Is Wii Fit worth buying??

Wolfena
Wolfena Posts: 1,570 Member
edited September 22 in Fitness and Exercise
I've wanted it for awhile.... my boyfriend gave me a Wii for my birthday in June, knowing I wanted one. I've looked at the Wii fit many times since then but haven't actually purchased it yet. It sounds so cool and looks like it would be really fun to use!

For those of you that have it, do you actually use it regularly? Is it like "real" exercise or more like a game. I hate to waste money on something I'll rarely use or that I'll be disappointed with.

My living room is kinda small - will it work for me? Some of the regular games are even hard to play due to the lack of space.
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Replies

  • BK120
    BK120 Posts: 107
    I have found the WII Fit to boring after a short while. I'm using Your Shape and it has strength and cardio exercise. It is a different workout each time.
  • moonport
    moonport Posts: 97 Member
    My living room is TINY and I'm able to use it full out. I love it and don't regret the purchase at all. I don't use it to exercise as much as I should, but you can get a pretty good work out if you use it right. I use it to track my weight, mainly. It's just a fun tool to aid your weight loss.
  • Sauchie
    Sauchie Posts: 357 Member
    I have wii fit plus along with Dance Workout. and I love them both.
  • debbiepringle
    debbiepringle Posts: 76 Member
    I love wii fit plus. I use it every day. I also love EA Sports and more. Great workouts in both
  • surlydave
    surlydave Posts: 512 Member
    My kids recently got one and I tried it (with a HRM on). Although the cardio isn't as good as a trip to the gym (for me), I worked up a sweat. More to the point, I lift weights regularly and my arms were SORE the next couple of days after doing the boxing and karate on Wii Fit. I say go for it!
  • kaymd
    kaymd Posts: 470 Member
    I don't have a Wii fit but would like one also. I think I will be purchasing one in the near future because it will just be another fun tool to use to get myself fit. I like any work out that is going to be fun for me too. I have a Wii and use it on a daily basis.
  • 00trayn
    00trayn Posts: 1,849 Member
    I much prefer EA Sports Active, and a new version of it is coming out in a month or so I think, with wireless motion sensors and a built in heart rate monitor! Looks pretty cool. I used that game (the first 2 versions of it) almost exclusively to work out the first few months and the weight came off. However as I got more in shape, it was becoming quite boring and not enough of a challenge. So I'd say, depending on your fitness level, you might like it or you might see it too easy. I've been doing Turbo Fire and running and I don't think EA Sports Active would do much for me anymore.
  • inskydiamonds
    inskydiamonds Posts: 2,519 Member
    I haven't really worked out before getting a Wii Fit, but having one leaves me no excuse. It's in my living room, I can do it at my convenience and it does in fact make me break a sweat.
  • MacMadame
    MacMadame Posts: 1,893 Member
    I hated mine and never use it any more. I found that the video game aspects interfered with my ability to get a good workout and that a lot of the exercises were too easy as well. For example, their "jogging" is just bouncing from one foot to the other. At a time when I couldn't run for more than 5 min. at a time, I could "jog" on Wii Fit for hours. Also, it makes you unlock levels. You can't just go in and do 30 min. of step aerobics. You have to first unlock the 2 min. at a time, then 3, etc. So I had to stop all the aerobic exercises to restart the game constantly.
  • LoriLou67
    LoriLou67 Posts: 173 Member
    I have Wii Sports and Wii FitPlus. As others have said, it may not give you a hard workout over time. I use mine more in the winter when it is hard to get outside, and I use it as a warm up - pairing it with a workout DVD, resistance band workout, or bike downstairs (on a trainer). It is fun, something different...which is always good.
  • katiejo42
    katiejo42 Posts: 14 Member
    I like it. It's definitely worth investing in the fit plus though. It makes quite a lot of difference.
    The games are harder and more varied, anyone who doesn't break a sweat whilst flapping their arms on the birdie flight one is a machine!!
  • OlenaS
    OlenaS Posts: 125 Member
    This was a great post and everybody's input. I would really like to get it, too. Sometimes I think it would be more convenient to exercise at home during "tom", or when the roads are icy in the winter (they don't do good job cleaning them in our area)...
  • NutritionDivaRD
    NutritionDivaRD Posts: 467 Member
    I absolutely LOVE my Wii Fit Plus! I'm not the only one using it....my husband and my oldest love to use it too because they could see how much fun I was having. I get the majority of my daily exercise outside (I walk an hour every day) but I do use my Wii Fit one some days as well. It leaves me sore in the arms and the middle (boxing and hula hooping). I also love the yoga and strength exercises. And it keeps track of my weight loss which is another plus for me. I love to see that downward sliding line on the graph!

    Something else to think about; you may want to look for it on Ebay. I did that for about a week and occasionally someone would get one like new for a good price. I'm pretty impatient though and decided to just go purchase one outright. However, based on the short time I was watching them, many of them that were in "like new" or "gently used" condition went for close to the original selling price. I'm sharing this for two reasons. 1) If you are vigilant about watching them on Ebay you may get one at a good price. 2) If you purchase one and don't like it, you may be able to get a good portion of your money back by selling it on Ebay. Just keep the box and everything! That's what I did but I'm not going to get rid of mine. I love it too much!

