Nintendo’s Wii console is already a favorite among everyone from schoolchildren to middle-aged parents to nursing home denizens. The sensitive touch remote is revolutionizing the gaming industry, and now it’s poised to tackle a new area – exercise.

The new “Wii Fit” game, currently available in Japan, offers exercises in strength training, aerobics, yoga, and balance. Players stand on a balance board that allows them to move side to side, even participating in slalom or snowboarding races. The system also tracks your BMI and fitness level, and provides feedback on your athletic performance and stats as you progress.

In only four months on the market in Japan, it sold over 1.75 million copies and became the best-selling game of the year. Though the game has yet to prove itself as a sustainable fitness regimen, it offers 40 different activities that require coordination, balance, strength, and endurance. In our increasingly-media-obsessed culture, Wii Fit might be the answer to prevent a new generation of couch potato physiques. The game is expected to retail at $89.99 beginning May 19.

Popularity: 38% [?]

  Bookmark on Delicious  

This entry was posted on Monday, April 21st, 2008 at 1:56 pm and is filed under Fitness.