Unlike other systems, the Nintendo Wii gets you off the couch.
Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
Between work, raising a family, socializing with friends and simply relaxing, finding time to workout can become a challenge. Those with a Nintendo Wii can work out at home, and possibly encourage their family to join in. Much more than an entertainment system, the Nintendo Wii offers interactive game play designed to get the blood pumping, and the muscles aching.
Purpose
The purpose of the Wii Fitness Age is to determine your fitness level. Consumers must have a Nintendo Wii as well as a copy of the Wii Fit video game. Players will partake in a series of interactive physical actives and be assigned an age that corresponds to their performance. Ages range from 20 and 80. For example, if you are 70 but have the physical capabilities of a 30-year-old, your Wii Fitness Age will be 30. If you are 20, but have the physical limitations of a 60-year-old, your Wii Fitness Age will be 60.
Getting Started
Before a player can receive a Wii Fitness Age, she must create a profile, also known as a Mii profile. The profile requires the player to enter her age and height. Next, the player will be required to partake in a few tests. The first is a Body Mass Index test. The player's BMI will be determined by standing on the Wii Balance Board, which is sold with the Wii Fit game. The player, after entering her height, will stand on the board to have her weight read. This will also determine her percentage of body fat. After your weight, body fat, age and height has been entered, the player will check her balance by standing on the Wii Balance Board. The player will first stand on her left foot, and then her right to determine her balance. After the balance test, the Wii will assign the player her Wii Fitness Age based on all the information it has gathered.
Moving Forward
Once a player has his Wii Fitness Age determined, he can partake in a series of activities to try and lower it. These activities are placed into four categories: strength training, aerobics, yoga and balance. As players continue to utilize these activities, they will earn Fit Credits. These credits can be used to open up more activities within each category. Players will also have a list of their favorite activities, or the activities they partake in the most. The Wii will automatically create a list of your personal favorites. The Wii will also track your results, allowing players to keep an eye on their hopefully decreasing BMI and Wii Fitness Age. Up to eight profiles can be created and saved at one time on Wii Fit.
Warning
The Nintendo Wii -- and Wii Fit -- is an interactive device intended to get people moving. Those who wish to partake in the Wii Fit game should stretch ahead of time, have water on hand and treat the experience like a real workout. Always make sure you have enough room to participate in the activities. Those with health concerns -- such as heart problems -- should consult a physician before playing Wii Fit to make sure they can handle it.
References
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
