Okay, I know I am a bit behind the craze, but Nintendo ® Wii ™ is amazing and I am addicted! I recently tried out the game, Boogie SuperStar and all I can say is, I must be out of shape!  I started to break a sweat after only 20 minutes of playing. It is fun and I actually feel like I am getting a work-out, or am I?

There have been a lot of arguments for and against Wii and the fitness benefits that it entails. This is what I get from the whole phenomenon – it may not be an option for a hardcore cardiovascular work-out (such as running or kick-boxing), but it definitely does get an individual motivated and work off his/her booty! (Which is an improvement for the inactive population). On top of that, Wii challenges its players, as you get better at a particular skill, the game is designed to make the activity more difficult.

I have yet to try out Wii Fit, but apparently it has its benefits; the game performs a body test by weighing you, calculating your body mass index, and leading you through a series of balance exercises. Depending on these results, it offers suggestions for improvement and then asks you to set a goal. In essence, it is assisting you in setting objectives and motivating you to stick to them, which doesn’t seem to be a bad attribute at all.

Whether or not Wii promises to make you look like a supermodel, it doesn’t hurt to play. In retrospect, it does promote physical activity, which I never see as being a bad characteristic. Experts are only concerned about the increase in Wii-related injuries since the game console has been released.

“Wiititis” (having an over-exertion of Wii play) gamers are encouraged to stretch-out and warm-up with jumping jacks or running in place before Wii play. In addition, Wii gamers are also advised to limit their playing time if they feel muscle soreness or any other pain – in other words, treat Wii just like any other work-out; stretch, warm-up, and cool-down every time you play to prevent injuries.

As far as my Wii addiction, I feel a difference in my energy level – playing Wii has inspired me to start jogging on a regular basis again. For some reason, it gets me motivated to stay active and get into better shape.

Am I the only one alone with this addiction? Have any of you tried the Wii Fit? And if you have, do you believe you have gained fitness benefits from playing it? (Let me know, I want to try it!)

Photo Credit: Alexis Bacchu and Geek Force Five