So you’ve given up the gym subscription – it was never going to work out! All that boring running and rowing in a room full of sweaty people who just made you feel all the more inadequate! But instead of running to the nearest cake shop and sitting down in front of the TV – use all that money you’re going to save and invest in a Nintendo Wii. There are no figures for the drop out rate for Wii Fitness, but considering just how much fun it is, they are probably minimal when compared to the one for gyms. So how do you get the most out of your new toy? Here are some Tips for making the Wii Fitness experience more suitable.
1. Firstly, as with any exercise programme, it’s vital to keep at it. Regularly daily exercise is the key not only to losing weight – if that’s your goal – but to staying fit as well.
2. 30 minutes a day is the recommended amount of exercise for adults. If you aren’t up to this in one go, then try starting out in small bursts of ten minutes. Wii provides an excellent moderate-intensity cardio workout and to get the best results a 30 minute session should be your ultimate goal, so work up to it as soon as you can.
3. Before you begin with your Wii Fitness workout, create a plan and set targets for yourself, this will give you a sense of confidence as you begin to see the results.
4. Using Wii you can check your weight. It’s best not to do this after every workout, but once or twice a week. Depending on the time of day your weight may vary a little and if you are not seeing the results you might begin to wonder why you are bothering!
5. Working out together adds an element of playful competition into your regime that will help to build on your motivation. A friend or family member who has the same goals as you will be preferable to all those complete strangers in the gym.
6. If you’re utilising the Balance Board and balancing exercises, remember these burn a minimal amount of calories, so don’t count them as part of your 30 minute routine. They can be incorporated into the workout to add variety and to allow you have a ‘rest’ between the harder sessions. Balance exercises, while not burning calories, will increase your overall suppleness and make exercising easier. Remember that these are great ‘warm up’ and ‘cool down exercises.
7. Above all, enjoy yourself! Wii is a great tool to make exercising a fun pastime rather than a chore. Set a pace that suits your needs and build on this gradually. You’ll soon be reaping the benefits.