So, you've decided to use your Wii for a good workout. With all the Wii games out there, which are the ones which will get your heart pumping and the calories burning? We pick out the very best Wii Exercise Games and review them here. Updated for Christmas 2012!
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If you're anything like me, over the years you've joined gyms and paid for months of membership you never used. Or, you've bought expensive gym equipment which ends up being very expensive coat racks. Or, you wait for the cold weather to pass so you can go outside and exercise, and then you suddenly realize it's too hot to go out. And you've heard stories of people who get addicted to endorphins and can't exercise enough. Well, I'm not one of those people.
From the days of Pong and Space Invaders, our society has been addicted to video games. This is where the genius of using the Wii for exercise lies. They say that you achieve weight loss and healthy heart with 30 minutes a day of aerobic exercise three times a week.For those of you who can't stay 5 minutes on a treadmill without getting bored to tears, you may be surprised that with some of these games, that half hour will speed by quickly, and your heart will be pumping and you'll be perspiring just as much as if you'd stayed on the treadmill.
Below, I've listed the best Wii games for exercise. I've given them two ratings: the first rating is workout intensity (focusing mainly on aerobic exercise). The second rating is "fun". Note that the second rating is just as important as the first, because the more fun the game is, the more you'll play it and the less you'll remember that you're actually exercising.
Also, check out the Best of the Rest List: Wii Workout Games that were once in the top 10, but have since been bumped. They're still great games to give you a variety in your exercises, and you may even be able to find a great deal on them. You might also want to check out our list of Wii Fitness Games To Avoid and our list of Upcoming Wii Fitness Games.
Do you know of another Wii game that fits on the list? Or, do you want to share the story of how you use the Wii as your workout? Add your comments below!
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Just Dance 4
replaces its previous version, Just Dance 3, on the best of the best list.
It's an excellent sequel to Just Dance 3, Just Dance 2, and the original Just Dance. The control inaccuracy that plagued the first volume is all but gone now. This, plus a large number of great new modern songs, new choreography, and unlimited possibilities with downloadable content, make Just Dance 4 as fun as ever. Plus, with the improved "Just Sweat" mode, you can get running stats on your workout and receive lot of incentives to keep coming back for more. I've said it before and I'll say it again--the best kind of fitness game is one that's so fun that you don't realize you're exercising. Just Dance once again falls in this category.
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EA Sports Active 2 had been #1 on this since it was introduced last year. It's still the one to beat if you're looking for a "pure exercise game" for the Wii. And unlike last year when a lot of us paid upwards of $90 for it, nowadays you can easily find it for around $25, which is a steal considering that you don't just get the game but all the accessories as well. Even though EA seems to have given up on the franchise, it's still a great workout. With specially designed wireless transmitters that you strap on to your leg, you can say goodbye those nunchuk wires that kept tripping you up with the first generation. A new wireless heart rate monitor lets you see your heart rate as you progress through the exercises, and there are a lot of new activities that are much more interactive (and fun) than the previous version. Polish it off with an improved resistance band and access to a new online portal where you can chart progress and interact with other exercisers, and you'll see that EA Sports didn't rest on their laurels, but moved the platform ahead. You can read my full review of EA Sports Active here. I'm a little surprised that EA Sports never put out EA Sports Active 3 this year, but hopefully they're working on it.
I'm putting EA Sports Active NFL Training Camp together with EA Sports Active 2 because it is, more or less, an NFL-flavored version of a very similar game. It features actual football drills and conditioning workouts as conducted in actual NFL training camps, with over 70 drills and strength, power, and conditioning challenges. Like Sports Active 2, it also has interactive games that make exercise a ton of fun and help you build reaction skills, agility, and first step quickness. Developed in conjunction with the NFL and making full use of graphical assets that EA Sports has with their licensing relationship for NFL Madden, this is another winner in the EA Sports series and a must-have if you have a football fan in the house who could shed a couple pounds.
