10 Best Fitness Games for the Nintendo Wii

The Wii console started a revolution of getting gamers off the couch. It also made video games more appealing to the casual audience. Anyone who has played a fitness Wii game feels like they are getting a work-out. Here are the 10 best Wii games that get you moving.

Wii Sports

The collection of mini-games packaged with the console started it all. While it's not as sophisticated or in-depth as newer Wii games, it features testing your real age, has a small daily work-out section, and is just fun. A fitness game is useless if you don't want to play it. For the fastest moving games try Boxing and Tennis.

Wii Sports Resort

The recently released sequel adds more games. For a workout try Swordplay, Cycling, or Wakeboarding. You'll have so much fun playing with friends and family, you won't notice all the movement. This is a great game for people of all ages and skill levels. It retails for $49.99.

Just Dance

Another "party" game that really gets people moving is Just Dance. It includes 30 licensed songs from older hits to current ones. Lyrics and choreographed dance moves guide you through each song. Up to four people can play at a time. There are also long and short versions of the songs. Points are scored based on the difficultly of the dances. It retails for $39.99.

Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus

The Wii balance board took fitness video games to the next level. The balance board weighs you, calculates Body Mass Index and gives your "real age." Plus lets you customized your work-outs from 20 to 40 minutes. The Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus games let you try yoga, running and traditional exercises. There are also mini-games likes Hula Hoop and Tightrope walking. Players who already own a Wii Fit can buy Plus for $19.99. Those new to the balance board can purchase both for $99.99.

My Fitness Coach

With almost 500 exercises, this game has a wide variety of activities. You can pick favorite exercises and music. There is a mediation garden for yoga. The coach will recommend a custom program and help reach your fitness goals. There are 7 different work-out environments to pick from. It also lets you keep a record of your progress with charts and a calendar. This game does not require the Wii balance board. It retails for about $30.00.

My Fitness Coach 2 Exercise and Nutrition

Recently released, this sequel expands on the first one. You can pick from 4 different coaches, over 100 recipes, customized weekly menus, and shopping lists. There are about 80 exercises that focus on weight loss, cholesterol control, and toning. You can still pick different environments and music. It tracks your progress and tells you how many calories were burned. It retails for $30.00 and does use the Wii balance board.

Gold's Gym Cardio Workout

Focusing on cardio boxing, this game also includes exercises like running and push-ups. It's balance board compatible. The board is only used for certain activities and to track your weight. Gold's Gym changes the difficulty of the workouts as you progress. You also have a personal trainer and a calendar. It retails for $30.00 and includes a free one week membership to a local Gold's Gym.

EA Sports Active

This game likes you workout with friends in fitness co-op mode. The 20 minute routines focus to lower and upper body exercises, plus cardio. Included is one resistance strap that uses the Wii remote and nunchuck. For the co-op mode, an extra resistance strap is needed and they retail for $14.99. The game is also balance board compatible. It tracks your progress, fitness IQ, and calories burned. There is a 30 day challenge that tailors itself to your level. It retails for $59.99.

EA Sports Active: More Workouts

This sequel includes 35 new exercises and nutrition tips. The game lets you import all saved data, progress, and workouts from the first one. A fitness book with tips from professionals is included. There is still a co-op mode that let you exercise with a friend. The game has a six week challenge fitness plan for both newcomers to the series and people who have used EA Sports Active. It retails for $39.99.

The Biggest Loser

Fans of the TV show can workout with Bob and Gillian in their own home with this game. There are 88 exercises, 66 support the Wii balance board. You don't need the balance board, but it helps with feedback and tracking progress. A co-op mode is included. There is also a cook book with over 50 recipes. You can pick from 4 to 12 weeks fitness programs and compete with constants from the show. Workouts include yoga, squats, lunges and leg lifts. It retails for $39.99.

Whether you want a fun party activity that makes people move or if you're serious about fitness, the Wii has a game for it. They are all less expensive then a gym membership and can be done from home. Many include the ability to play with friends. There is a Wii fitness game that's perfect for everyone.

Sources:

My full review of Wii Fit Plus

My full review of Wii Sports Resort

www.amazon.com

www.easportsactive.com

www.biggestloserthegame.com