What's Exercise Costing You?

First let me set the record straight that I am not writing this post to make fun of Nintendo's Wii Fit program. Instead, I want to I simply make you stop and think about it in a different context. Consider the fact that Nintendo is first and foremost a huge corporation that manufactures electronic products that entertain. I'm willing to wager they created and launched Wii Fit because their research proved it would be a hot seller and "make money". And they were right.

I think it is important to point out that unlike other companies Nintendo is not a health and fitness company. They have jumped on the fitness bandwagon and created Wii Fit for people who are looking for fun ways to work out. Basically, there's nothing wrong with that. It's a great idea, especially if it gets you to exercise more often, and there's nothing wrong with exercise being fun. But is this the kind of exercise we need, and is it effective?

In my opinion, Wii Fit is highly unlikely to provide enough stimulus to the body to build lean muscle and improve your body composition.

I've seen evidence that the Wii Fit is doing well with the seniors market. That makes sense to me and seems reasonable as the older we get and the more de-conditioned we become, having a device like the Wii is perhaps a good choice to get senior citizens to move their bodies. Sadly though, Nintendo is not marketing specifically to the senior market. They are marketing to everyone.

I'm sure people of all ages are playing with Wii Fit. If it's entertainment and fun you seek then have a blast. But if its a leaner more muscular body you are looking for then Wii Fit will simply not get the job done and you will have spent money and wasted countless hours of your precious time and not achieve the results you were hoping for.

I think it's safe to say that this video is a pretty good example of "What NOT to do" when it comes to implementing an effective, fat loss routine.

Great points about this video -

There is no “video game” solution that has been designed with your best interest in mind.

Do not lose sight of the fact that this is a hugely successful gaming company.

And just like we have seen many examples in the Food Manufacturing industry - money is the #1 priority.

With rising obesity rates, what better product to create - especially when video games have been blamed for the reason our children are suffering from weight gain.

I conducted a little research into Wii Fit and I came across this interesting statement:

This statement was made in regard to the release of Wii Fit in America

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Nintendo has shipped approximately 500,000 copies of Wii Fit to North America, and about 2 million units to Europe. By sending four times as many units to Europe, they are maximizing profits, which at the moment are pretty incredible.

Besides, it’s not as if those American waistlines are going anywhere anytime soon. “They know that Americans will be just as fat a few months from now when Nintendo will have more units available,” Pachter said.

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Really makes you reconsider, right?

Taking responsibility for our health and fitness - and most importantly the health and fitness of our children - requires not just the know-how but also the ability to recognize trends like these and taking a moment THINK about the consequences of relying on them as THE solution.

Disclaimer:
If you choose to use the Wii Fit - please do so for entertainment purposes. You simply cannot get an effective fat burning resistance training and interval session out of playing a game in front of your TV. This is just something Fun to do in Moderation.

Like the video sarcastically points out - which I love - there simply is no substitute for getting OUTSIDE, moving freely, breathing the fresh air, soaking up the sunshine, appreciating life - real life.

Do you remember what REAL play was like?

I want you to consider adding some "back yard" activities you can do with your family. Have a catch with a baseball or a Frisbee, go for a walk in your neighbor hood "as a family" and make it an after-supper ritual. Ride your bikes together. There are many simple things you can do if you use your imagination. I have tried lacrosse and now practice with my son Jake. The best part is "I suck at lacrosse", so I am always running after the ball I couldn't catch!

There simply is no substitute for these types of experiences.

Wrap Up

Well if you have an extra $100 (depending on where you live) and wish to add to the entertainment center - go for it. I am not at all saying there is zero benefit to some of the offerings Wii Fit packages up for you.

However, if you find that you - and more importantly your children - are spending more time in front of the TV than you are getting outside, reading a book, taking or playing with your loved ones - then please reconsider this approach.

Bottom Line: The solution to our health and fitness needs is not found by spending hours in front of our TV each day.

What do YOU think?