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ExerBeat isn't necessarily the most strenuous workout available nor the most "professional". On the other hand, the video gaming elements keep you motivated to start up the game again day after day until your on-screen character has "travelled the world"doing all kinds of exercises .
There are a good selection of different kinds of exercises, ranging from aerobics to boxing to yoga, not to mention a few fun games. See the blog for a full review of Exerbeat.
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Zumba Fitness Core
is the next evoluion in the Zumba Fitness for Wii series. Zumba Fitness 1 was pretty forgettable, but they greatly improved the franchise with Zumba Fitness 2, and push it even more forward with Zumba Fitness Core. Aside from decent motion controls and a whole new set of virtual Zumba instructors, this version keeps the excellent tutorial and throws in a staggering number of new steps and dance styles. Zumba is admittedly not for everybody, but if it's for you you're going to love this one.
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Dance Dance Revolution II is finally the "reboot" to the DDR series we've been waiting for since Hottest Party 2 was released in 2008. It adds "Double mode", which allows a single person use of TWO dance pads, added a whole bunch of new licensed songs that'll appeal to teens and tweens, and perhaps most importantly, got rid of awful gimmicks like trying to force use of the Wii remote or balance board in game play. Their workout mode is truly intense and many steps (no pun intended) above step aerobics or dance aerobics. In many ways, they've brought back the magic that made DDR such an institution to begin with. Visit the blog for a full review of Dance Dance Revolution II
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The Biggest Loser Challenge is a lot like its predecessor. You're a guest at The Biggest Loser Ranch, with familiar scenes like the Pool to the Gym to Jillian's Boxing Ring. It lets you set up a regular schedule of exercises (anywhere from 2 to 6 days a week) over a course of 4, 8, or 12 weeks. You can choose from preset exercises for different goals (slimming, super weight loss, etc.), or you can have the system create a personalized workout program for you. You can adjust the intensity of the exercises, the number of days a week, and the number of minutes per day.
The program is definitely much more comprehensive than the first version. You get a huge number of new exercises (I counted 117 in all) ranging from Yoga to Core to Boxing to Cardio and Calisthenics. Unlike the previous encarnation of this game, you can choose Bob, Jillian, or both of them to be your virtual trainer. One of the neat new features is that you can design your on-screen to look like you. He/she will have your body shape when you begin the program, and as you slim down, so will it. You also have the ability to add a resistance band or an exercise ball to your workout.
They've also added new challenge games, based on the TV show: Slipstream, Boom or Bust, Light Cycles, Sprint and Slide, and Punch Clock. As in the first game, you’re not actually doing the actual movements of your on-screen character, but you’re doing an exercise routine, following a small image of Bob or Jillian. The more accurately you do the exercise, the better your on-screen character will perform in the activity. Like the TV show, you go through rounds of competition. It’s a fun way to add a little variety to your exercises. There’s also a “Health and Lifestyle” option which lets you view recipes, get tips and advice from trainers and former contestants (these are also randomly displayed for you throughout the game), and calculate your Biggest Loser Know Your Number “KYN” HeathScore.
If you're a fan of the show and don't want to shell out the money for EA Sports, this is definitely the choice for you. It provides a very solid and complete exercise routine which you can use to lose weight.
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Active Life Outdoor Adventure by Namco Bandai has enjoyed a long stay on this list. While their follow-up title Active Life Extreme Challenge was a little bit of a disappointment, they have come back strong with Active Life Explorer, launched in October 2010 in time for the 2010 holiday shopping season . This title contains 24 games in which you (and up to three other players) play the role of an Indiana Jones-like adventurer, going through different challenges to collect fabulous treasures. Unlike other Wii games that pack a lot of mini-games into one title, practically all the games are excellent.
They all use the special Active Life plastic mat, which you plug into the top of your Wii. The games are extremely well produced: you really do feel like you're inside an Indiana Jones movie as you try to do things like stop a runaway train or you escape from a dungeon with your arms full of treasure and mummies chasing you. Even though the moves for the games are all similar to each other (all tend to use a combination of running in place, jumping, and using your feet to match patterns), the storylines and application of those moves are so creatively done that no two games feel the same. Where this game shines is when you race against another opponent, each sharing a half of the mat.
