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14 Replies Last post: May 5, 2008 9:10 AM by Active Sara  
Click to view Active Sara's profile Active.com Staff 930 posts since
Oct 2, 2007
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Dec 11, 2007 8:20 PM

Nintendo Wii - New Fitness Routine?

Many people have claimed the Nintendo Wii to be more than just the latest video game trend. In fact, some are claiming the Nintendo Wii acts as a fitness routine and a way to stay in shape while also having fun. Before a couple months ago, I would have blown this off and said "sure, I bet my thumbs are really in shape after playing video games for 3 hours", but after playing Wii and experiencing "Wii arm" I think it just might be a hidden fitness gem. I am not saying the Wii will make you run faster and jump higher, but it's better then normal video games and involves standing, moving, and some serious arm work. The next day my arm and upper back were extremely sore and I couldn't think of why until a friend told me I had "Wii arm" and that it was common especially in new users. I couldn't believe I actually was sore from a video game, but I had a great time and think I burned some calories in the process.

Do you know anybody using the Wii to work out? Would you do it? Have kids that use it? A fad? Good development for society? Overrated/hype?

What do you think?
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Click to view Trish18's profile Active.com Staff 383 posts since
Jun 5, 2007
1. Dec 12, 2007 7:56 AM in response to: Active Sara
Re: Nintendo Wii - New Fitness Routine?
My throwing arm is certainly not in the shape it used to be--and I became very aware of that the day after playing the Wii. :)

I think if you play the game in a realistic manner, it can be a bit of a work out... especially boxing! I don't think it should be solely relied on for one's physical activity, but I do agree that it is better for you than playing normal video games.
Click to view Bryan2337's profile Community Moderator 39 posts since
Aug 21, 2007
2. Dec 12, 2007 3:31 PM in response to: Active Sara
Re: Nintendo Wii - New Fitness Routine?
What?!!

Getting your exericse from Wii is like getting your fruits from Jolly Ranchers!

My family and I had a 3 hour Wii tournament after Thanksgiving dinner and I don't think that anyone even burned off the calories from the pumpkin pie.

Click to view Wilco's profile Community Moderator 64 posts since
Jul 8, 2007
3. Dec 12, 2007 3:46 PM in response to: Active Sara
Re: Nintendo Wii - New Fitness Routine?
I saw in the local paper that a lot of nursing homes are buying them so the residents can "golf" and "bowl", etc. I've never played video games, but they are really popular among my friends. It's frustrating for me to see them spend so much time doing something virtually when they could be using that time to actually do it in reality. Guitar Hero is the worst! I guess I don't know how I feel about the whole thing, but this post by Trish a few months ago makes me nervous about the trend.

Read it here

Click to view culinarydoctor's profile Community Moderator 66 posts since
Oct 31, 2007
4. Dec 17, 2007 9:01 AM in response to: Wilco
Re: Nintendo Wii - New Fitness Routine?
Roger that Wilco. Is anyone else frightened by the zombies clinging to the treadmill for dear life? Its like the TV is an excuse to hit cardio, and for many people the TV is their most important piece of fitness equipment. Wii technology and Dance Dance Revolution are fun modalities of training, if you will, but they should be incorporated into a much larger program. I remember the old-school Nintendo workout. Somebody help me out here, can I get a witness? The footpad for the original Nintendo.

Several months ago the American Council on Exercise published a cover story in their journal about aerobic video games. Huge industry, but I don't feel that it is inherently a workout, let alone socially and mentally healthy. It's like my mom would say "Go outside. Its a beautiful day." I will admit though that if you're workin it, the boxing game can break a sweat. Also, might want to add wrist weights or wear an X-Vest because that will certainly increase the intensity. Also, the surgery game for Wii is another example of the gaming industry trying to appeal to a more health conscious audience. It seems to me that as technology devises new ways for us to hone our hand eye coordination, there will always be an opposite reaction, and for this I pray for a counter movement of people playing catch.


The new Zelda is tight, but it is no Tai Chi sword form.


But yo, just say NO to HFCS (high fructose corn syzurp).


B-)

Click to view Bryan2337's profile Community Moderator 39 posts since
Aug 21, 2007
6. Dec 13, 2007 1:37 PM in response to: Active Sara
Re: Nintendo Wii - New Fitness Routine?

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with working up a sweat with interactive video games. I used to kill myself on the Track & Field running pad (+for you+ culinarydoctor ) and I was the kid on the block that had the PowerGlove (you know you wanted it when it came out).

I don't think that anyone will disagree that there is a very limited amount of exercise that you can get from a video game. Like the original post said "Wii Arm", not "Wii Body". That's great that you can get forearms like Popeye, but what about the rest of your body?

And playing Wii Skiing is a lot cheaper than taking the family on a ski trip.

Video games should be used for their intended purpose...entertainment.

Click to view culinarydoctor's profile Community Moderator 66 posts since
Oct 31, 2007
7. Dec 17, 2007 9:00 AM in response to: Bryan2337
Re: Nintendo Wii - New Fitness Routine?

Feel me on this Visa, I could never beat Cheetah in the hurdles. It was a timing issue I am sure. Be interesting to get on one of the running pads now that I am older. Found one on ebay for 20 bucks, but I don't have an NES anymore.


(http://cgi.ebay.com/POWER-PAD-RUNNING-MAT-NES-NINTENDO_W0QQitemZ230142004631QQihZ013QQcategoryZ62053QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1638.m118)

Has anyone heard rumors, or better yet been to, a Fitness Arcade? Buddy of mine was telling me that they're big in Europe, and I can imagine the Japanese have had something like that for decades. Cool thing about Wii is that it can be played internationally over the internet.

Still... no matter how hard you crank that treadmill, its no mountain trail run.


peace in the middle east

Click to view DarlinCandy's profile Amateur 6 posts since
Jan 9, 2008
9. Apr 29, 2008 4:27 PM in response to: Active Sara
Re: Nintendo Wii - New Fitness Routine?

Well they are now stepping up to the plate even further, check out Wii Fit:


http://e3nin.nintendo.com/wii_fit.html


That is there E3 demo.

Click to view Bryan2337's profile Community Moderator 39 posts since
Aug 21, 2007
11. Apr 30, 2008 12:47 PM in response to: DarlinCandy
Re: Nintendo Wii - New Fitness Routine?
I can totally see a surfing/snowboarding/skating game using that!! When they come out with a surfing game, then I'll buy a Wii.
Click to view Bryan2337's profile Community Moderator 39 posts since
Aug 21, 2007
13. Apr 30, 2008 1:15 PM in response to: Active Sara
Re: Nintendo Wii - New Fitness Routine?

You're just being lazy! What would you tell one of your players if she came to you and said that she wanted to train with a Wii instead of in a weight room?! You'd beat her with you lax stick!

Put down the cheesesteak and get to work!! ;)