Patrick Elliot
Shaun InguanzoWii Fit Review: can a computer make you fit?
May 12th 2008 06:43
Can you get fit playing games?
GETTING fit while playing games is your typical 'man bites dog' headline: it's unusual, and not what people expect.
So I can understand the hype surrounding Wii Fit, and the urge people may have to go and buy it after seeing it promoted on countless breakfast, variety entertainment and other television shows.
Nintendo Australia even held a media launch in March at Melbourne's tallest building, the Eureka Tower, packed with gaming journos and celebrities, a personal cartoonist and preview builds of Wii Fit to keep the marketing machine pumping.
So here comes the unfortunate truth - if you're overweight, Wii Fit will not revolutionise your world.
But here's the good news - it's fun, it's active, and Wii Fit could motivate you to take different path in life - one leading towards a fitter lifestyle.
The fitness factor: hype or truth?
The nuts and bolts of Wii Fit are really just digitally-glamorised versions of those DVD and book box-sets or the late-night fitness products that are already available on the market.
Like the aforementioned products, Wii Fit may inspire you to become fitter by giving you a launching pad filled with incentives to become fit and lose the pounds.
But it is merely a supplement, not a total solution, and as such should not be your only fitness outlet.
Before I go any further, please note that I am of average fitness. I'm not overweight, but I'm not a rock-hard abber dabber type, either.
So while Wii Fit was indeed a workout, it didn't come close to 40 minutes of social sport on a Wednesday night with friends.
How does it work?
The main selling point of the game is the Balance Board that it is packaged with.
Essentially a high-tech version of bathroom scales, the Balance Board detects your weight and any shifts inbalance, and translates that into movement on the screen.
It is incredibly accurate and often the slightest shift in pressure can result in movements.
Once the board is setup on the floor, you'll boot up Wii Fit and have to select a Mii as your virtual self.
The game will ask you to enter your height and age, and after the Balance Board measures your weight, Wii Fit will calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) and then ask you to set a fitness goal for the coming weeks.
Then, the game presents four categories of fitness exercises to choose from: Yoga, Muscle Workouts, Aerobic Exercise, and Balance.
In total there are 48 games you can play in Wii Fit, some more taxing than others.
It's fair to say that the 'fun' part of the game is the Balance category. That's where you'll find downhill skiing, ski jumping, soccer and other fun mini games that test your balance.
But as for Yoga and Muscle Workouts - they are the two categories that will test your muscular strength and stamina.
The Aerobic Exercise category is hard to place in the scheme. On one hand, the hula hoop exercise is great fun, but running, which involves jogging on the spot with the Wii remote in your pocket, is simply lame.
Making you sweat...
As mentioned, the Yoga and Muscle Workout execises are where one's real fitness endeavours are tested.
I'd go as far as saying that they're not games at all - they're tiring, exhausting exercises that you'd complete in the gym.
They add legitimacy to Wii Fit in the sense that you really could tone up and increase your core strength if you persist with lunges, situps, pushups, and leg-pumping exercises.
It's just a shame that there aren't more exercises that could a) be included with the game, or b) be downloaded to your Wii.
I'm tipping Nintendo will release a Wii Fit 2 with additional exercises after the inevitable success of this title, but for people looking to mix-up their fitness routines after a few weeks - as one would in the gym - you won't be left with many options.
The game also fails to set a workout routine for you, allowing one's own, undisciplined mind to say when it should stop exercising.
This had me thinking, can Nintendo not tell you to keep exercising when the going gets tough because you could sue the company if you have a fit, or even worse, a heart attack?
It may well be, but if you go to the gym the trainers are hard-as-nails and work you to the point of exhaustion.
That casts doubt over the game's longevity and effectiveness, and like most fads in the exercise industry, the Balance Board may well be gathering dust if you are left unchallenged by Nintendo's first entry into the fitness genre.
The towel down...
Honestly, if you're already a fitness nut, then don't waste precious gaming time on Wii Fit.
A cynic would say it smacks of a subversive way to encourage fat, lazy gamers to leave their couches, all the while keeping them alive long enough to buy the next Nintendo console and of course, a swag of motion-sensitive games that could otherwise send them into cardiac arrest.
Yes, there are reports every day that we need to encourage young kids to be doing exercise.
But the overwhelming fact is that I did not have fun towards the end of my third set of pushups, and I did not have fun doing the tree position in Yoga.
Hooning around SNES Mario Circuit 3 on Mario Kart Wii, however, is a challenge I can still get a thrill from without the physical punishment.