Overall, I'd say this is a great game you can play over and over again for exercise, either by yourself or with your family. See the blog for a full review of Active Life Explorer, including videos and detailed descriptions of all the minigames.
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In many ways, Get Fit with Mel B feels like the rightful successor to the original My Fitness Coach game (which most people agree was one of the best Wii exercise games of its time). It features Mel B (otherwise known as Scary Spice) serving as a "personal trainer" walking you through a variety of fitness and aerobics exercises. Unlike other similar games, the video image of Mel B is very clear as she demonstrates different exercises to you, and the detail of her voice instructions is excellent. You can choose from different "environments" to work out in, and these are also excellent. Overall, if you're looking for a "virtual trainer" to supplement or replace one that you pay for at the gym, this title comes closest to anything before it to matching the experience. You can read the full review of Get Fit with Mel B for Wii here.
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As Wii fitness games improve, Wii Fit Plus is starting to show a bit of its age. It was a pioneer in its day for its introduction of the Wii balance board and whole body motion gaming. There are a lot of very fun activities in the game, and there are good options that can to give you a serious workout, but it seems that there are very few that do both. Still if you're the type who hates exercising and needs a really, really fun time to incent you to work out, Wii Fit Plus is clearly still up there with the best. And the game is getting for the balance board alone, because as much as people talk about Playstation Move and Kinect, at the moment either of those systems can calculate your weight for you like the Wii can.
You can read a full review of Wii Fit Plus on the blog. Here are some of the highlights:
The first thing to note is that Wii Fit Plus is not a "sequel" to the original Wii Fit, but rather it contains all the content of the original Wii Fit and adds a number of improvements (for a write-up of the original Wii Fit, see the "Best of the Rest" list). In other words, if you don't have Wii Fit already, you can skip it, buy Wii Fit Plus with the Balance Board. If you already have Wii Fit, you can buy the Wii Fit Plus game only.
The first improvement, clearly influenced by EA Sports Active, is that instead of choosing individual strength and yoga exercises ad-hoc, you can choose from a number of pre-configured workout routines, or create your own routine from the list of activities.
The activities are still broken out by category: Yoga, Strength Training, Aerobics, and Balance Games. All of these are identical to the old Wii Fit, except that there there are a 6 new Yoga and Strength training exercises which add some more variety and challenge to those categories.
The biggest improvement in Wii Fit Plus is the addition of 15 "Training Plus" activities. Here are the best of the best new ones:
Rhythm Kung-Fu (Workout intensity: 3 of 5, Fun 5 of 5): This is the first game that put a huge smile on my face. Using your Wiimote, the Nunchuk, and the Balance Board, you have to strike different "kung fu" poses in rhythm to delightfully cheesy kung-fu movie music. It's essentially a game of "Simon Says", where you mimic the moves of a groups of Miis standing behind you (and if you have family or friend Miis on your system, you'll see some familiar faces). Another game that perhaps doesn't provide the most strenuous workout at first, but one you'll be playing over and over again to try to beat your high score (you're judged based on your timing).
Bird's-Eye Bull's-Eye, a.k.a. Flying Chicken (Workout intensity: 5 of 5, Fun 5 of 5): This is the one you probably heard about, and it (along with Obstacle Course) is the winner. Your Mii dons a chicken outfit and has to fly from target to target. How do you fly? By flapping your arms. Seriously. You can either flap your arms with your hands extended, or do a "chicken dance" type movement by bending your elbows. Either way, the Balance Board will amazingly detect how strongly, quickly, or slowly you're flapping. Like a real bird, you flap faster to get better control, and you flap slower to soar great distances. You control where you're moving by leaning on the Balance Board. It is, I kid you not, the closest you will ever come to flying like a bird. It's a great upper body workout that you'll do again and again.
