Nintendo Wii Fit Review

The Wii-fit is a somewhat helpful personal trainer for those who have an aversion to gyms and don't mind a computer program telling them that they have no balance, are physically older than dirt, and need to hula hoop more.

The Wii - Fit board is a balance board on little feet that detect pressure as you stand on it. It also works as a scale, allowing yourself to see how much you've lost or gained between sessions. The exercises are divided into categories including balance, aerobics and strength training. The activities range from balancing on a tight rope or in a bubble, doing step exercises on stage, or push ups and squats. The balance board tends to have trouble with individuals with abnormal feet (mine are flat, hers are high arched), so it takes some time to figure out how to work around your natural limitations when balancing. Awkward balancing means your "real age" is much higher. Depending on the exercise, I have a 15 year difference.

Step work is good, though they aren't kidding when they say clear a large area around you when you play - I've nearly fell over the couch before! Strength training is the area in which I've found the most difficulty. Because they are basing it on how you are balancing on the board, there's no one seeing if you have the correct form or not. As such, you may be putting more strain on your body than is healthy.

There is a fun factor to it, however, and by the end of my sessions I've worked up a sweat. As far as having a computer judge my fitness level, it works well, though if you are serious about loosing weight or staying in shape, there is no substitute for a real personal trainer.