sovereign254 wrote:
My older sister's household has a WiiFit and I just laugh at them because they were suckers who thought that doing "exercise" on this thing would actually make a difference. If you're really intent on getting fit, go to the gym or go for a walk/run.
My feeling is any exercise is better than none. If your sister isn't ready to walk, run, or go to a gym (a huge step for some), then maybe the little step-up of exertion provided by the Wii is right for them.
One reason many people don't exercise is the fear that people like you will laugh at their efforts because you judge them to be too little.
I think the Wii sports games that come with the console are a good workout for someone who has led a sedentary life. The Wii fit has some nice exercises, but is more movement and balance rather than strength and cardio workout. My biggest criticism of the Fit is the amount of fooling around with meaningless weigh-ins, calendars, and prep and score presentation for each game. I hear there's a new model, is it better in that area?
I got a Wii fit for Father's Day a couple years ago and used it a lot until my son moved away and took his Wii with him. I went out to buy one but the game shop was near a yoga studio and since the Fit had declared me to be a yoga expert, I took a deep breath and tried a beginner class. (yoga is more than trying to be a pretzel; it develops strength, balance, coordination, concentration, and calms your mind)
From there I went to more advanced classes and one day realized I had visible muscles on my arms for the first time in my life. I also found that working out in a room full of adults was not the same as high school gym -- if you fall they don't laugh and taunt you -- they help you up and show you how to avoid it next time.
The gym next door to the yoga studio was offering a deal on new memberships and now I'm walking, cycling, doing weights other exercises and yoga, too.
It all started with a Wii Fit.