Obstacle Course (Workout intensity: 5 of 5, Fun 5 of 5): This is the game I was most looking forward too, and I was not disappointed. The way it's been described is that it's like Super Mario Bros, only you are playing the part of Mario running through a 3-D obstacle course. You run in place on the Balance Board to make your character move forward and you straighten your knees to make him jump. In the process, you'll be navigating around huge swinging wrecking balls, moving sidewalks, and falling logs. Something important to remember is that to jump, you need to bend and straighten your legs. The game will reset if it detects you actually jumping on the board, a measure Nintendo put in place to prevent damage to your board.
Rhythm Parade (Workout intensity: 4 of 5, Fun 5 of 5): This was another one to put a huge smile on my face. You're basically a drum major, marching in place to the sound of a beat. Like rhythm games like Helix and Samba Di Amigo, you move your Wii-mote and Nunchuk to match on-screen cues. The better you match, the bigger your marching band becomes (and again, you'll see familiar faces join in the band if you have custom Miis). Like other Wii rhythm games of this ilk, I'm not sure how accurate the Wii and Nunchuk are (there are times I'm sure I move it on time but it doesn't register on the screen), but the game is pretty forgiving.
Once great improvement of Wii Fit Plus is that it uses METs (which stands for Metabolic EquivalenTs) to tell you how many calories you're burning, a vast improvement over the meaningless "Fit Credits" of the old Wii Fit. Another big improvement is with the Balance Board: with the old Wii Fit, each time you started a new routine, you'd need to wait for the Balance Board to calibrate.Wii Fit Plus is a bit more intelligent, in that it'll sense whether the weight has changed and give the option to recalibrate only if it has.
There is also the ability to measure a child or pet. This is a gimmick, of course, but a totally fun one if you have the aforementioned child or pet to measure. :)
It's a fun and creative title that overall still stands the test of time. Highly recommended.
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67 million Americans walk regularly for exercise, whether walking on a treadmill, taking step classes at a gym, or just walking outside. While all the other game companies are tripping over themselves trying to putting out yet another aerobic game or boxing game, Konami did something clever and decided to focus on this audience.
The result was Walk It Out. It's a game where you just walk, and walk, and walk around a very rich and in-depth virtual environment where you walk around and explore, unlocking different parts of the world as you go. The virtual world is stunningly beautiful, with parks, beaches, ocean views, buildings, cow pastures, mountains, apartment complexes, hotels and trees. The time in the virtual world matches the real world time: during the day you can admire the vast blue skies with beautiful cloud formations; at night, you can walk under a starry sky.
You step on either your Wii Balance Board or a Dance Dance Revolution dance pad (you can also use a Wii remote and nunchuk to exercise your arms instead of your legs) to a countinuous musical soundtrack consisting of some familiar songs, some generic songs, all of which are energetic and peppy. Your goal is to step on the beat, and if you do so you earn a "credit" which can be used to unlock parts of your virtual world, from scenery to new music to new routes on the map.There are so many things to unlock that it'd take months to unlock everything. But the thrill of “earning” your points and then spending them to create your own little world really does make the time go by quicker and more enjoyable than if you were just walking on a treadmill staring into space.
Konami did a good job of taking "addictive" elements from video games (collecting points, cashing them in, building your interactive world) and applying them to exercise. I rated this workout as "intensive" not because it'll make you pant and sweat, but because it's so fun and addictive that you'll be on it for hours at a time without even realizing it.
It's always better to step out of the house and get some fresh air, of course, but in those cold winter nights or late at night when it's dark outside and you feel like taking a walk, Walk It Out's world is not a bad place to visit from time to time either!
You can read a full review of Walk It Out here.
Like this list? Can you think of any games I missed, or do you know of new games coming out? Do you have your own Wii Workout experience you'd like to share? Add a comment here to share with the world!