How can anyone market a fitness 'game' over the traditional definition of a video game - fun, relaxing entertainment - to young children?
For example, as I pushed up for the final time, sweat pouring from my brow, and fatigue overcoming my arms and chest, I looked at the Wii and wondered what the hell I was doing.
It was as though the console was then staring at me, asking the same question.
And while Wii Fit's mini games (the only sniff of a real game you get) are fun, they aren't as energetic as the actual workouts available in the game, making them Wii Play or Wii Fit, plus Balance Board, material.
The g(r)ym reality...
There's no easy way to get fit, and Wii Fit hasn't changed the fact that fitness is a holistic approach to one's lifestyle.
Smart diet choices, actual exercise (not in front of the tele) and good sleep can not be beat by a futuristic set of bathroom scales and all the faceless, virtual trainers in the world.
I'll give Wii Fit credit where it's due - the game is fun in small doses, and will make you sweat when you try the Yoga or Muscle Workout exercises. The pushup exercise really impressed me.
But it's not the lounge room substitute that the Big N has been pumping it up as, and personally, I feel there should have been more structure and more variety to ensure it won't fall into the fad category.
If you're curious, then give in and buy it, because there will be plenty of games that will utilise the Balance Board in the future, and when all is said and done, there's nothing wrong with having a work out at home.
Just be warned that Wii Fit is not the Biggest Loser in a box.
The Hula Hoop game is classed as an Aerobic Exercise, but lasts just one minute. Go for a run afterwards.
GETTING fit while playing games is your typical 'man bites dog' headline: it's unusual, and not what people expect.
So I can understand the hype surrounding Wii Fit, and the urge people may have to go and buy it after seeing it promoted on countless breakfast, variety entertainment and other television shows.
Nintendo Australia even held a media launch in March at Melbourne's tallest building, the Eureka Tower, packed with gaming journos and celebrities, a personal cartoonist and preview builds of Wii Fit to keep the marketing machine pumping.
So here comes the unfortunate truth - if you're overweight, Wii Fit will not revolutionise your world.
But here's the good news - it's fun, it's active, and Wii Fit could motivate you to take different path in life - one leading towards a fitter lifestyle.
The fitness factor: hype or truth?
The nuts and bolts of Wii Fit are really just digitally-glamorised versions of those DVD and book box-sets or the late-night fitness products that are already available on the market.
Like the aforementioned products, Wii Fit may inspire you to become fitter by giving you a launching pad filled with incentives to become fit and lose the pounds.
But it is merely a supplement, not a total solution, and as such should not be your only fitness outlet.
Before I go any further, please note that I am of average fitness. I'm not overweight, but I'm not a rock-hard abber dabber type, either.
So while Wii Fit was indeed a workout, it didn't come close to 40 minutes of social sport on a Wednesday night with friends.
How does it work?
The main selling point of the game is the Balance Board that it is packaged with.
Essentially a high-tech version of bathroom scales, the Balance Board detects your weight and any shifts inbalance, and translates that into movement on the screen.
It is incredibly accurate and often the slightest shift in pressure can result in movements.
Once the board is setup on the floor, you'll boot up Wii Fit and have to select a Mii as your virtual self.
The game will ask you to enter your height and age, and after the Balance Board measures your weight, Wii Fit will calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) and then ask you to set a fitness goal for the coming weeks.
Then, the game presents four categories of fitness exercises to choose from: Yoga, Muscle Workouts, Aerobic Exercise, and Balance.
In total there are 48 games you can play in Wii Fit, some more taxing than others.
It's fair to say that the 'fun' part of the game is the Balance category. That's where you'll find downhill skiing, ski jumping, soccer and other fun mini games that test your balance.
But as for Yoga and Muscle Workouts - they are the two categories that will test your muscular strength and stamina.
The Aerobic Exercise category is hard to place in the scheme. On one hand, the hula hoop exercise is great fun, but running, which involves jogging on the spot with the Wii remote in your pocket, is simply lame.
Making you sweat...
As mentioned, the Yoga and Muscle Workout execises are where one's real fitness endeavours are tested.
I'd go as far as saying that they're not games at all - they're tiring, exhausting exercises that you'd complete in the gym.
They add legitimacy to Wii Fit in the sense that you really could tone up and increase your core strength if you persist with lunges, situps, pushups, and leg-pumping exercises.
