2008 Woodie Awards
Losing weight the Nintendo Wii way
Katie Smith
Issue date: 2/13/08 Section: Lifestyle
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Nintendo Wii will introduce Wii Fit, a game that is specifically targeted as a workout tool, later this year. Wii Fit will use a balance board along with the controller to lead the participant through various exercises from yoga to aerobic.
"The board is used for an extensive array of fun and dynamic activities, including aerobics, yoga, muscle stretches and games," the Nintendo Web site said. "Many of these activities focus towards providing a core workout, a popular exercise method that emphasizes slower, controlled motions."
Already in existence is Wii Sports, a game that some use as an exercise program.
UW-Whitewater sophomore, Wii player and weight lifter Mark Behncke cautions against using Wii as a workout tool.
"As for a workout tool, using it past the recommended time and you'll hurt yourself," Behncke said.
He said that in the past, playing Wii too much has made it so he could not lift weights because he was too sore. Behncke also said that as a contact wearer his eyes would dry out if he played Wii too much.
Behncke said that the games now, such as Wii Sports, will only be an arm workout if he spent too much time in front of the screen.
Behncke said if he is to use Wii for anything workout related it is more to loosen up beforehand.
Justin Seely, a trainer at the Williams Center and UW-Whitewater senior, said there is no real substitute for regular exercise.
Seely said that Wii is obviously a better option than another gaming system such as PlayStation or Xbox because the player is up and burning more calories.
"Anything we can do to stay active is a good thing," Seely said.
When it comes to Wii-related injuries Seely has not read anything on them specifically but has heard of people smacking their hands on things while playing.
Seely recommended that people should put down the controllers and get into a regular fitness program. Seely said the Williams Center offers a wide variety of workout options probably at a cheaper cost than a Wii.
A Wii at stores such as Best Buy and Circuit City costs $249.99. A membership to the Williams Center for students is $90 for an academic year or $55 for a semester. A membership at the Williams Center includes use of the weight room and cardio deck, each having a multitude of options.
Another expense when it comes to the Wii are the games. At Best Buy the average price of games ranges from $25 to $50. Certain accessories, such as more controllers, also add cost to the Wii. A nunchuck controller at Best Buy costs $19.99 and a remote controller costs $39.99.
Wii Fit is expected to be priced higher than other games. The game is not yet available for preorder at Best Buy.
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