Golds gym dance workout is really fun and a great workout that does not kill your knees, the only bad part is every 4th excercise it wants to check your pulse
By the way I have never seen Exerbeat in a store anywhere I got mine online
Otherwise, great list!
I'm a huge fan of EA Sports Active 2 and have really found it to be a great workout with an excellent mix of strength and cardio (though the long workouts can be rough on the knees with all the jumps, lunges and squats). I can't wait until they come out with a new version since they keep improving the game each time - maybe with more options for the multi-day challenge so it's more customizable.
I like Wii Fit Plus for yoga, balance, and strength. I find it's a little weak on the cardio, but nice for easy workout days.
I had the original Just Dance and with all my furniture moved out of the way and four players up and dancing I found it to be the best party game ever. After your great review I really should pick up a copy of Just Dance 3. I might have to try the Zumba Fitness one too for the fun of it.
!! #1
I definitely encourage you to continue to post your thoughts on the Top 10 list here. But if you have any questions or comments about Wii Fitness Games in general, visit our brand new forum at http://www.nutwiisystem.com/forum/index.php?a=vforum&f=8, where I'll be monitoring the board and doing my best to answer as many questions as you have.
Im trying to find a low impact game my 10 year old son and i can work out side by side at the same time. The problem, i am close to 300 pounds and have bad knees.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Thanks
Thank you for all the reviews you included.
I used to like zumba fitness but it got boring fast.
anyways thanks for the post, it was definitely informative and interesting.
Thanks!
Am in the midst of purchasing a Wii mainly to exercise with it, having tried and failed at gym memberships and walking outdoors. Thank you very very much for your reviews of the exercise games because my head is spinning from reading all the Amazon reviews! Was on the verge of buying My Fitness Coach until I read your reviews....will get the Biggest Loser now and either DDR or Zumba (which dance game do you think is good for a dance (out of shape) fan who is new to Wii, by the way?).
Thank you again for your very helpful reviews!
Rachelle, I would definitely recommend Riiflex weights. They turn almost any Wii game into a weight training workout.
Thanks everyone! Keep those comments coming! :)
I just bought a wii this weekend!
The limited edition 'red' version.
This is a GREAT and helpful post.
Thanks!
I was wondering, have you tried the Golds Gym Cardio Workout? I was wondering how that one is...? Also, I have been looking for some 2 player exercise games; my friend and I have been exercising together for motivation and would like to do it together instead of just watching each other! Thanks so much!
Looking forward to adding this variety to my Wii workouts!
love zumba and step arobics but class times clash with work time!
thanks
Though the controls could be better, I find "Don King's Boxing" to be fun and provide a good workout. Thanks again for the excellent guide.
One thing that is nice to know is statistics on the programs such as how many different exercises are there and how long do they last if each is done once.
The Wii Fit Plus has 18 Yoga exercises, 15 strength exercises, 9 aerobic and some games. The Yoga and Strength exercises combined last about 1 hour in the fastest mode (routine mode). In the training mode it takes longer since the results are judged and a score is given. Also in the training mode the strength exercises can be changed to advanced mode. I haven’t timed the advanced mode but I guess it would be about 1 hour just for the strength exercises.
The Wii Fit Plus takes good advantage of the Balance Board by having most of the exercises emphasize balance and form. I also like that many of the exercises can be done by beginners but some get difficult in the advanced mode. Try doing the One Arm Stand in the 20 repetition mode. Also the push-up, jack knife and plank challenges are a good workout for advanced users.
The aerobics are ok and are scored so that adds a challenge but they are not for advanced users. I started with them but eventually started jogging outdoors for aerobics. The dance programs recommended here would probably be better.
Most of the exercises are for mid and lower body but there are a few for the upper body. Separate weight training would be needed for a full upper body workout.
Hi Cassie. If your husband is a football fan I'd definitely recommend EA Sports' upcoming NFL Training Camp. It doesn't use the balance board but uses the Wii remote with an innovative new wireless leg strap and heart rate monitor. It will also have two-player mode so you can play against each other. Hopefully I'll have a review of it when it's released in November. From what I've seen, it'll be a great game for men who have put up for years with dancing, step aerobics, and other emasculating activities :)
When are you going to review Wii 10 Mintue Solutions? So far the amazon reviews look poor, but I'm waiting for your opinion before I decide to buy the game.
