at Best Buy. I did and got my Wii Fit in the mail a week later.

              {"commentId":2427027,"threadId":"327487","contentId":"1728099","authorDomain":"cholowich"}
                #10.2 - Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:55 PM EDT
                Reply
                {"commentId":2419078,"authorDomain":"uh-huh"}

                Don't hold your breath for these. I've been using for 30 min a day for almost two weeks and the novelty of the new games have worn off for me and my kids. We've unlocked everything and now it's more laborious to setup and get going than to hop on the tread mill with my Nike+ sport band. So not only is real exercise much more productive for me and my family, it's also simpler easier and as much fun.

                There is the option to step on the board while watching another show, but I can do that from my treadmill and get an accurate calorie count. My daughter asked me the other day if I was stepping on the Fit while watching another show - why I even turned it on. Didn't have a good answer for this wise 6 yr old, so I turned it off to save some energy. Admitedly I did still use it as a step board while off.

                {"commentId":2419078,"threadId":"327487","contentId":"1728099","authorDomain":"uh-huh"}
                  Reply#11 - Sun Aug 10, 2008 8:16 PM EDT
                  {"commentId":2520985,"authorDomain":"hawkerchick"}

                  I've been "Wii Fit-ing" for a month now and love every minute of it. I use it for about an hour a day, and I definitely feel it the next day. I'm not health or fitness nut, and haven't worked out in at least 2 years (no excuses- just lazy!) At the end of the hour I'm sore and sweaty, but it's a fun way to get off the couch and get active for someone such as myself. I have lost 10lbs over the past month, and I've only slightly changed my eating habits.

                  I love it and recommend it to anyone who wants to start getting fit :-)

                  {"commentId":2520985,"threadId":"327487","contentId":"1728099","authorDomain":"hawkerchick"}
                    Reply#12 - Wed Aug 20, 2008 6:21 PM EDT
                    {"commentId":3216793,"authorDomain":"spinzgirl"}

                    Lucky to have accidentally found one the day it was released. Wasn't looking for it but was darn excited to see it! I have to admit at first it was a novelty, but the last couple of months I have moved into the harder exercises I typically avoid (running, stepping) and have noticed a difference. I had been just over the threshold into the overweight range since my kids were born, and now I'm back into the normal range and roughly 6-8 pounds lighter for it! I usually only have time to do 30 minutes a day, and try to do no less than 5 days a week, but with 2 kids and a job it's tough. Still, for the last month I have managed 6 days a week, which is impressive compared with my 0 days before! Best part is I can make it to the top of the stairs without feeling like I ran a marathon. The games are fun, and I can do them when it's convenient for me, and I don't have to worry about judgmental stares from anyone else!

                    {"commentId":3216793,"threadId":"327487","contentId":"1728099","authorDomain":"spinzgirl"}
                    • 1 vote
                    Reply#13 - Mon Sep 29, 2008 11:11 PM EDT
                    {"commentId":3217773,"authorDomain":"tarshakaylea"}

                    I've just logged a little over 30 hours on my Wii Fit. It's aweosme! I have lost about 8 pounds. My favorite things to do on a regular basis are the free step and the free run. You can do them for 30 minutes each while you watch other TV. I do also enjoy several of the Yoga exercises and the balance games. My husband and I enjoy trying to beat each other's scores. I would definately recommend this to anyone who wants to have motivation to get up off the couch. :o)

                    Thank you, Nintendo!!!!! (They've come a long way from Duck Hunt, huh? Lol...)

                    {"commentId":3217773,"threadId":"327487","contentId":"1728099","authorDomain":"tarshakaylea"}
                      Reply#14 - Tue Sep 30, 2008 12:30 AM EDT
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