I celebrated my birthday a week ago and as always I was thankful, blessed, and excited to reach another year in my life when I still have the ability to enjoy life, my children, family, and friends. Another year in a job I love because I can help people stay motivated, get excited about fitness, and really, who doesn't like working only a few hours a day.
To celebrate my birthday this year my husband and children decided it would be appropriate to give me the Nintendo WiiFit. I've read a lot about it and heard a lot about getting fit with the Wii but my only experience was when I did my body test at a friend's house. That time my scores were pretty sweet- I remember my WiiFit age was 28 at the time.
My life is always full of things to do with kids, at the gym, or in the house. My busy schedule kept me from opening my new game right away. But that's OK because my Peanut (7) and her daddy decided they would open and set up for me. How nice. They went as far as trying it out too. Such wonderfully thoughtful people I live with.
I finally had my chance to get on the Wii and perform my body test. I was hesitant because the timing just wasn't right. I had just come home from having a late birthday lunch with friends, I had a drink or two and ate like one should only eat on one's birth date. I expected to have terrible scores and I did. If I wasn't in the right frame of mind I would have been depressed. The darn thing said I was nearly obese AND ranked my age at 47. OUCH!!
We also learned that if you have plush carpet you have to use the extra caps on the board, for stability I guess and that might have contribured to my poor balance..no, it was definitely the Peachtini. I decided I needed to redo this test. I was convinced I could bring those numbers way down. I waited a couple of days, gave my body a chance to rid itself of excess water and being completely sober would really help my balance which apparently has a huge effect on the Wii age.
My second test put me back on the "healthy weight" range with a decent BMI and my Wii age---28! Yes! Now that I like! I think I'll keep the game. It's safe to keep in mind that this game is just a game and not an exact science. It doesn't know that you have a muscular body which might make you heavier than it says you should be. I think they should update it to ask if you are athletic or sedentary and to add body measurements, then it would be a little more accurate, maybe.
Anyway, I haven't had a chance to really spend a lot of time on the game, but I did go through every game available to me at this point and found that you really can get a workout with this thing. The push up plank works abs, obliques, shoulders, chest and back; the V sit works abs and legs; there's skiing, Yoga, and aerobic exercises like step, boxing and running. They start at a very easy level, I mean my 7 year old can do them. But as you get better and reach high scores you unlock other games so the challenge does go on. One of my favorites for a quick cardio routine was the Hoola Hoop. WOW! I was only on the Wii for a total of 7 minutes and I was sweating, dripping down my back and exhausted after that program. The next day, my abs and legs were sore.
Now we have some serious competitions going on because five of my six family members are trying to beat those high scores. We all want to be number one.
The WiiFit has brought some really awesome things to my life:
- We, as a family, spend a lot more time together being active, have a great time. Yes, we could be active outdoors and we are, but when it's 95 degrees outside, being together, active inside is the next best thing.
- The game requires us to strive to be better because they are all exercise related so we get a workout each and every time.
- Even though the body test could be better, it does give a guideline to measure our progress, like a scale.
- My young children would rather get active on the Wii then watch TV.
- I get to practice my balance moves with Yoga - I'm actually not too bad with balance.
Please remember, however, that this is just a game--don't take it too seriously, just have fun. Now I'm going to give that downhill ski another try, my dear hubby has the highest score right now and I need to take him down a notch or two.
Stay Well,
Happy belated Birthday, Spin Diva!
And rock on! Way to go, finding something that keeps the whole family motivated and moving!
Oh, and go get your hubby - I know you can!!!
Posted by: Lance | June 26, 2009 at 22:30
I love the Wii for staying fit. I've been doing hte EA Sports Active, which can really kick your butt - and you can also work out and compete with another person. But as a family, we like to bowl and do Wii Ski, though sometimes my kids spend way too much time making alternative Miis for themselves and me. Have fun!
Posted by: N/A | June 29, 2009 at 12:37
Happy Belated Birthday Spin Diva! And what a wonderful gift - not only is it useful and thoughtful but fun!
I have heard a lot of great things about the Wii Fit! And although I am not a fan of video games of any kind, if it is going to get people moving - hey why not!
And I also wanted to thank you one last time for being our feature story of the month. Your story will continue to stay in the "Your Stories" section for new readers to be able to always be able to find it and learn with it and from it.
Posted by: Evita | June 30, 2009 at 10:07
Anne-Marie
Sorry for the late reply. Life has been a little crazy around here. I've heard of the EA Sports Active. I think I would really like to try that one as well. I've fallen behind on my fitness stuff with the Wii mostly because I'm at the gym every day but my kids are kicking butt with some of the exercises. It is so much fun and definitely better than a game where they just sit and play. Thanks for stopping in.
Posted by: Terie | July 08, 2009 at 22:35
Hi Evita...it's been so long since I was here in my own blog. Anyway thanks for stopping in an the well wishes. I do appreciate giving me the opportunity to participate in the featured blogger for the month of June, it was my honor. I hope to get back to reading and writing here soon.
Posted by: Terie | July 08, 2009 at 22:37
The Wii Fit is a fantastic game . You need to be motivated enough if you want to burn calories. I enjoy doing the yoga training. It keeps my body healthy.
Posted by: Sudoku Print Puzzles | January 02, 2010 at 09:53