Can we really get fit using the Wii fit?

[Yazmin]

Do you think the Wii fit and other hyperactive Wii games can be a solution for getting toned, fitter and leaner in the comfort of our own homes? I know I played the Wii resort 2 days ago and right arm is still aching after playing Sword!
and can it help achieve weight loss?

[Buzz word]

I haven't played the 'Fit' games but have had a go a some of the other games. I think wii fit wont ever make anyone a cover model and as excercise goes they are probably very inefficient. On the other hand for the couch bound land whale they are alot better than doing nothing and have the benifit of being used at any time of day or outside temperature.

[magpie215]

I have added it as part of my fitness regime.

on its own I do not think you would achive that much.

[deckster]

As above. If it gets lard arses off the sofa and stops them throwing a second tube of pringles down their neck then great, but that's probably as far as it goes.

As a serious exercise tool? Not a chance.

[Lois]

I think it's a good start. I've found the wii fit very good for core strength and stability, and i did have noticeable results from doing the hoola hoop!
I bought it to tone up before my wedding as i know i'll never go to a gym. A lot of it depends how much effort you put in but you can definately work up a sweat!

[ewenm]

The surgeon I saw after my achilles injury last year has recommended I use the Wii Fit to work on my flexibility. Won't do anything for my fitness but could be a convenient way to improve lower back, hamstring and calf flexibility and strength.

[parapaul]

Yazmin said:

Do you think the Wii fit and other hyperactive Wii games can be a solution for getting toned, fitter and leaner in the comfort of our own homes? I know I played the Wii resort 2 days ago and right arm is still aching after playing Sword!
and can it help achieve weight loss?

Cheat! Sword is supposed to be 2-handed

[Yazmin]

I don't think these replies have really motivated me! I’m not a lard arse who sits on the couch all day that’s for sure! So maybe I should invest in a good fitness DVD or a gym membership to achieve some visible results lol as for the Wii – it’s a fun tool and I can use it as a good stress reliever especially Sword on Wii Resort.....

[Halb]

Been playing the wii fit plus games at the weekend. If you put the effort in it will do you wonders I think. I concentrated on the balance exercises, felt great afterwards. I could feel the work put in.

[okgo]

No.

[cslgirl]

I think you can. I do an hour of the combined workouts daily and feel pretty worn out afterwards and build up a sweat which is something I thought only the gym could do.

I found somewhere a blog where some guy ate what he would normally eat but done 30 mins to an hour on the wii for 7 weeks. He lost 10kg if I remember correctly. Will see if I can find it again. He posted a before and after photo and you could see the difference as he had toned up.

[ShadownINja]

As mentioned above, better than sitting on arse. However, to make it more efficient, I think you'd have to use heavy ankle weights (on all limbs).

[Halb]

ShadownINja said:

As mentioned above, better than sitting on arse. However, to make it more efficient, I think you'd have to use heavy ankle weights (on all limbs).

I think it depends. For maximal strength I would agree, but for what the OP wants, the wii is perfect. Follow the yoga routines and you are onto a winner. When I used the wii this weekend I was surprised at just how sweaty and tired it got me, it's all aboot what you out into it.
Bodyweight exercises can do it for you...if you do them correctly.

The Naked Warrior and Canadian Airforce workout are two bodyweight routines that I have heard good stuff aboot.

[Buzz word]

I'd conceed weights will increase strength and a by product but they will make the exercise far more effeicent.

I found this on the net:
http://www.nutristrategy.com/activitylist4.htm

Aerobics, low impact: 295 cal per hour
Aerobics, high impact: 413

I think the wii is likely to burn less than that but if weight loss is a goal then something like running up a hill would be far more efficient.

Running, stairs, up: 885

By the numbers you could do some intense running like that for half an hour relax with a beer after and still have burned more than an hour on the wii.

The key to keeping weight off though would be finding something you enjoy and want to keep up.

Volleyball, beach: 472?

[996 sps]

I know a few physios are using the wii for balance and proproception work, as for improving fitness I think if you done 40mins of constant activity then yep I would imagine it would assist in a fitness programme but should not be the be all and end all for a training programme, to do 40mins of standing on the board and do balance games your not going to improve fitness, however you can challenge yourself in the strength workouts, Shadownija has a point in wearing some ankle weights and holding light dumbells on the step classes or doing something inbetween instead of resting.