Get Fit with Eye Toy Kinetic: A Precursor to the Wii

Are you looking for an easy and fun way to get fit in your home, but you don't have, don't want or can't afford a new Wii? If you own a working Playstation 2, consider picking up the Eye Toy Kinetic game with the Eye Toy camera (available at Amazon, starting around $30 for used bundles).

This precursor to Wii technology uses a Web cam sized video capture device to put your image on your TV screen. You control the action on screen by moving your arms, legs and torso to hit or manipulate objects on screen. Once you have everything properly set up, you can play individual games or have a virtual personal trainer create a workout routine for you.

Games include guided warm ups, combat-type games, strength training, as well as activities to hone your reflexes. There are even yoga-inspired exercises and tai-chi games to develop balance and concentration.

The game was obviously created by fitness experts, as each guided work out leads you through ample warm up, exercises for your entire body, a stretching and cool down routine, and mind and body exercises. At first your workouts will probably be only about thirty minutes long, but as you progress through the 12 week program the workouts increase in intensity and duration. Eye Toy Kinetic does a great job of keeping you motivated, though, by assigning letter grades to each workout and giving you virtual "pep talks" based on your performance. Thanks to the Playstation 2's internal clock, your trainer will know when you miss a workout, or when you've been very consistent, and speak to you accordingly!

The only issue I've had hasn't been with the Eye Toy Kinetic game, but with the Eye Toy camera itself. It can be finicky if you workout area isn't very well lighted, and if your room has objects (or people) that move during your workout. Be aware it may frustrating at first to find the idea lighting setup and room configuration. When I do my Eye Toy workout, I move some of my furniture out of the camera's sight, because something about the way my lighting works causes it to interfere.

They Eye Toy camera and Eye Toy Kinetic game have helped me to get fit in my own house! Once I got past some initial frustrations with camera, I was impressed by thoughtful and effective workout routines. If you don't feel like investing in a totally new gaming platform like the Wii just to get a good workout, consider the Eye Toy Kinetic game and Eye Toy camera. I think you'll enjoy it!