Wii Fit: feelin' the burn (part 1)
By Ryan Block 
posted May 21st 2008 3:23PM
posted May 21st 2008 3:23PM
We've still got a few weeks left to see how we'll do going up against the Nintendo-made workout routines of the Wii Fit, but we can tell you that we've had some mixed results early on. We'll do a full wrap-up later, but for now some initial notes.We were off to a pretty good start in the first couple of days -- but be warned, you do need plenty of space where you intend to work out, especially as you get started in the strength training. We were a little surprised at just how much space was needed at times, so unless you've got plenty of it you may end up like us, spending plenty of time shuffling and reshuffling the balance board back and forth.
Players (exercisers?) are rewarded with more reps and new routines as they log hours, and if you're unfit (like we are) even some of the beginner exercises will undoubtedly reveal all those atrophied muscles (especially the push-ups / side-plank and jackknife routines, which are killers). Wii Fit's use of a plain, clearly visualized trainer makes learning the exercises -- and even the more complicated yoga poses -- easy for newbs. More after the break.
It only took an hour or two of doing the same routines before all the helpful input from your virtual trainer became tedious and repetitive. You can only hear your trainer say "Visualize the muscles you want to work" so many times, you know? You'll also be spending about 1/3rd of your total time in Wii Fit trying to get through a seemingly endless string of menus, intros, prompts, and requests to step on or off the balance board -- the reward for your patience is to initiate the next exercise.
Another big downer is the inability to play your own music. Wii Fit is clearly intended to be an accessible solution for people that haven't made fitness a part of their regular routine, so you'd think the software would be as accommodating and painless as possible if it's going to get people off the couch. Not being able to play music wouldn't be nearly as vexing if you could just turn down the monotonous Wii Fit music so you can play your tunes on a boombox or something, but you can't really mute the whole thing because the trainer does give some valuable real-time verbal feedback (like letting you know your balance is off, or that you're almost done).
As for our consistency in keeping up the exercises, well, it hasn't been great. We've logged a number of hours, but it's already becoming hard to see working in Wii Fit when the workouts themselves seem so encumbered by the software that delivers them. Although we're clearly working some unused muscles, we're not yet getting the feeling that the Wii Fit's burning any substantive amount of calories (or fat), or that it's any substitute for hitting the gym with some regularity. There's sweat, but it's not coming in buckets. We'll keep at it though, so check back in a few days for our next update.
I would like to get back in shape...if I could only find a Wii Fit. Until then, I guess I will remain the slightly overweight beer-swilling person that I am.
Purchased one this morning from Best Buy. Showed up about 10 mins before they opened and there were already 12 people in line. They had a "buy one" policy and only had 17 in stock for people that didn't pre-order.
I think Ryan will soon be the next Arnold Schwarzenegger of the tech blogs with his Wii Fit.
Stop blogging! More Wii Fit'in! More Sweatin'!
Last time I checked, 3rd wasn't first.
Went around town and was able to buy 12 before everyone was completely sold out and put them on ebay. Anyone interested? :)
DIAF!
And no, I don't want one to begin with. I just think you're a dumb ass.
I was hoping you were kidding but I thought it prudent to check eBay and, sure enough, one is about to sell for just over $200.
Everyone should have been able to get one. Look in the places you wouldn't expect. Best Buy and Circuit City are sold out, but 5 hours after opening, Sam's Club still had plenty.
Man, people are sheep for this ebay stuff.
I own the Wii Fit, but I'm a skeptic.
After watching my wife use this thing last night, it's apparent to me that the software is seriously lacking.
1. You have to use a Wiimote to do anything menu driven. You're constantly shifting between using the board and using the remote. They should have incorporated the menu system into shifting on the board.
2. You can't setup a full routine. The main problem with this is related to all of the button pushing necessary to get anything done. Last night, my wife was on that board for an hour. Literally, half of that time was spent digging through the menus and pushing buttons. There are far too many breaks, battling the software, necessary for this thing to be truly useful.
Basically, the pacing of a workout is way too slow.
They need to get a new version of the software, pronto, or this thing's dead in the water. You need to be able to turn the thing on, pick a routine, and go. As it stands, there is no routine. It's just a bunch of singular exercises that you need to choose and load, one by one.
Sounds like we're on the same page. The hardware's there, but the software needs to be absurdly accommodating, otherwise it's going to just collect dust.
