Sedentary is just one adjective that comes to mind when describing the lifestyle of video gamers. You are often sitting down when you play most of the video games available in the market today. This has slightly changed with the release of the Nintendo Wii in 2006. Instead of just sitting down and pressing buttons, you are moving the Wii Remote during gameplay. These movements mimic actual game actions, such as hitting the ball with a racquet (simulated by the Wii Remote) during a tennis game.
However, a study published in the British Medical Journal noted the need for exercise among Wii players. Liverpool John Moores University professor Gareth Stratton and his colleagues observed 13-15 year old boys and girls and compared their energy expenditure while playing the Nintendo Wii and the Xbox 360. They noted a 2% increase in energy expenditure among Wii players but they cautioned against using Wii games as substitutes for exercise or sports. However, they noted the console’s contribution in weight management and its promotion of physical activity. The results of this study might be revised after the May 19, 2008 U.S. release of the Wii Fit (April 25, 2008 in Europe).
Wii Fit is the newest Wii-exclusive video game developed by Nintendo. Initially known as the Wii Health Pack, Wii Fit was previewed at the 2007 E3 Media and Business Summit press conference in the U.S. Video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo of America president and chief operating officer Reginald Fils-Aime, and other participants demonstrated the game during the said event.
Miyamoto is popular for developing games based on his hobbies. This was observed in the Pikmin and Nintendogs games. Wii Fit is not different as the idea for the game originated from Miyamoto’s desire to keep himself fit. He revealed that he gained weight after he graduated from college and after he got married. He later suffered from back pains, which his doctor attributed to his weight gain. Miyamoto decided to take up swimming. After swimming regularly, he noted a considerable drop in his weight. He also observed an increase in his overall fitness level. Later, he became interested in a special weight monitoring diet and decided to record his weight on a graph.
Like the other games in the Wii Series, Wii Fit also involves Miis. These are digital avatars that you can create using the Mii Channel. Gameplay also requires a Wii Balance Board accessory, which comes with your purchase of the game. The board measures your weight, center of gravity, and calculates your body mass index.
The game offers 40 activities that incorporate yoga poses, push ups, step aerobics, hula hooping, ski jumping, jogging, and goalie defense. Professional trainer Kaoru Matsui assessed the effectiveness of the training routines.
Wii Fit also allows interaction with other players. You can compare your fitness level with other players through the Wii Fit channel. In addition, you can keep track of your progress, which the game records through the Wii Fitness Age.
Developers are reportedly eyeing the integration of WiiConnect24 functionality in the game. This would allow you to contact your doctor for help or your fitness expert for training exercises assistance.
With Wii Fit, you can now literally get on your feet while enjoying some of your favorite sports and physical activities. Forget sedentary. Active is now an apt description for gamers.
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Technorati Tags: Nintendo Wii, Wii Health Pack, Wii Fit
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