In tune with the “keeping it fun” theme of the post below, I am going to offer some insight into a new product designed to keeping fitness fun!
As the proud new owner of a Nintendo Wii, I quickly learned that stretching is essential to the pre-gaming process. My arms really were sore after a day of boxing and tennis, but all studies have shown that the basic sports games do not really offer a workout…much to my dismay. However, Nintendo recently released Wii Fit, a game that is divided into several sections: Aerobic Exercise, Muscle Conditioning, Yoga and Balance Games. The game comes with a mat that goes on the floor, and the exercises are performed on the mat. The censors in the mat pick up if you are following along with the activities. The most boring of these activities (at least in my opinion) is the running in place. Since jogging outside is free, I find it much more interesting to go outside and move around the roads or trails, as opposed to staying in place in my living room. But the game also offers great core strengthening activities, from push-up ladders to yoga and Pilates moves. And unlike a workout DVD, you can easily skip around to the sections which offer the exercises you want to focus on, rather than going through an entire video.
The game also weighs you and keeps track of your fitness progress, as limited as its capabilities may be. It also has a calendar feature so you can monitor how many days you work-out. One of the exercises that I found the most challenging was just as much fun as it was tough! It’s called the Hula Hoop balance game, and the object is to move your hips around in a circle and try to “catch” hoops your family members toss at you without letting the hoops you’re spinning fall. It works your core strength, abs, and gets your heart rate up too…you’ll start to sweat in no time!
So while Wii Fit probably will not get you in ideal shape for the C-Ville 10 Mile, it is definitely a great alternative for some cross training in your workouts and keeps things fun and interesting!