I goten Ea Sports Active Game yesterday and I love it. Today I researching your page and want to buy Cardio Golds Gym or in Europe it called My Fitness Coach Cardio.
Thank God someone beside me say Ea Active Sports are better than Wii Fit.
Before in my young days and when I was Wrestling Fanboy I buy every Smackdown! and Smackdown VS Raw that was coming but now I going to buy every Ea Active Sports.
Ea Active Sports More Workouts is next. Than Ea Sports Active 2. And Then What Future Brings Me.
I love your site keep updating it more I going to visit it =) Perfect site for people who want to workout front of a Wii and TELLY!
From "Nemesick" in Norway, Oslo
If I am being really obtuse tell me - I am very surprised that a Wii Step Aerobics hasn't come out! Did I overlook something? Just seems like such a crazy omission. Here we are, all with our BB's and accessories and will to buy new exergames and no Step workouts!
Thanks again for a good read.
Thanks so much for all of your hard work!
Hi Kitty,
I have a friend that I work out with using EA Active that had the same issue. We resolved it by having her sit on the couch instead of actual squats. It works the same muscles if you use proper form. It's just less time using them and safer if you have knee issues. After a while she was able to move down to the couch more slowly with more stability.
Angela
On a side note, I ordered We Cheer 2, and it's awesome!
"Fatty", as someone who not too far from your weight and successfully got it down, I can say that any of the games in the list of Best Wii Exercise Games will "work", as LONG as you keep it up consistently and maintain a healthy diet, avoiding fats and excessive carbs. The best on the list would probably be Dance Dance Revolution or The Biggest Loser. It takes a ton of discipline, and as "fun" as the games are, it will be difficult and painful at times. But stick with it, and you'll be amazed at the results. We're all pulling for you! (And like you, I'm annoyed at these slim models on the box covers too :)).
Sarah, EA Sports Active's "Multiplayer Mode" sounds exactly like what you and your husband are looking for. Here's a video from EA describing it. Good luck!
I just just purchase a copy of My Fitness Coach 2, so I'll be posting a review shortly.
Stephanie, thanks for the kind words! :)
Angie, I wouldn't say that More Workouts is "more challenging" than the original, but it definitely has a much better variety of workouts. Since you already have the leg strap and resistance bands, it only costs around $30, less than one trip to the gym :) You can read a full review of EA Sports Active More Workouts here. And stay tuned for the fall, when EA will release their next generation version of EA Sports Active!
BTW my husband just started using EA sports personal trainer with me and he loves it, he swears his back has not bothered him since he started it!!!!
Hi Maggie,
I would definitely try Walk It Out
Take care!
Steve
Cheers Linda
After having used them for a while I have decided to just keep Wii fit plus and EA sports Active: more workouts. They are by far the best of the bunch.
Robin: My fitness Coach 2 is a game which, at least in UK, has been out a while and is called New U:Fitness first personal trainer. It's completely different to My fitness coach. You can find reviews on eg. Amazon.
Thank you,
Korie
I weigh just under 300 and cannot do squats as low as the game requires. The game hung so that even taking the nunchuk off of my leg and lowering it lower did not get the game moving again, I had to turn off the Console to abort the game. I was hoping I'd be able to do the game but found it very frustrating due to my weight and knee problems. I can't move fast enough in the running (can't really run I have to just walk in place and it doesn't like that) I'm so discouraged that I haven't turned it on in a week. Kitty
A few of you have asked questions, and rather than responding to them here, I'll take some time to answer them over the coming weeks on the blog at http://www.nutwiisystem.com/blog. Stay tuned, and thanks for visiting! :)
I have only tried the Biggest Loser out of all of these, but it has on option to play with the balance board or without. It appears to be the exact same workouts either way. I actually kind of prefer it without.
