GameGemini – Video Gaming Heaven

The Wii Fit is the newest genius product from Nintendo that is supposed to entertain you whilst getting you fit. So how does it work, and what is it? Basically, you’re given what’s called a ‘balance board’ that you must stand on. It’s an ultra-sensitive platform that you stand on that can detect even the slightest change in your balance and weight, and whether you’re putting too much weight on one foot. You then participate in a number of Yoga exercises, balance games (such as tight-rope walking) and cardio-exercises (such as jogging on the spot).

Nintendo has sold over 21.82 million Wii Fit units since it’s release, there has been very little evidence that the Wii Fit actually helps you lose weight and/or get fit. But is this the case?

I decided to do some searching around, and found several blogs of people who have conducted experiments. Because the Wii Fit lets you record data, set goals and chart how you’re doing, it’s easy to see your progress and if things are actually working or not. I found several people who claimed to do Wii Fit every day and felt a lot better for it (especially the people who did Yoga exercises).

In the end it comes down to how much Wii Fit you do a day. I’d recommend you try to do around 45 minutes if you want to see a difference. How fit you become and how much weight you lose also relies on a number of other factors, such as how healthily you eat and your other general day-to-day activites, eg. do you walk to work, or do you spend all day at home like a couch potato?

The Wii Fit won’t turn you into a supermodel overnight, and if you want to lose a lot of weight than there’s more that you need to be doing, but it is a great game for anyone looking for increased flexibility and fitness.