Go
Remotely Possible

Wii Fit Plus

By Charlotte on December 21, 2009 4:07 PM

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:

 

  • Island Cycling - Walking in place on the Wii Balance Board to "bike" through a course of island checkpoints and return to the goal. 
  • Skateboard Arena - Turning the Balance Board sideways and stepping on and off quickly to "jump" over ramps, half-pipes and maybe more (I've many levels yet to explore).
  • Perfect 10 - Moving your hips to hit numbers adding to 10 works your brain and body.

 Skateboard-620x.jpg

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 MET measurement indicating their intensity.  This number tells me Island Cycling offers more of a workout than Perfect 10, and helps me make sure I'm focusing on the more challenging activities.

 

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.   

  

 

 

Comments
Go
Red Thong Strong: Girlfriends Little Secrets to Smoothing Lifes Panty Lines
Guest Room

Diabetes-Friendly Chicken Burrito Bowl

ChickenBurritoBowlEverydayDiabetes 600.jpg

By Laura Cipullo and Lisa Mikus, authors of Everyday Diabetes Meals
Image credit: Colin Erricson

Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.

Tips:

If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.

If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.

Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.

Continue Reading »

Playing Favorites

Windy City

It's been almost 18 years since Alison Krauss gave us a solo album, but the wait is over with Windy City. The release (her fifth solo studio album) features ten covers of classic songs (and some bonus tracks) she picked with producer Buddy Cannon.

Continue Reading »

Follow Us

Follow us on Twitter: @BoomerBrief 

and @CharlotteBoomer

  
Follow Charlotte on Pinterest:  Follow Me on Pinterest

Follow Bob on Pinterest


Know someone battling cancer? Baylor Health Care System's Sammons Says... cancer blog is a great place to go for help. Here, you'll find information, resources, physicians, support groups and just about everything you need to help you navigate your way through this illness.

Now Trending 

We Like These Sites 

Senior Forums is a great place to get the news and share views on everything from hobbies and healthcare, to food, family & travel. 

Matt Drudge gets the goods and his site ain't bad either.

The Huffington Post is the gold standard of political blogs.

You don't have to live in Dallas to enjoy D Magazine.

More →