Good Luck!
We also have a 6 and 8 year olds. In your full review of WF+ you mentioned: "3) The ability to measure a child or pet. This is a gimmick, of course, but a totally fun one if you have the aforementioned child or pet to measure. :)"
Actually I think it is a great option, as like you said, you have kids or pets. The Balance Board exercises and games work based on your weight. For example, if they try to do the obstacle course based on my Mii, most jumps don't register as my kids are so much lighter. So, if you have kids, it is great to have that in there.
One last thing, it would be great to have reviews of DDR dance mats. I have one that kind of moves around on carpet. Being on carpet, it also does not register some moves which makes it frustrating. I am thinking in gluing some plywood underneath it.
Any suggestions on a site that reviews DDR style dance mats? I have not been able to find any.
Thank you for the info and all the work you put into this great site !
together and as competition. A game that lets us enter our stats and then show any losses and improvements. I would like to work out with
him and against him. Any suggestions?
put in weight stats and then compete against each other to
track out loss and improvement. And work out together is a
big must so that we can push each other a bit. Would love
any suggestions. KIM
Thank you.
Ps so glad i found this site.
Thanks!
I just wanted to say that I just received a Wii for Xmas and the whole point is to help me lose weight. I found this super helpful and also I think you are funny! I am excited to go out and get some of these suggestions. Would you recommend having more than one? Since so many of them now offer personal goals and routines? I'm thinkin' biggest loser and ddr. are there any out there that are only yoga? perhaps by a well known yoga instructor? ex; sarah powers?
Jennifer, I'd recommend EA Sports Active. The folks at EA deliberately based it on "Western fitness techniques" precisely as a response to the "Eastern fitness techniques" you see from Japanese game makers like Nintendo. You'll find it makes good (optional) use of the balance board, and the accessories it comes with (a resistance band and a nunchuk strap) are simple yet very useful.
Jennie, as funny as it sounds, I would recommend a game like We Cheer 2. It's a great low-impact workout where you wouldn't need to twist and jump like the other exercise games. For more grown-up fare, EA Sports Active is good too; you can customize your workouts so you can eliminate specific exercises that force you to put pressure on your ankle and set that as your daily routine.
Good luck and happy exercising!
Thanks for this very helpful list!
I was wondering what you think about "Just Dance"? I've never played any of the Dance Dance Revolution games and am trying to decide whether to get one of them or Just Dance. What would you recommend?
Thanks again!
One other game that I recommend for exercise, even though it's a conventional arcade game, is the new Punch Out. Whenever I've played it, it's been a very intense workout. Punching into the screen is very fast and responsive, much quicker than Wii Sports Boxing. You also must shake the controllers to recover your strength after a knockout, and what I do is roll my fists quickly in circles, like i'm winding up a rope. It's very, very effective, not only for the game, but your heart rate.
Usually, I'm good for a solid 30 minutes and I'm sweating and happy. I definitely feel it in my shoulders and arms the next day, and that's a hallmark of a great Wii game. It's also a great thrill to be playing Punch Out again.
Thanks again for your website and blog. I'll be relying on it many times in the coming weeks.
Yep, the famous lady in question is Jenny McCarthy, and the game is Your Shape. You can see a review here:
http://www.nutwiisystem.com/blog/2009/11/review-of-your-shape-for-wii.html
I'm in the process of updating the Top 10 list, and I haven't decided whether this one will make it or not. The execution is not the best, but I do give it an A for effort. Stay tuned!
http://www.nutwiisystem.com/blog/2009/11/jillian-michaels-fitness-ultimatum-2010.html
In a nutshell, I'd say it's an okay game for die-hard fans of Jillian Michaels, but for others there are much better choices. Thanks!
Brandon, I'll be posting a review of We Cheer 2 shortly. Early indications are it's a winner. Stay tuned!
Thanks for the comments everyone. Keep 'em coming!