This is all kind of making me want to get DDR for the PS2 back from the friend I loaned it to months ago. Seems like a much better way to burn a few calories while gaming.
You may be on to something there. DDR can be one hell of a workout.
Honestly this is where Sony's Eyetoy or PLAYSTATION Eye as theyre call it now has an advantage, you do the menus with ur hands. The soccer game is also a rip off of an Eyetoy minigame as well.
I think Nintendo has the marketing and the crowd for this type of application but I think Sony has the software and probably the hardware for it. A perfect workout application for a game console would include software thats downloadable so to be quickly launched. It would include a camera for certain activities and Sony has years of research into that. It would maybe include hardware like the board Nintendo uses for something like yoga or pilates. It would have the option of being networked so incase you want to see where u stack up on a certain activity against friends or the world. I dont see women being too hot for that lol but young boys might want to compete at pushups or something. It would also need the ability to stack routines and develop a workout that loads one time and transitions quickly. I envision it like editing a movie where you move or copy workouts and put them in order with transition times being set by the user. The wiimote or PSEye would both be good at this I think. Then over time you could increase your workout and once a week or month the game could test your max at different activities so to see your progress.
I completely agree, with your comments, bloody ridiculous always having to pick up the remote to push A.
You should definitely be able to do a workout of a number of exercises in one go, rather than have the 2/3min rest of choosing another.
And for me even more annoying is not being able to play against someone, I want to play the balance games against a friend, I don't want to go back to plaza and then reconfigure everything for my weight, so I can see if I can jump further than him on the ski jump.
Wii Fit is an awesome idea that has been very badly implemented. Here's hoping the likes of Nike make a software title soon :-)
I Completely agree, last night I was excited that I had stuck with it for over an hour, but my excercise time was only half of that. Making a playlist of things to do would be a great idea, and playing music off of the SD card would be simple as well.
Not first, in order to avoid the embarrassment of claiming to be first, when you are actually not first, don't start your comment with first comment.
epic... epic fail.
Don't call me Ryan, er Norman, call me Chubsy-Ubsy!
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pis&GRid=9274&PIgrid=9274&PIcrid=80729&PIpi=193277&
http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=2:12266
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_%22Chubby%22_Chaney
wtf?...
So... are you like drunk or somethng?
I think that he is inferring that Ryan is fat... Or something.
I got mine at 12:01 from my local 24 hr Walmart. Went home put 4 AA's on charge and went to bed. This morning after my walk I hooked everything up and spent a hour with the Wii fit. I like the balance games the best.
why didn't you just use the batteries that came in the box?
Alkaline batteries suck, that's why.
If you actually want to work out why not take the $90 for Wii Fit and buy 2 months at a gym? You'll see better results, faster.
Barring that go on eBay and find a copy of Track and Field and a Nintendo Power Pad. You'll shed pounds trying to take the 100m dash, it was IMPOSSIBLE.
> If you actually want to work out why not take the $90 for Wii Fit and buy 2 months at a gym? You'll see better results, faster.
it's called "Fear of public humiliation." For me, at least.
Personally I want to check out Wii Fit as a precursor to more effective systems. And I believe any amount of exercise is better than none. But it does sound like it needs better software.
I agree. To me its a joke. I don't understand how people think that they will get in great shape using Wii Fit. I agree that it is at least getting you up off of the couch, but it is in no way a good substitute for a healthy diet and exercise plan. Oh and if you absolutely have to play a game to burn calories, play DDR on Hard or above. You'll burn plenty of calories.
Bigkountry, DDR is a nice idea, but every version I've seen is aimed directly at the hardcore DDR enthusiast. There's no version aimed at beginner or, y'know, people who don't have a lot of experience dancing to high BPM games. That's why you read stories about out of shape and senior people playing Wii games, but not DDR. A shame, really, a DDR mat could be a good way to get more people into dancing and being more fit. But like clothes for skinny women, they've identified their most profitable market and are aiming exclusively at it.
Pfft. Everyone knows how to beat Track and Field: Keep the balls of your feet on the ground and tap the pad with your heels. Cheetah is no match for this method.
I just sold my Track & Field with a Powerpad this weekend. I tried it out and yes it works... But I hurt my ankle in the process of testing it...
I'll probably get a WiiFit in a month or 2. After the "New Wii Gadget" fase has passed.
I may even wait longer to see if any other titles will be comming up for the ballance board.
