As of Apr.25.08 the WiiFit is available in Germany, too. Funny thing on the side: The console had until this date still to be available in the USA, because it was first designed for a weight of 300 pounds max. This could be a little problem for some Americans. But the Wii Fit needs to be robust, since it was made for working out with.
First I thought who needs a Wii Fit anyway. What's it going to do? But then I watched Videos from Japan and later from Germany, I thought, well hummmmm, maybe. My friend was excited about it, but also very unsure. So we did not place a preorder. But then curiosity prevailed and we secured a bundle on sale. As soon as we got home in got unwrapped and tested.
The Wii Fit was designed to have fun while moving and exercising. You improve your Body-Mass-Index, your body balance and stature and all this while having fun! There's even talk about installing Wii Fit in Fitness Centres. But I don't even like going out to gyms to work out, because of the many people there, the transmuting and the monthly fee they charge. All this favours the idea of using the Wii Fit to work out at home. You can work out any time you like and there's nobody watching you. And you still got your own personal trainer and you are still being challenged.
Packing and Content
The Balance Board is well covered and protected. The software CD is well wrapped and of cause there is a nice and detailed manual. You'll also find four batteries, which is very handy. The box is light and it's even got a plastic handle.
The Balance Board
The Balance Board is rather big and a bit heavy, which is ok, it's got to carry some weight, right? You'll know right away it belongs to the Wii. The surface is white and its got the Wii Logo on it. There are two pads where you'll have to place your feet. These pads are covered with anti-slip so you dont fall off too easy.
The board leaves a very elegant and still robust impression. It can carry folks with up to over 300 pounds. As we stepped on it, it didn't give in the slightest. We are not the heaviest, but no lightweights, either. The board installation and setup is a no-brainer. You push the Sync Buttons on the Wii and on the board (in the battery compartment). Doesn't even have to be at the same time, almost at the same time is good enough. This registers the Board as a remote control to the Wii, just like the Wiimote, because from now on you control half of the game with the balance board. Don't forget to turn on the Board, too! The power button is on the front of the Wii Fit Balance Board. It's amazing how sensitive the board is, it registers even little pushes and steps very easily.
The Body Test and the the Scale
Before you start, you'll have to go through a body test and weight. Oh my god, weight...? Yes, the Balance Board scales and even pretty exact, too. You can even tell the talking board how heavy you think your clothes are, and choose from a menu. Got to stay honest, thought.
After feeding the machine with all the useful data, (the Wii can't guess how tall you are...) it figures out your BMI ( Body Mass Index). The Wii needs your height and weight for this. This shows if you got an ideal weight or not. But this is what the Wii Fit is for, right?
The Wii even asks you how much weight you want to loose and within what given time span. It automatically figures out if this is feasible or not. After the Body test you'll have to mark the actual date with a foot stamp. Later on, when you've been exercising a few days you'll need to stamp another date again. You'll get instant results right from the menu, showing you in real time if your exercise has been successful or not, because you'll see your loss of weight.
The software
Naturally not only the Balance Board belongs to the Wii Fit, but also a game. This is used just like any other game that comes with the Wii. You insert the disc, click on the disc channel and Start.
Before you start, though, you have to create your own profile. This is simple, just like with any other game and self-explaining. You choose a Mii that you like and insert your age and your height. Then your weight is taken. Now you'll have to take the body test. After the test the Wii figures out your age, which might be a bit embarrassing. I know of a 23 yrs old friend of mine, the Wii guessed her age at 34...
If you resume a game after logging off, you are taken to the start page. Here you see buttons and the setup menu, if a new user wants to register. Other buttons show the time you've exercised all together and setups like height and password. Click on your own Mii and "Training" and you'll get to the game or the part of the game you've been leaving.
The Wii Fit Game really is a collection of about 40 exercises and mini games. Some of these are only available after you went through a series of serious workouts, successful trainings and exercises. So, you got to go through rather simple games to be eligible to play the harder and longer ones. The games come in four categories: Yoga, muscle strength, aerobics and balance.
Watch out for my next article covering the Wii Fit Games
Patricia Delto studies sports and journalism in New York and Wiesbaden, Germany. She writes reviews and articles about various topics such as sports, games, fashion and society. Constantly traveling from New York to Wiesbaden and back via Paris, she's often asked for useful advise and tips. Find more about the Wii Fit at one of Patricia Delto's websites http://www.wiifitresource.com
