Exergaming with Nintendo’s Wii Fit

• Author: johnnymestizo
• Filed under: Active CrossFit, Endurance and Physical Fitness Trainin, Gadgets & Technology, Technical Update
• Date: May 6,2008
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Hitting Australian TV ad slots already the Nintendo Wii Fit campaign spouting a ‘combination of fitness and fun’ this gadget’s sales are sure to be massive. History showed in Japan late last year that the exergamer market does exist with over a million units selling. It is now Australia’s turn to adopt this fit gaming craze and our overweight population (on average) certainly needs it!

PS3 versus Wii - A Completely Relevant Video for this Post

Could you Spot the Exergamer?

Touted as the most innovative gadget so far this century is the Wii Balance Board. Nothing new here - it is a wireless pressure sensitive balance board that senses weight and shift in balance in any direction. This is taking the Dance Dance Revolution idea but improving the sensors to an extraordinary degree.

Why is this so Great?

Nintendo is aiming this product at the whole family inviting everyone to have a go to use interactive video games to work on your fitness. A market for the ‘entire’ household. Combining competitive video gaming with structured fitness regimes could change the western world as we know it. From fat to fit! Good luck I say.

Through the Wii Board you will measure your weight, centre of gravity and calculate your body mass. With exercise training programs delivered to your home through the Internet not only could you compete against your own household but everyone everywhere and get fit at the same time!

Inventor Tells All at E3

The included Wii Fit disc that comes with the board has 40 different games over 4 categories. The aim of the Wii Fit game is to help your family to develop aerobic stamina, control balance, tone and condition muscles and burn fat.

See Official Trailer from E307

Wii Fit Games

Some of the Wii Fit games included is a pushup challenge, classic Yoga poses (Half Moon, Tree, Crocodile Twist…), Hula Hoop, Ski Jump, Rhythm Boxing, Rowing Squat and Lunges.

Rhythm Boxing - Sound Effects Courtesy of Enter The Dragon

Snowboarding

Wii Fit Release Dates

Source: Wikipedia

• Japan - December 1, 2007
• Europe - April 25, 2008
• North America - May 19, 2008
• Australia - In stores from May 8, 2008 and priced at AUD$149.95

Wii Fit Future

Imagine a population stuck at work or snowed under a pile of exam study papers who all have one thing in common. They need to take a break to refresh. Lured away from the chips or chocolate they place one foot then the other upon the Wii Board and for the next half an hour they elevate to exergamer heaven. Refreshed and reinvigorated they return to their mundane tasks fitter than before.

Share your comments below!

JM