The idea of using the Wii as a workout is becoming pretty common, but do you really think it will work? Can something as simple as Wii Sports transform the lifestyles of a generation of gamers? Well, no, probably not. But can the Wii provide the seed of motivation? A long session with the Wii remote can definitely inject a little energy into a sedentary lifestyle, but should it be the lynchpin of weight loss program? Or is the inspiration unimportant so long as people are getting on their feet?
The idea of using the Wii as a workout is becoming pretty common, but do you really think it will work? Can something as simple as Wii Sports transform the lifestyles of a generation of gamers? Well, no, probably not. But can the Wii provide the seed of motivation? A long session with the Wii remote can definitely inject a little energy into a sedentary lifestyle, but should it be the lynchpin of weight loss program? Or is the inspiration unimportant so long as people are getting on their feet?
Reader Comments (10)
Posted: Mar 8th 2007 9:26AM (Unverified) said
Well, I remember trying the Wii Sports Tennis Game and feeling motivated about going to the tennis court (i play tennis on an almost weekly basis)and get into a game of tennis right away...if this is what you're talking about then yes I think it can work as a work-out machine...
Posted: Mar 8th 2007 9:26AM (Unverified) said
It'll definitely be more of an exercise machine when the Wii Health Pack (tentative title) comes out in Japan later this year.
Posted: Mar 8th 2007 9:50AM (Unverified) said
I got my Wii about a month ago and have lost 7 pounds since I started playing it. I know that this isn't a major amount of weight, but it is enough for me to see a difference in how my pants fit.
Posted: Mar 8th 2007 10:03AM (Unverified) said
My shoulder hurts.
Posted: Mar 8th 2007 10:51AM (Unverified) said
Nobody uses the term "lynchpin" anymore. Kudos.
I don't think that the wii is comparable to true resistance and aerobic training, but is a nice better-than-nothing-but-not-good-enough-to-recommend-on-its-own addendum to a healthier lifestyle. I think most people who have 'significant' weight loss with the wii were in such poor shape in the first place that their bodies couldn't help but lose weight when its daily activity doubled from "sedentary" to "mildly active".
I don't think that the wii is comparable to true resistance and aerobic training, but is a nice better-than-nothing-but-not-good-enough-to-recommend-on-its-own addendum to a healthier lifestyle. I think most people who have 'significant' weight loss with the wii were in such poor shape in the first place that their bodies couldn't help but lose weight when its daily activity doubled from "sedentary" to "mildly active".
Posted: Mar 8th 2007 11:16AM (Unverified) said
I'm considerably out of shape right now and when I played Wario Ware the other day I was sore all over the next day. Damn squats and hula hoop...
Posted: Mar 8th 2007 12:13PM (Unverified) said
One of my reasons for buying the Wii was to become a more active gamer. I liked the idea of getting off the couch and into the game. Since I got it about a week ago I've already noticed a change in my energy level. I spend about 45-60 minutes every morning before work playing Wii Sports (mainly the Fitness and a few rounds of Wii Boxing training as I feel this is one of the more active games in the Wii Sports package). Can't wait until we get a Fitness based game. So $30/mo for the Gym or $249 for a Wii. I got a Wii.
Posted: Mar 8th 2007 4:02PM (Unverified) said
Squats in Warioware are a good, yes it would to be easy to cheat and just wave remote up and down but that would make buying the game pointless. Doesn't beat real barball squats though :) Maybe we'll see a Wii barbell attachment next.
I'm deffinately looking forward to a REAL fitness Wii game.
I'm deffinately looking forward to a REAL fitness Wii game.
Posted: Mar 8th 2007 3:56PM (Unverified) said
I actually did my own 6-week experiment, which you can see the results of here: http://exercise.team220.org, and I didn't lose weight, I actually gained two pounds, BUT THE THING IS - There was a physical difference!! My muscles are a little bit more toned now, the fat on my stomach was drained, and I feel so much better about myself.
Wii Sports really is a true motivator, and the Wii Sports workout was the first time I actually completed a regimen that I set out for myself. It works, people, it works. I may not have gotten the same drastic results as Mickey DeLorenzo, but it worked for me and more than just losing weight, I'm extremely ecstatic Wii Sports motivated me to do this for 6 straight weeks.
Wii Sports really is a true motivator, and the Wii Sports workout was the first time I actually completed a regimen that I set out for myself. It works, people, it works. I may not have gotten the same drastic results as Mickey DeLorenzo, but it worked for me and more than just losing weight, I'm extremely ecstatic Wii Sports motivated me to do this for 6 straight weeks.
Posted: Mar 8th 2007 7:13PM (Unverified) said
I've had the Wii since launch day, but haven't been using it for exercise until recently. I've been trying to play tennis, baseball, and mainly boxing to get some form of exercise everyday, as well as going on a diet. I've been trying to get in at least 30 min, but as much as 1.5 hours in a day, so I'll let you know of my progress.
But it's been beneficial in another way as well. I'd never played Tennis before the Wii, and honestly was never interested in playing it. But because of how much I enjoyed it on the Wii, my wife and I have recently purchased our own racquets and been trying to play several times a week to get some real world exercise.
But it's been beneficial in another way as well. I'd never played Tennis before the Wii, and honestly was never interested in playing it. But because of how much I enjoyed it on the Wii, my wife and I have recently purchased our own racquets and been trying to play several times a week to get some real world exercise.