    Good luck! :)
  • Wolfena
    Wolfena Posts: 1,570 Member
    Thanks everyone... maybe I'll do some bargain shopping to see if I can find a used one somewhere like ebay or craigs list, so I'm not spending so much just in case I don't like it!
  • inskydiamonds
    inskydiamonds Posts: 2,519 Member
    I got mine on craigslist :)
  • gmattach
    gmattach Posts: 14
    The wii fit PLUS is well worth your time and money. As you play more, you open up new levels and games. I sweat and really enjoy myself.
  • tn2010
    tn2010 Posts: 228 Member
    The number one thing it has provided for me is the opportunity to workout WITH my family. My 4 year old loves to play it and we have family game nights. This way I can workout AND spend time with my family (something I've found to be difficult now that the weather has turned gross and I'm back to work full-time).
  • PatriciaO
    PatriciaO Posts: 24
    I dont use it. I have it but it is so frustrating trying to get in sync. Personnally I think you will use it for a couple of times then it will collect dust.
  • agdeierl
    agdeierl Posts: 378 Member
    I don't have one, but I used my room mates' Wii Fit Plus a lot when I lived in my old apartment. First off, even just by judging from most peoles' replies on this thread, it's usually used in conjunction with other weight loss activities. I certainly wouldn't buy it if you are expecting results from doing nothing but the Wii Fit. I agree with the other poster who said the "jogging" on Wii Fit is totally unrealistic, and yeah you break a sweat, but not like you would in a really efficient workout. Also, i second the "video game aspects" slowing down the whole process, etc. ,etc. Lastly, I think the fact that it forces you to weigh yourself each time you use it, is unhealthy. If you're already a slave to the scale (it sounds like many of MFP users are!), it will make you even more obsessed, especially if you are relying on it for the majority of your exercise. And a lot of people that hat have Wii Fit use it every day, and guess what? Weighing yourself every day is unnecessary and unreliable, since your weight naturally fluctuates so much hour to hour and day to day. It's not really reliable unless you weigh yourself no more often than once a week. Wii Fit is not cheap, so unless you have money to burn, I wouldn't recommend purchasing it!
  • egbkid
    egbkid Posts: 164 Member
    I have been thinking of getting Wii Fit for a long time, i am going to check Kijiji first for a cheap one ,though, that is where i got my Wii; 200$ for it and 4 games :-) . One question i have for those using it, is there a lot of jumping/ jogging involved? I live on the 2nd floor and i do not want to be jumping around bothering the downstairs people in the mornings. I was using one called My Fitness Coach 2, but after a few weeks it was a lot of jumping jacks etc. Is Wii Fit the same?

    Thank you,
  • agdeierl
    agdeierl Posts: 378 Member
    I have been thinking of getting Wii Fit for a long time, i am going to check Kijiji first for a cheap one ,though, that is where i got my Wii; 200$ for it and 4 games :-) . One question i have for those using it, is there a lot of jumping/ jogging involved? I live on the 2nd floor and i do not want to be jumping around bothering the downstairs people in the mornings. I was using one called My Fitness Coach 2, but after a few weeks it was a lot of jumping jacks etc. Is Wii Fit the same?

    Thank you,

    Yes, there is a good bit of jumping and jogging on the program. There is a yoga program on Wii Fit, but obviously, if you're looking for cardio, you're gonna have to jump around to burn cals!
  • NutritionDivaRD
    NutritionDivaRD Posts: 467 Member
    I have been thinking of getting Wii Fit for a long time, i am going to check Kijiji first for a cheap one ,though, that is where i got my Wii; 200$ for it and 4 games :-) . One question i have for those using it, is there a lot of jumping/ jogging involved? I live on the 2nd floor and i do not want to be jumping around bothering the downstairs people in the mornings. I was using one called My Fitness Coach 2, but after a few weeks it was a lot of jumping jacks etc. Is Wii Fit the same?

    Thank you,

    You are not supposed to jump on the balance board. I never jump on mine and I get a good bit of cardio exercise. Mind you, it isn't my only form of exercise. I also walk three miles a day out in nature! But the directions warn you not to jump or jog on the board and I never do. I still work up a sweat though. There are many different exercises, yoga, strength training, cardio. The only one I can think of that I've tried that might be a problem for you being upstairs is the jogging (which you don't do on the board, you put the remote in your pocket). There are a few that I've not tried so I can't comment on those but the karate, boxing, hula hooping, step aerobics, bicycling, yoga, strength training, and many others shouldn't be a problem.

    You can set it so that you don't have to weigh yourself daily. Its your option. I'm a health professional and I will tell you that different doctors will tell you different things. I recommend weighing once per week. But I don't see it being a problem to weigh daily if you understand that your weight can fluctuate daily as much as 5 lbs if you are eating too much sodium and not getting enough water. So if that will discourage you, don't do it. Once a week is more than enough.

    You CAN find used one at a good price if you are patient and persistent! Good luck! :)
  • crimsonrambler
    crimsonrambler Posts: 17 Member
    I have Wii Fit Plus and I LOVE it. It does take time to "unlock" levels, but with any new exercise, you should always learn what you're doing first so you don't hurt yourself.

