Wii Balances Busy Bodies

Life always seems to be so busy.  I'm a single mum with a 3 year old daughter, live 100 miles away from my family and hold down a full time job (and write for TME).  An online degree in E-Communications was yet another commitment I had made for my time.  So, how was I going to lose weight and get fit as well?

I have tried home exercise DVDs before and found them uninspiring.  I bought a Nintendo Wii in 2008 and in May 2009 I thought I'd give Wii Fit a try.  Of course, you can't lose weight by exercise alone, so I signed up for WeightWatchers online as well.

By getting up earlier and exercising in the morning, while my daughter was still asleep, I was able to spend half an hour on the Wii each day.  After that I'd feel more awake than I'd ever felt before.  I found that not only was I losing weight and having fun, but I was also getting on better with work as well.  At the beginning of the plan I also tried to fit half an hour into an evening.  As I have got closer to my target I have reduced this to every other day.

The great thing about Wii Fit is the variety of games and exercises that are available.  With the release of Wii Fit Plus and Wii Sports Resort there is even more to try!

The four main exercise groups are: Yoga, Strength Training, Aerobics and Balance Games.  Wii Fit Plus also includes a section called Training Plus.  As I wanted to lose a lot of weight I concentrated on Aerobics.  I also used the Balance Games and Training Plus to exercise while entertaining my daughter or when friends were over.

No matter what you want to achieve there will be a combination of exercises to suit.  My personal favourites are Rhythm Boxing, Hula Hoop, Step, Running, Rhythm Parade and Perfect 10.

Wii Fit  tracks weight loss and BMI; something I found particularly motivating.  By using Wii Fit and following the WeightWatchers diet I have lost a total of 41lbs and reduced my BMI from 33 to 26.  I would still like to lose a further 12lbs.

A Nintendo Wii console costs between ￡150 and ￡200.  The original Wii Fit game costs around ￡60 and Wii Fit Plus costs around ￡80.  Both games include the Wii Balance Board.

With Wii Fit I have managed to find time to enjoy exercising, have fun with friends and family and improve my general health and fitness levels.  All in my own living room whilst studying, working, writing and being a mum.