Tips for Losing Weight with the Wii

Experts agree that the key to weight loss and getting fit is consistency. If you have a competitive spirit, like to play games and want to lose a few pounds, weight loss with Wii Fit Plus might be just the key you need to stick with a workout program.



Wii Fit Plus

Wii is a gaming system released by Nintendo in 2006. This system features wireless controllers that works in conjunction with a motion sensor bar and brought video-gaming to a whole new level. Instead of sitting for hours and staring at the screen while getting cramped thumbs from operating the controller, gamers would become a part of the virtual world through specific movement and actions required of the game.



Building on the success of the Wii and Wii Fit, Wii Fit Plus was created. This particular game uses a balance board accessory in conjunction with the Wii console and detects weight and motion. Gamers can now have fun, play games and exercise at the same time, and all in the comfort of your own home.



Equipment Needed

In order to create a workout program for weight loss with the Wii Fit Plus, you need the Wii gaming system, the controllers that come with this system, the Wii Fit balance board and the Wii Fit Plus game. Prices for all of these may range from $300 to $400 dollars.



How it Works

Once you have your Wii gaming system in place, you can create a Mii, your own character and profile on the Wii system. Using the Wii Fit balance board, you will be guided through some questions and body testing games to determine your current weight, body mass index, and an opportunity to create a personalized workout plan. Through the body testing phase, your current age, weight, body mass index and balance tests, your Mii-age is determined. This is the age that the system calculates your body to be acting. The balance board has weight sensitive areas for your feet to stand on and calculates your total weight, how your weight is distributed and measures wobbles or how you are unbalanced. You are encouraged to re-test in order to chart progress with weight loss, improved balance and your Mii-age.



Have Fun with the Wii Fit Plus

The Wii Fit Plus has a vast number of strength training games, yoga moves and aerobic exercise games for you to choose from and create a personalized workout plan. When playing a game or performing an exercise, your virtual personal trainer will give you tips on how to perform the exercises better as well as wellness and fitness tips for weight loss success. The system will also keep track of the time you have spent working out each day and how many calories you burn with each game.



The balance games, strength training and aerobic games all force the player to engage the hard-to-target core muscles and increase heart rate. Through these moves, you will strengthen your core muscles and increase your metabolism which helps aid in weight loss.



Adding to the fun is a virtual personal trainer who gives tips and encouragement and you will receive applause and cheers from a virtual crowd.



Keeping with the competitiveness of video gaming, the better you do, the more points you will receive and more challenges will be unlocked for you to do.



Additional Tips

Log in to the Wii Fit Plus every day. Many of the games can be done in just a few minutes and all movement counts

Drink plenty of water while working out. Your virtual personal trainer will remind you of this!

Compete with other members of your family or challenge yourself to score better each day.

Remember, exercise can be a simple as playing a game! You can burn a lot of calories in the hula hoop challenge or dodging soccer balls.







If you are one of those people who like to engage your competitive spirit through gaming, weight loss with Wii Fit Plus may just be the exercise program you can stick with!



Sources:

Newsweek: "The Wii Fit Workout": www.newsweek.com/2008/05/20/the-wii-fit-workout.html