Wii Fitness Program

[cbayer]

I was just gifted the Wii Fitness board and software.

I did the test and obtained an age of 75!!! Yikes. One caveat is that this is greatly influenced by your ability to balance and I live on a constantly moving boat. The good news is, my BMI was good and there is a lot of room for improvement.

Anyway, has anyone else used this program over an extended period of time? What did you think?

[seabeyond]

1. obtained an age of 75!!!

that is such a hoot. i think we have that. i want to do. kill myself to beat 75. that is funny

[cbayer]

2. They have multiple sections and I liked them all when I tried it yesterday.

There is yoga, strength training, aerobics and balance games. It seems like it is going to be something I could really enjoy.

BTW, I am sore today, a sure sign of how out of shape I am.

[mama]

3. It's a lot of fun.

My weakness is also balance (but I don't live on a boat!). I used it a lot last winter and will probably start using it again as the winter deepens and it is harder to get outside.
I especially appreciate the yoga section to improve balance, and the games, especially downhill skiing, are fun!
I'm 55 and have gotten it down to the low twenties on a good day, it's encouraging to see improvement!

[cbayer]

4. I was so sore after my first day, that I couldn't do any of it yesterday!

I am going to try it again today and perhaps not push it so hard.

Low twenties!! Wow. Big congratulations to you. I have a long, long way to go.

[JDPriestly]

6. I've been trying to work on balance.

A friend gave me a book entitled Pain Free by Pete Egoscue.

He talks about the importance of both extending and flexing certain muscles when you walk.

I have been trying to improve my walking so that I have more sense of my contact with the ground, more consciousness of the extension and flexing of my muscles. It seems to help with my balance -- gradually help my balance.

I wore high heeled shoes a lot, and I attribute my balance problems to unhealthy habits in walking. I walk on my toes too much. That prevents me from properly moving my feet from heel to toes. It also causes me to get callouses on the fronts of my soles.

I'd like to know what other people are doing to try to improve their balance as they move.

[cbayer]

7. The Wii program is very much focused on balance.

Pretty much every yoga position and general strengthening exercise gives you feedback on your balance.

And then there is a whole section of balance games, including walking on a tightrope between buildings.

The goal is to strengthen core muscles, which many workouts don't target.

Living on a boat, I have developed excellent balance. Doing the Wii is just adding to that.

[cbayer]

5. Got my age down to 69 today!

I am really enjoying this so far. Doing a little yoga, a little strength training, some aerobics and playing the balance games. This adds up to about 40 minutes of actual exercise time.

[hlthe2b]

8. I am very interested in this, but I really don't know much about it...

I don't play video games. So, could you walk me through exactly what I'd need to purchase and about how much I'd be spending?

THanks... Sorry... I'm not a technophobe or a luddite, but since I only very rarely watch tv (usually streaming though my laptop) or through a PC monitor I have hooked up to a tv/video tuner, I just am pretty ignorant on the whole WII thing. Thanks, cbayer.....

[cbayer]

9. Fist you need a Wii.

If you don't have one, they cost around $100. I would suggest the one with the sports games package. Extra bonus is that the Wii also can connect you to Netflix for streaming and several other stations.

Then you need the Wii Fitness Board, also about $100.



It comes with the software you need for the exercise program.

The program tracks your BMI, weight, balance and calculates a Wii age for you. It helps you set goals and encourages you to reach them.

There are four basic sections - yoga, strength training, aerobics and balance games. They are generally fun and the coaches are very positive.

You could hook up the Wii to your tv or your computer. It comes with a remote that you will also need to do the Fitness program.

I am having a lot of fun with it and got my best Wii age score yesterday!

Let me know if you have any questions.

[hlthe2b]

10. Thanks! How much space do you need?

Can you sort of estimate the minimum amount of space you would need to freely use it? I ask because I'd love to use it in a small second bedroom/office where I have my computer monitor, but it is small.

Thanks! I'm enthused by this. But, I'm guessing I'm so out of shape I might hit 100 years!

[cbayer]

11. I live on a boat, so I can assure you that space requirements are very low.

I can also tell you that living on a boat has made the balance parts of this routine quite challenging, but that's another story, lol.

Most of what you do, you do while standing on the board. You need to be able to stretch our front to back and side to side while standing on one leg or on the floor. The board can be turned to accommodate the area. There is nothing that requires more room that that.

Be aware, however, that some of the games that come with the Wii do require more room. I could share with you an excellent story of a couple, Wii Tennis, a black eye and a near divorce.

This is a perfect system for someone really out of shape. It starts out very, very easy and you can do it in the privacy of your own home.