    If you get one, DEFINITELY get Wii Fit PLUS because it has Rhythm Boxing (my fave), Super Hula Hoop (Created by the devil because it SERIOUSLY works your mid-section), Advanced Step, Free Step (which is basically a metronome that encourages you to walk while you watch tv.), Rhythm Parade (which is a little like being a drum major in a marching band), and Rhythm Kung Fu.

    I try to use it every day, especially since a lot of the time it doesn't feel like I'm working out because it's a video game. (:
  • agdeierl
    agdeierl Posts: 378 Member
    I have been thinking of getting Wii Fit for a long time, i am going to check Kijiji first for a cheap one ,though, that is where i got my Wii; 200$ for it and 4 games :-) . One question i have for those using it, is there a lot of jumping/ jogging involved? I live on the 2nd floor and i do not want to be jumping around bothering the downstairs people in the mornings. I was using one called My Fitness Coach 2, but after a few weeks it was a lot of jumping jacks etc. Is Wii Fit the same?

    Thank you,

    You are not supposed to jump on the balance board. I never jump on mine and I get a good bit of cardio exercise. Mind you, it isn't my only form of exercise. I also walk three miles a day out in nature! But the directions warn you not to jump or jog on the board and I never do. I still work up a sweat though. There are many different exercises, yoga, strength training, cardio. The only one I can think of that I've tried that might be a problem for you being upstairs is the jogging (which you don't do on the board, you put the remote in your pocket). There are a few that I've not tried so I can't comment on those but the karate, boxing, hula hooping, step aerobics, bicycling, yoga, strength training, and many others shouldn't be a problem.

    You can set it so that you don't have to weigh yourself daily. Its your option. I'm a health professional and I will tell you that different doctors will tell you different things. I recommend weighing once per week. But I don't see it being a problem to weigh daily if you understand that your weight can fluctuate daily as much as 5 lbs if you are eating too much sodium and not getting enough water. So if that will discourage you, don't do it. Once a week is more than enough.

    You CAN find used one at a good price if you are patient and persistent! Good luck! :)

    She's right. I totally forgot that jogging is done off the board! Whoops! :ohwell:
  • statquo33
    statquo33 Posts: 13 Member
    I've had one for about 2 years...I think it's good for helping you keep track of of your info and for when you don't have time to step out of the house. Doing something on the wii fit is better than nothing...and its convenient to have around...but for a real workout, well, it might be tough...it really depends on you and how hard you want to workout...its a game so you can cheat it, but you can also work it out...
  • samii13
    samii13 Posts: 6
    I suggest you buy the Wii Fit Active - Personal Trainer as well. this game is more focused on actual exercise instead of training your body in balancing etc. With this game you have to do a whole lot of
    lunges
    squats
    running
    stride jumps
    kick ups
    boxing and
    lots of arm exersices with a resistance band.

    You end up burning calories really fast and whats good is that you can do all different things so that you dont get bored, also your body tends to get used to certain exercises and then its harder to lose / tone up. So with the wii fit you can make sure you are always doing something different each day so that your body cant get used to it.

    It also has fun activities on there like Step Aerobics (which is good with the wii fit balance board and even better when you have the step that makes your balance board higher) and some other games like tennis and squash. (which actually break a sweat!)
  • Wolfena
    Wolfena Posts: 1,570 Member
    It's starting to sound so complicated!!! LOL (and even more expensive if I get the other things too)

    Wonder if I can rent one somewhere to try it out first for a week or two.
  • Sezmo83
    Sezmo83 Posts: 331 Member
    Another one that might be worth a look for the Wii is Biggest Loser. Bought this yesterday, did the beginner workout for the 4 week plan it recommended for me and it really was a workout. Squats, lunges, some jumping jacks, the plank, press ups on your knees and I think I've blocked the memory of the rest of it in my attempts to keep going lol. Also tells you what calories you should be having (told me I should be eating 1700, MFP has me at just under 1700), lets you record exercise you've done off the game and has recipes, do individual exercises and a few other things.

    I really enjoy the Wii Fit Plus but Biggest Loser seems more serious. It hasn't got me doing an exercise routine every day, just every other day so I'll be using the Wii Fit on my off days if I can ever move my legs again. I've also got the My Fitness Coach Dance workout but I'm not getting on very well with that, I can't figure out what the hell I'm supposed to be doing with my arms.
  • meagalayne
    meagalayne Posts: 3,382 Member
    If you have a moderate level of fitness and a good amount of energy, the Wii Fit gets boring REALLY quickly. Ours is currently collecting dust in a house full of runners. To each his own!
  • missak610
    missak610 Posts: 34 Member
    I am very overweight and I LOVE the Wii Fit Plus...I get very sore. I try to do 30 mins to an hour every day. I always try to keep going on something until I've beat my previous score. I'm rather competitive, so that works for me. I'm sure once I've really gotten into shape, it could possibly get boring for me, but for rainy days, it's awesome :-) I also notice that I get VERY sore after really giving it my all.

    Good luck!
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