Have Fun and Get In Shape with Wii Fitness Routines

Wii-Fit
Have Fun and Get In Shape with Wii Fitness Routines
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Getting in Shape with Wii Fitness Routines

The appeal of Wii fitness routines is simple. Part of the reason so many people don’t exercise regularly is that it’s just not any fun. They hate organized sports, can’t afford to join a gym, and find the perky instructors on workout DVDs to be completely annoying. Luckily, there are now a number of fitness video games that can help reluctant exercisers get the motivation they need to incorporate more physical activity into their day.

A Wii fitness routine can help you get in shape by making exercise a bit more fun. By tapping into your desire to play video games on your Nintendo Wii, you’ll make working out seem like less of a chore. Plus, Wii fitness video games are interactive and customizable, which makes them the perfect choice for anyone who needs to start off slow for their workout routine.

Wii fitness routines are best thought of as workout routines for beginners. For novice exercises, the CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic activity each week. However, this doesn’t mean you need to exercise this long all at once. If you’re having trouble keeping up, try to split your Wii fitness routines into two or three separate mini workouts. For example, you could play your favorite fitness video game in the morning before work and then again in the evening after dinner. As long as you’re exercising for at least 10 minutes at a time, you’re meeting the recommended guidelines for physical activity.

The Wii Fit

Doing yoga on Wii Fit

The Wii Fit itself has become the centerpiece of the majority of Wii fitness routines. The unique balance board that comes with this game makes it possible for the system to keep track of your weight as well as your general fitness level. There are a variety of activities, ranging from yoga and strength training to running and step aerobics, so you can try something different each day. You can also create profiles for everyone in your family and compare scores on different events if you find yourself missing the competitive aspect of the traditional video game experience.

To see how one woman used the Wii Fit as the centerpiece of her Wii fitness routine, read Did Wii Fit Get Me Into Shape? by Cindy Marcelle.

Other Fitness Games to Consider

While the Wii Fit is plenty of fun on its own, part of planning an effective exercise routine is knowing how to keep yourself from getting bored. If your workout becomes tedious, repetitive, or just too easy, you’re likely to find excuses to keep from exercising on a regular basis.

Here are a few other fitness titles you might want to add to your collection:

  • EA Sports Active: While the Wii Fit is a great start for anyone interested in Wii fitness routines, EA Sports Active takes getting in shape to the next level with exercises divided into separate categories such as lower and upper body, cardio a

    Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout

    nd sports.

  • Gold’s Gym Cardio Boxing: This game is a wonderful way to release your pent up frustrations while burning lots of calories.

  • My Fitness Coach: My Fitness Coach is the next best thing to having a personal coach come to your home to supervise your workouts. You can choose what type of exercises you want to do, then use the plus or minus sign on your Wii remote to adjust the intensity level of your workout according to your daily goals.

  • Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2009: The graphics are less than impressive and there are some significant controller quirks, but this game might be appealing to hardcore fan’s of Jillian’s work on The Biggest Loser.

Switching games on a weekly or biweekly basis is a great way to help keep your workout fresh. If you’re on a tight budget, try swapping titles with a friend who is also trying to get in shape.

Remember the Importance of a Healthy Diet

Don’t eat more calories than you burn.

While Wii fitness routines can help you incorporate more physical activity into your day, you’re unlikely to reach your weight loss goals if you don’t also pay attention to your diet. A Wii fitness routine that burns 200-300 extra calories per day is not very useful if you’re treating yourself to a cheeseburger or an ice cream sundae afterwards! Check out the Bright Hub article Healthy Choices, Healthy Budget for tips on how to eat right without going broke.