Thursday, December 25, 2008

Wii Fitness Games

The Wii is a great piece of fitness equipment, especially since the number of fitness related titles is growing.

Here are some of the currently available fitness games for the Wii.

Wii Fit

Released in 2008, Wii Fit matches a video game with the Wii Balance Board. The Wii Balance Board is a platform, about the size of an aerobic step - though lower to the ground, that measures where you are putting your weight. We like the variety of games that the Wii Fit provides, especially the balance games.

The yoga games could use more instruction, and the aerobic games could be longer. But otherwise, it is great combination of software and hardware.

My Fitness Coach

This game was just released. Rather than require the use any specific Wii equipment, such as the Balance Board, it asks what fitness equipment you have available, such as a balance . Based on your equipment and your fitness profile, My Fitness Coach customizes a workout for you. With 480 cardio, flexibility and strength exercises, it should keep you motivated.

We have yet to play this, but the game is getting very good reviews. It is on our buy list.

Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2009
When this game was released back in October, we had high hopes because it uses the Wii remote, Nunchuk controller and the Balance Board. Plus, Jillian Michaels has a big following.

Sadly, based on the reviews we've seen, the game does not live up to its reputation. The graphics are sub-par and there is a notable lag in response times. We saw so many bad reviews that we decided not to buy it and we suggest you pass on this game as well.

Wii Sports

Packaged with the Wii console, the original game is a nice addition to a fitness regime. The boxing can be a good aerobic workout, especially if you go all 9 minutes with an opposing fighter. Tennis can also provide a good workout. The bowling - well it's no workout, but at least it gets you off of the couch.

The training sessions, especially for the boxing and the tennis also provide a workout, and are good for spicing things up.

Dance Dance Revolution Hottest Party 2 with Dance Mat

Though not only for the Wii, this game does provide a great aerobic workout. Be careful where you put your mat, however. Many home surfaces are unforgivably hard for dancing - and jumping - so there is the risk for shin splints or other impact related injuries. Some vendors do sell thicker pads, though we do not have any experience with them.

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

5 Comments:

At January 17, 2009, Blogger adarrel said...

I think that Wii was ingenious for creating fitness games and just in general creating games that involved movement in body parts other than the fingers. Go Nintendo!!

 
At January 19, 2009, Blogger Syn said...

Don't forget We Cheer. I don't think its marketed as a fitness game but its a awesome upper body workout.

 
At January 25, 2009, Anonymous Qurat said...

Sound interesting, thanks for sharing!

 
At February 07, 2009, Anonymous Anonymous said...

What do you think of riiflex weights for the Wii workout?

 
At February 16, 2009, Anonymous Michelle said...

I do own the Jillian Michael's game, and wanted to add that after playing Wii Fit it was disappointing at first. However after a few sessions, I got use to it and use it for the more intense cardio section of my workouts. It really isn't a bad game, just need to get used to the differences.

 

Post a Comment

<< NetSweat Fitness Blog Home