Extra added attraction are the dance games that you can buy separately. If you like to dance at all, these are terrific fun and excellent exercise.

Let me know what you decide! Would love to follow along with you.

[hlthe2b]

12. LOL... My tennis days are probably long since past.

So, perhaps the breakables are safe.

I'll let you know. Budget is tight right now, but I may have a way to make it happen. 'Would love to have a "workout" buddy/motivator.

[cbayer]

13. I don't know where you are, but on the west coast there are these computer game stores

that sell used (and new) stuff. You might the able to pick up the whole kit for relatively little money.

And it's sure cheaper than a gym membership!

Good luck.

[Ayalisse]

14. Spam deleted by cbayer (MIR Team)

[rosalgustren]

15. Wii and iphone apps

Yeah it is cheaper and I had some workout tips on my iphone same with Wii and I'm loving it

[cbayer]

16. There are Wii apps for fitness programs?

Could you give me the names.

I am getting bored with the same routines and would love to incorporate some new stuff.

[eninn]

17. Good topic

Good topic

[jony12]

18. hello

Last edited Sat Sep 1, 2012, 02:57 AM - Edit history (1)

I don't think Wii is the good idea to maintain yourself in proper way,yes it is effective and makes us to do some physical work but proper exercise is way better than this artificial things.I tried Wii but then after four five months i quit and stick with my manual exercise or work out.
http://leanbodybootcampdesmoines.com/

[emikofierros025]

19. Exercise + Socialization

It's ok to use wii if you think its ok but wouldn't it be better if you go to a gym or park to exercise? I mean here is when you exercise with your friends outside you also get socialized.

[Indpndnt]

20. And if you're a senior citizen, chronically ill, or disabled?

The Wii opened up a new world of socialization and exercise for seniors in nursing homes and patients in hospitals using the devices in common rooms. It's not one or the other.

[emikofierros025]

22. Re: And if you're a senior citizen, chronically ill, or disabled?

For someone who is chronically ill maybe a wii is ok but if you are a senior citizen I won't recommend wii because it tame the body to go weak. A senior citizen should exercise by walking specially when the weather is in good condition. If disabled, it depends on the condition of what and how disabled is the person.

Other than that exercising in a room with gadgets is not good even if you are getting socialized because it somehow has an effect in the body that you are not aware of. Any doctor would suggest if you have no serious illness to go outside and have exercise.

[Indpndnt]

23. Maybe where you live.

Here in Texas where it is October and still usually in the 90s, no doctor is going to tell a senior to go outside and do any level of exercise. That would be insane. And that's true from April-October.

Lots of doctors and nursing homes love the Wii for their patients. I have no idea where you get your facts. Have you ever seen a group of seniors 'bowl' on a Wii? They're exercising and having a blast while doing it.

Seriously, you need to get more informed on the topic. Start here:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/01/phys-ed-why-wii-fit-is-best-for-grandparents/

A representative case study published last year found that an 89-year-old woman with a balance disorder and a history of falls significantly improved her scores on a series of balance tests after six sessions of Wii Bowling, an encouraging outcome given that, as the study authors point out, falls remain the leading cause of injury-related deaths in the elderly.

http://articles.cnn.com/2009-10-19/health/senior.exercise.wii_1_wii-bowling-senior-bowlers-senior-fitness-center?_s=PM:HEALTH

http://www.800seniors.com/senior-resource-center/wii-video-game-rehabilitation-for-seniors-in-assisted-living.html

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/science/2008-02-08-wii-rehabilitation_N.htm?csp=34&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+UsatodaycomHealth-TopStories+

[emikofierros025]

24. Pro's and Con's of Wii Fit

I would not argue if you want to use wii as a medium for exercise and fitness and would not argue if you are a pro-wii user.

But I would recommend these for further readings,

http://www.livestrong.com/article/71043-the-pros-cons-wii-fit/
http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/Body_Fitness_with_Wii_Fit__Pros_and_Cons_a1222.html
http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/diet-fitness/exercise/wii-fit.htm

[Indpndnt]

25. That's not what we've been talking about.

The discussion centered on using the Wii for seniors, the disabled, or the chronically ill. They would not be using the Wii Fit. That's likely beyond their physical capabilities at the moment. I wouldn't put any of them up on that Wii balance board. They wouldn't be stable.

We were discussing the Wii in general, particularly games like bowling or tennis or any other game requiring gentle movements.

[cbayer]

21. There is no gym where I live, but I do live in a park.

I live off a small island and can't always get to shore, that is why I have enjoyed the wii.

Welcome to DU!