This week, three new fitness video games were released for use with the Nintendo Wii (or Nintendo DS). With the creation of the Nintendo Wii an entirely new genre of video games has been born, and it's probably the best thing to ever happen to video games. These games don't allow you to immerse yourself in the cushions of the sofa, glassy-eyed and crumb-covered for half a day. These games force you to get up on your feet, raise your heart rate and get your blood pumping. You'll have fun, get in a workout, burn some calories and feel entertained, all in the comfort of your own home, by yourself or with a friend or family member.
Nintendo's Wii Fit Plus, Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2010 and the first Biggest Loser Wii game are now available for you to purchase, and put to good use. These aren't meant to gather dust.
Learn more about each of these new games and see if one, or more, is a good fit for your at-home fitness regimen.
It's the next generation for the Wii Fit, the game that transformed the way people use their video game systems. You'll continue to use the balance board along with new fitness routines, games and a calorie counter. The balance board is a wireless tool that allows users to transmit their real-life actions to real-time simulation on-screen. So everytime you squat, run or jump in your living room, your Wii avatar replicates the motion, tracking accuracy, calorie burn and more. If you already have the original Wii Fit, then you simply need to purchase the software upgrade.
PROS
- Features more games and exercises than original version
- Includes new features like a calorie counter and food diary
- Offers a convenient and fun way to exercise at home
- Allows you to customize your own workout routine
- Ideal for families
CONS
- May not be motivated to workout at home
- Must be able to self-lead and self-motivate your workouts
- Requires Nintendo Wii Balance Board, an additional investment
Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2010
A vast improvement over the initial 2009 version, Jillian Michaels' foray into the video game world offers an intense bootcamp-style workout that only this Biggest Loser trainer can provide. The graphics and technology underwent some major changes, some of the complaints for the predecesor. Jillian worked with the developers herself to create the game start to finish, and it's her avatar you'll have standing by your side through each sweat-inducing workout. It's as close as most of us will ever get to having Jillian's "enthusiastic" voice teaching, motivating and pushing us to work harder.
PROS
- Can use with or without the Nintendo Wii Balance Board
- Created by one of the world's best personal trainers
- Vast improvement over previous version
- Plan a six-month workout routine and fitness schedule
- Use pre-made or custom routines
- Available for Nintendo Wii or Nintendo DS
CONS
- May not be motivated to workout at home
- Must be able to self-lead and self-motivate your workouts
Biggest Loser Wii Game
The much-anticipated release of NBC's mega-hit reality show gives fans the ability to workout like a contestant. Not only that, but they can train along-side some of the show's most popular former contestants, like Jim Germanakos, Bernie Salazar, Ali Vincent, or Michelle Aguilar. Just like you see on The Biggest Loser, you'll be able to challenge these former contestants, or a friend, to intense fitness challnges or engage in more than 60 workouts like yoga, lunges, squats or cardio while following a trainer's instruction. Using the Nintendo Wii Balance Board, your actions are replicated on screen and movements monitored to help you become more efficient.
PROS
- Combines elements of the successful diet program with at-home fitness
- Features a variety of exercises that are challenging and fun
- Available for Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS
- Compete against some of the most popular former contestants
- Able to record and monitor calorie consumption
- Provides Biggest Loser recipes
CONS
- Jillian Michaels has no personal affiliation
- Requires Nintendo Wii Balance Board, an additional investment
- May not be motivated to workout at home
- Must be able to self-lead and self-motivate your workouts
With the cooler weather settling in and the invitation to get outside and stay active fading, there couldn't be a better time to bring these fitness Wii games into your home. You'll enjoy the change in your workouts, not to mention the expert guidance leading you through each activity. These games also provide a healthy way to bring your family together.
Learn more about maintaining a healthy diet at DietsInReview.com.
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