Since the dawn of the time there have always been fads which offer groundbreaking methods to keep you slim. From Jane Fonda workout LP's through exercise bikes, rollerblading and beyond we now find ourselves worshipping at the feet of the Wii Fit.
As you are probably aware Nintendo's Wii Fit offers a series of computer generated exercises which claim to be not only fun but actually give you a serious work out too, the results of which are charted via easy to digest graphics triggered from the balance board. The balance board not only measures your performance but obtains data such as your weight which alongside your height, age and gender determines your BMI (Body Mass Index). To gauge this accurately you must weigh yourself on a hard, flat surface and at a regular time every day ie. first thing in the morning.
So to get the best results, not only do you need a Wii Console (sounds obvious but some people don't know), you need discipline to keep this up!
So does the Wii Fit actually work?
The Wii Fit alone is not going to turn you into an Olympian, you've still got to watch what you eat and treat the Wii Fit as just one part of a overall weight loss programme. Additional clean living and a healthy diet is vital, remember if you go to the gym for an hour then pig out on Ben and Jerry's afterwards you aren't going to see much benefit, the same rule applies here.
True, it is an impressive piece of kit but you've got to bring more to the table than the desire for a quick fix. A quick fix of fun yes, but the no pain no gain rule applies here also. If you eat excessively and expect to lose weight doing 15 minutes a day on the Wii Fit, then think again! It comes back to discipline again, don't use the Wii Fit as the answer to all your prayers. It could be, but not if you keep piling on the 'prayers'!
However, what the Wii Fit does provide is motivation - the motivation to get you started. It offers a platform for those that maintain that getting to the gym is the hardest part of getting in shape. There are those, who like me, can't be bothered to go to the gym but also find exercising on a treadmill or bike at home (or in the gym) boring as hell. As anyone who has ever bought an exercise bike will know, exercising at home has its pitfalls - you can get distracted and it doesn't take long for the initial enthusiasm to fade.
That's the biggest appeal of the Wii Fit - the fun factor. This piece of equipment isn't intended for kids alone, it's for adults. Something that makes exercising fun for adults? It's a revelation! You don't even realise you are exercising and burning calories in the process because you are playing. For those who enjoy a game of football or netball, who enjoy playing the game it's the same thing - they burn loads of calories whilst having fun. For me, I just like to play games. At home. I am not averse to exercise but it has to be on my terms! And the Wii Fit meets those terms precisely.
Manage your expectations, and with a long term commitment to fitness, the Wii Fit can deliver results. You only have to search on the net to find numerous bloggers backing this claim. So perhaps the issue here isn't whether the Wii Fit is serious about exercise or not, it's whether you are... it will only be a 'fad' if you buy it and don't use it.
Owen Taylor is a writer, console freak and a food junkie. It's a complete revelation to him to be able to partake in something he finds tedious (ie exercise) for hours at a time (thanks to his Wii).
If you are looking for a Wii Fit, or Wii Fit Bundle you will find a full list of online UK and US stockists at WiiFitFrenzy! Their innovative Nintendo Wii Fit Stock Locator provides up to the minute info, as well as Pop-Up, Email, and Audio Alerts to keep you fully informed as and when stock arrives back in the stores.
You can see who has stock available and compare prices at a glance.
There's also Wii Fit News, Games, Accessories and an FAQ section as well as a Wii Fit Guide with Videos too! Whether you have a Wii Fit already or are still searching for one, make sure you visit http://www.WiiFitFrenzy.co.uk - the best online resource for the Nintendo Wii Fit.
