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The Good Fortune of Wii Exercise

Posted by Zonk on from the wiiberobics dept.

eldavojohn writes "While some users of the Wii complained of soreness or 'Wii elbow' when playing it too much, others are heralding its workout value. The University of Toronto is working on a 'therapeutic video game' for the Wii that is designed to help children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy exercise their weaker limb, people are claiming weight loss and in the January issue of Pediatrics the Mayo clinic is proposing that gaming systems like the Wii can combat child obesity."

4 of 81 comments (clear)

  1. I'll say! by NeoPaladin394 · · Score: 5, Interesting
    Wii Boxing is especially great for getting some exercise. It starts out easily enough, but with tougher opponents, shaking out of a knockout after swinging madly to hit them can completely wear you out. That, and I'm on a bottom floor apartment, so I usually jump around a bit while the NPC is knocked out. After an hour, I usually have to take a bath. On top of that, it's FUN!

    You sort of get out of it what you put into it. It's possible to use the minimal amount of movement to trigger an in game action, or find the 'bug' movements that trick the controller, but on the same token it's just as easy to put your whole body into it.

    IMHO, the system is worth the money scalped from me on eBay.

  2. Re:Agreed by spun · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Absolutely. The best exercise in the world is the exercise that you actually do.

    Personally, I'm waiting for cyber-jacks so I can jack in and let some AI exercise my body for me while I play video games. ;)

    --
    - None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license. -- John Milton
  3. Re:Yeah, Wii isn't much of a work out... by AKAImBatman · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Yes, the Wii makes you move, a little
    Obviously, you don't play enough boxing. I'm not in the best shape, but I do walk/run home 3 miles from the train station. Wii Sports Boxing still leaves me breathing heavy and drenched in sweat. I have a hard time believing that the effect would be any different on most other video game players. At least, if you're doing it right. ;)

    FWIW, the Wii may not be an acceptable replacement for exercise, but it's a sight better than getting no exercise whatsoever.
    --
    Javascript + Nintendo DSi = DSiCade
  4. the upside is variety by Bobtree · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Every game on the Wii seems to work a different group of muscles because of the unique control movements involved. When I play something new for a couple of days, I find new sore spots. Oddly enough it's Excite Truck that keeps my heart rate up (and shoulders tense) the most while playing. It may turn out to be my favorite of the launch titles given its addictive, high adrenaline, and high replay value game style.