It's just a shame that there aren't more exercises that could a) be included with the game, or b) be downloaded to your Wii.
I'm tipping Nintendo will release a Wii Fit 2 with additional exercises after the inevitable success of this title, but for people looking to mix-up their fitness routines after a few weeks - as one would in the gym - you won't be left with many options.
The game also fails to set a workout routine for you, allowing one's own, undisciplined mind to say when it should stop exercising.
This had me thinking, can Nintendo not tell you to keep exercising when the going gets tough because you could sue the company if you have a fit, or even worse, a heart attack?
It may well be, but if you go to the gym the trainers are hard-as-nails and work you to the point of exhaustion.
That casts doubt over the game's longevity and effectiveness, and like most fads in the exercise industry, the Balance Board may well be gathering dust if you are left unchallenged by Nintendo's first entry into the fitness genre.
The towel down...
Honestly, if you're already a fitness nut, then don't waste precious gaming time on Wii Fit.
A cynic would say it smacks of a subversive way to encourage fat, lazy gamers to leave their couches, all the while keeping them alive long enough to buy the next Nintendo console and of course, a swag of motion-sensitive games that could otherwise send them into cardiac arrest.
Yes, there are reports every day that we need to encourage young kids to be doing exercise.
But the overwhelming fact is that I did not have fun towards the end of my third set of pushups, and I did not have fun doing the tree position in Yoga.
Hooning around SNES Mario Circuit 3 on Mario Kart Wii, however, is a challenge I can still get a thrill from without the physical punishment.
How can anyone market a fitness 'game' over the traditional definition of a video game - fun, relaxing entertainment - to young children?
For example, as I pushed up for the final time, sweat pouring from my brow, and fatigue overcoming my arms and chest, I looked at the Wii and wondered what the hell I was doing.
It was as though the console was then staring at me, asking the same question.
And while Wii Fit's mini games (the only sniff of a real game you get) are fun, they aren't as energetic as the actual workouts available in the game, making them Wii Play or Wii Fit, plus Balance Board, material.
The g(r)ym reality...
There's no easy way to get fit, and Wii Fit hasn't changed the fact that fitness is a holistic approach to one's lifestyle.
Smart diet choices, actual exercise (not in front of the tele) and good sleep can not be beat by a futuristic set of bathroom scales and all the faceless, virtual trainers in the world.
I'll give Wii Fit credit where it's due - the game is fun in small doses, and will make you sweat when you try the Yoga or Muscle Workout exercises. The pushup exercise really impressed me.
But it's not the lounge room substitute that the Big N has been pumping it up as, and personally, I feel there should have been more structure and more variety to ensure it won't fall into the fad category.
If you're curious, then give in and buy it, because there will be plenty of games that will utilise the Balance Board in the future, and when all is said and done, there's nothing wrong with having a work out at home.
Just be warned that Wii Fit is not the Biggest Loser in a box.
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Comment by Glen Atwell
Computer Game
why would you do a mock yoga class at home instead of going to the gym?
why would you... i think i've made my point.
i think any of the eye toy games on playstation 2 (especially eye toy kinetic) would give gamers a much better work out, while remembering we are 'gamers' not 'gym junkies'.
eye toy kinetic set goals, programs and calories burnt, everything was graphed and progress could be easily followed. i played daily and finished in a lather of sweat - but was playing for fun, not exercise.
nintendo deserves a pat on the back for having a go, but i think we all need to go for a half an hour walk before running out and snapping this up.
Comment by Louie
Climate Red
randomthoughts
Phil's Wellness Tips
It just seems like another fad for people to part ways with cash to me. I guess it would be good for rainy days when you can't make it outside, doubt ill ever be purchasing one.
Great review.
Comment by Shaun Inguanzo
Blogocratic Nightmare
As much fun as I have had with Wii Fit, it is a difficult game to recommend other than to say the Balance Board has a lot of potential for future games.
Hopefully they sell that peripheral on its own, and that way you won't have to part cash for a fitness fad.
Thanks for the comment
Comment by Troy Cedillo
Home Workout Equipment
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by flutterfly
Comment by Anonymous
I would have to disagree with you that it could not help someone with there weight loss goals. For me as someone who does not go to the gym nor enjoy the atmosphere of the gym it is great. I find the running and rhythmic boxing very aerobic. I was sore the next morning. I also felt the strength training the next morning.
I don't think that it will be a challenge for someone who is already fit, but I think it will help those for whom it is geared toward...the people who play video games and are not fit or think it looks like fun.