Working out has become more game than chore since I changed coaches, swapping Wii Fit for new Wii Fit Plus. My latest trainer has me biking, skateboarding and keeping step with a marching band - in addition to exercising - all in the comfort of my family room.
Making the change was easy. Wii Fit Plus imported my history from Wii Fit so I began working out soon after popping in the new disk. It remembered me; no set-up required.
Once on my way, I found everything that addicted me to the original (see Boomer Brief September archives) and then some, starting with 15, new body-bending, "Training Plus" games. My favorites:
Then there's Marching Band, Rhythm Kung Fu and Snowball Fight, among others, each with beginner and advanced levels and a new "Switch" button that makes it easy to involve the kids (or grandkids). These games, like all Wii Fit Plus activities, show a new
That's good because more work means more calories burned. My new trainer estimates the calories used after each exercise, the total for my session and what remains to reach my calorie-burn goal. (I chose a 190-calorie ice cream cone -- who knew it would take so much effort?) Although I never quite reach the target, I find myself constantly checking the tally and thinking harder before having sweets.
Seeing the calories burned also helps motivate me to use the new "My Wii Fit Plus" game-exercise routines geared towards lifestyle, health, youth and form goals. I keep returning to the health series for trimming my tummy, fighting over indulgence and creating a "Leaner Mii." In addition to showing the time needed, these routines remove the lag between movements that occurs when selecting single exercises, resolving one of my only hang-ups about the original product.
In "My Wii Fit Plus," you can also build your own regime, choosing from all the yoga and strength-training exercises (including the three new exercises in each area). Or have Wii create a workout based on the amount of time you have available.
Like the original, Wii Fit Plus charts my weight and body mass index by week, month and year. It also tracks the type of moves I do (yes, I favor aerobics), how much time I spend and my calories burned while giving me the option to monitor my waist size and steps per day. But, it doesn't have to be all about me. If I wanted to monitor my grandbaby's (I guess I need to get one first) or pet's weight, I could register them and track their progress with Wii Fit Plus.
All these new options and an Amazon price of only $19.96 (for the disk alone) make new Wii Fit Plus a good buy for current Wii Fit users. New to Wii Fit? You'll need the Wii Fit Plus game disk and Balance Board ($89.99 for the pair) as well as the Wii game system ($199.99) but it's an investment the whole family can enjoy.