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Wii Fit
Filed under: Fitness, Video Games & Accessories
My daughter wanted Wii Fit for Christmas and I am so glad "Santa" was able to make one appear beneath that tree on Christmas morning. If you've been looking for a fun addicting way to get fit, look no further.
Wii Fit is divided into several different categories: strength training, balance games, yoga, and aerobic activities. Initially, you're able to unlock only a few exercises, but as you complete more activities, more open up for you.
The balance games are fun and feature things such as a ski jump that is an absolute blast, a ski slalom that will frustrate you so much that you'll find yourself playing for hours, heading soccer balls, and some other fun games where your balance on the board helps navigate you through the games. Be careful though, when heading soccer balls, as sometimes, they throw a shoe at you! Ouch.
Each participant is giving a fit test on your first day. The fit test evaluates your balance and strength. it weighs you and gives you feedback as far as whether or not you're "normal" or overweight. It also gives you your BMI and in addition to giving you this number, it also tracks it for you. Each time you log in and take the test, it places your progress on a chart so you can see your progress.
When you first start, your also given your choice of either a male or female trainer. The trainers push you and totally call you on it if you quit mid-exercise. They also offer fit tips and make sure you're using the correct form by evaluating your stance on the balance board. Do well on the strength training and you'll see higher reps unlock for you.
The yoga is also really cool and is along the same lines as the strength training. Yoga poses are demonstrated and each pose is broken down into how it works and what parts of your body each pose is targeting. I must say that yoga is a lot more challenging than I previously thought it would be. Holding those poses for as long as they make you, certainly tones and trains the body.
The best thing about Wii Fit is that it continually tracks your progress regarding exercises and weight and BMI. If you haven't played for a few days, it totally calls you out when you log in. Wii Fit also gives you your Wii Fit "age" based on how well you do on the fit tests. It can be a little scary, but it's super exciting as you awtch that age drop over time. Getting immediate feedback on how you did on the strength training is motivating and also eye-opening.
As someone recovering from an ACL reconstruction surgery, seeing the way my balance is distributed when I'm simply standing stationary was quite revealing. The Wii Fit teaches you how to have better posture, a stronger core, and it does it while having fun with you.
Another great thing about Wii Fit is that almost any age can play. Although my youngest daughter (age 3) is a little squirmy on the balance board, even she has fun trying out the yoga poses and doing jack knife sit-ups.
My only criticism is that I wish it was possible to have two players trade off and take turns doing the exercises and balance games. If two people want to take turns, it's necessary to go back to the main menu and change Mii's which can be a little annoying. Other than that though, the Wii Fit is pretty much flawless.
Wii Fit can be purchased any place that carries video games. Just be careful that you don't get ripped off. Wii Fit can be purchased for around $89 in stores. I would also recommend purchasing the Wii Starter kit that includes a silicone cover for the balance board and yoga mat. While most things can safely be purchased online, the Wii Fit is pretty much only offered in bundles online. It's best to take a drive and go to the store directly.
If you're looking for something to jumpstart your New Year's fitness resolutions or just want a fun way to get fit with your family, get the Wii Fit.
BBM gives the Wii Fit. . .
Apex Sit-up Board
If you read "Black Belt Mama" then you know how much I am in love with the slant board at the gym. Because Mr. BBM can't join a gym right now, I bought him the Apex Sit-up Board for Christmas. I knew I couldn't afford to get him one like they have at the gym, and this seemed like the next best thing. I mean, how much money does one have to spend in order to have a reclined surface to work your abs?
When all was said and done I spent about $15 on it (I had a lot of Amazon gift cards), and I figured that even if it was lousy, $15 was worth it. It sells regularly for $79.99 but is currently on sale for $54.99.
Mr. BBM and I put it together in about 5-10 minutes. It was fairly simple. Some of the pieces came already put together. It was shipped directly to my door in a fairly flat and ship-friendly box too so that was nice, especially the free shipping.
I have to be honest though. While it obviously does its job on abs, it doesn't have as much of an incline as I would like. The one at the gym allows me to hang almost completely upside down. The angle on this one is definitely more beginner-moderate.
The pads for your legs and to hold your feet are plenty comfortable; it's the board itself that is killing my back. Granted, it doesn't take much for me to have back pain, but when I spend more than five minutes on that thing, I pay for it the next day.
I must admit though, that when I'm not using it, it does make a fabulous indoor sliding board for the girls. I just much prefer to do my slant board sit-ups at the gym.
If you're looking for a slant board to mimic what you get at the gym, this one will do; but don't expect the perks you get from having high quality equipment at the gym. The lumbar support is just not there.
BBM gives the Apex Sit-up Board. . .
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