The appeal of Wii fitness routines is simple. Part of the reason so many people don't exercise regularly is that it's just not any fun. They hate organized sports, can't afford to join a gym, and find the perky instructors on workout DVDs to be completely annoying. Luckily, there are now a number of fitness video games that can help reluctant exercisers get the motivation they need to incorporate more physical activity into their day.
A Wii fitness routine can help you get in shape by making exercise a bit more fun. By tapping into your desire to play video games on your Nintendo Wii, you'll make working out seem like less of a chore. Plus, Wii fitness video games are interactive and customizable, which makes them the perfect choice for anyone who needs to start off slow for their workout routine.
Wii fitness routines are best thought of as workout routines for beginners. For novice exercises, the CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic activity each week. However, this doesn't mean you need to exercise this long all at once. If you're having trouble keeping up, try to split your Wii fitness routines into two or three separate mini workouts. For example, you could play your favorite fitness video game in the morning before work and then again in the evening after dinner. As long as you're exercising for at least 10 minutes at a time, you're meeting the recommended guidelines for physical activity.
The Wii Fit itself has become the centerpiece of the majority of Wii fitness routines. The unique balance board that comes with this game makes it possible for the system to keep track of your weight as well as your general fitness level. There are a variety of activities, ranging from yoga and strength training to running and step aerobics, so you can try something different each day. You can also create profiles for everyone in your family and compare scores on different events if you find yourself missing the competitive aspect of the traditional video game experience.
To see how one woman used the Wii Fit as the centerpiece of her Wii fitness routine, read Did Wii Fit Get Me Into Shape? by Cindy Marcelle.