Since its release in May 2008, Nintendo's top-selling Wii Fit has been helping children and grandparents alike improve their physical fitness through aerobics, yoga and even in-house skiing.
???Both gamers and non-gamers have been impressed by the Wii's casual take on virtual fun, but Nintendo's popular Wii Fit peripheral has had positive effects beyond the gaming industry.
???According to www.nintendo.com/wiifit, the Wii Fit is intended to combine fitness and fun while helping users work on their personal goals of fitness and a healthier lifestyle. Since its release, the game has inspired many to take a more active and optimistic approach to their health.
???Wii Fit contains four training modes for users to delve into, including balance games, aerobics, yoga and strength training. These modes help users develop and improve their posture, balance and muscle tone.
???Before taking the plunge in the living room, gamers will first partake in the Wii Fit Body Test. According to the product's Web site, the balance board will measure users' center of balance, Body Mass Index (BMI) and body control.
???To get started, gamers can simply step on the board with feet spread apart, and Wii Fit will then analyze their weight, posture and BMI simultaneously. BMI is determined by comparing height and weight, and is used to estimate a healthy body weight based on how tall a person is.
???According to the National Institutes of Health Web site (www.nih.gov), BMI defines normal weight, overweight and obesity; but it's important for users to remember that BMI is only an estimate of body fat, and the Wii Fit is not the best device for statistical measurement.
???Finally, the peripheral calculates body control, a step that includes a few simple tests to help further determine gamers' balance.
???After viewing the results of the Body Test, users can begin playing around and even track their progress, as well as set future goals using a calendar. According to the product Web site, gamers will receive updates, graphs and notifications based upon their goal progress.
???Wii Fit users will also obtain immediate feedback during or after they complete many of the training activities. The game will then compile this information and offer advice on how to alter and improve future activities in order to achieve the best results.
???For those who are looking for balance board compatible Wii games, Nintendo has been hard at work introducing more into the market based upon popularity. Currently, gamers can combine fun and fitness with We Ski, Skate It, Shaun White Snowboarding: Road Trip, Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party and many more.
???Jillian Michaels, a personal trainer from NBC's The Biggest Loser, has her very own training game that includes weight loss, strength training, intervals and hill climb workouts.
???As Nintendo continues to produce record-breaking sales, it will only be a matter of time before other third-party developers take notice and begin making a wide variety of balance board compatible games.
???While the Wii Fit might not be the most effective way to lose weight and improve fitness, it gives users a casual, easy and fun way of working towards their health goals.
???According to www.vgchartz.com, Wii Fit has sold more than 15 million copies worldwide since May 2008 and has attributed to an increase in system sales. Many users have admitted weight loss and healthier lifestyles, but Nintendo still insists the product is intended only to assist in improving health.
???Nintendo Wii Fit retails as a bundle that includes the balance board peripheral and video game for $89.99 and the majority of compatible games can be purchased for $29.99 to $49.99.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