A gym would work. If I wanted to also buy gym clothes, which I don't have, and wanted to carve out an hour of my day between 8AM and 9PM, which I can't and wanted to deal with neanderthals grunting and wanted to have sweaty gym equipment.
For people who have lives, you know, jobs and families, the Wii Fit is fantastic. The ability for me to get a workout in after I put my daughter to bed is wonderful, and making it a game and putting it in my living room will make me use it.
I gotta agree with the time thing, too. I could either spend extra time (and gas) driving back and forth to the gym, or just work out in the comfort of my own home.
And you're all doing it wrong. Get down on the floor and just pound the powerpad sensors with your hands like you're playing a hand drum. Automatic win.
Quick word of advice to anyone who workouts and loves gadgets and logging stuff (practically everyone here, duh): Try gyminee.com . Awesome website for logging nutrition, workouts, getting workouts, joining like minded physical group...If you happen to have an iPhone, you can log workouts as you do them and check out videos of excercises you're interesed it. Awesome website period. If you happen to like it, add me. My gymbuddy name is "SonOfKrypton". Later.
Woah, normally I would think it as a spam thing, but that's just the thing I've been looking for. Thanks!
Traineo.com is about the same thing. I (username: aeromat) use it all the time and I dig it.
Hoping to get me hands on a Wii Fit soon. Unlikely, but I'd like one. In the meantime, it's back to losing the weight--I'm down almost 65 lbs.--the old fashioned way: eating less, moving more.
*sigh*
Personally I've been using SparkPeople to track my fitness and nutrition. Their exercise tracking is just ok, but they have a lot of suggested exercises you can do at home with minimal equipment if any.
More importantly their nutrition and fitness writers seem knowledgable and pen some really informative articles that feel correct.
Thanks for the other site though I'm gonna check it out.
at first-read i thought you meant you were down to 65lb, which obviously would not be a healthy weight for anything but a small child. after reading it through a second time, however, i congratulate you on your loss. (congratulating a loss seems a little odd too, don't you think?)
That site is exactly what I've been looking for, thanks!
since this is his first comment, i guess he has the right to say first comment. But, its not hte first comment on the thread. Jonathan, i guess for future reference dont say first comment on any weblogs site unless you are the first comment on the thread.
But again, you are right as this is your first comment on engadget ever.
Did anyone else besides me buy Wii Fit because they thought the balance board was a sweet idea? I'm curious to see what they're able to do with it in the future, and in the meantime, the Wii Fit balance games should be a fun use of the device (I hope).
I think Nintendo will get their act together regarding the Wii Fit software, from what everyone's been saying it's a bit heavy-handed. If they don't, maybe some enterprising hackers can devise a better system for us...
If Nintendo doesn't come out with a better version of the software, I would suspect the third parties will pick up the slack.
I'm not that worried about it. I get the feeling enough of these are going to be sold to support future titles.
Having a bit of a personality disorder and thinking you're actually multiple individuals? I get the "We" talk for blogs in that it makes the opinion expressed seem to have more weight (no pun intended) but in this case it's plain silly.
Markus
perhaps his wife is participating with him...?
wow, people already complaining about having to actually exercise. loul "i'll just sit down and have a twinkie til a better game comes out" fffff
What, did you fatfinger half the keys on your keyboard while typing that too?
I just picked mine up and can't wait to crack i open.
Let's get real though... I don't expect the Wii fit to get me the six pack i've always wanted, but I see it as a tool that will put me in the right direction. =)
I don't think the point of Wii Fit is to replace or even try to replicate a "real" workout. But with so many people (myself included a lot of days) being virtually sedentary, it's just a fun idea and a way to get people up off the couch.
And, of course, it expands the Wii appeal just a little more. I'm going to agree with what Kunal said up above - the board is a sweet idea. Think of the potential for future skate/snowboard games, for one. And there is We Ski that just came out last week.
I know I'm looking forward to mine arriving at my door next week.
Speaking of which, I was stalking the Best Buy website at midnight (central time) and eventually, shortly before 1AM it was available. I bought mine, free shipping. But when I checked again at 1:30 AM? SOLD OUT. Now, THAT is impressive. An online sellout in the middle of the night.
Ryans future:
http://www.mdig.com.br/imagens/diversos/1798.jpg
Sounds like it's not particularly user friendly the software. If you are serious about the exercise it may be better to pickup a copy of the old Yourself!Fitness for the the Xbox, PS2 or PC. Once the workout starts there's little use of the controller. It doesn't have feedback from anything like a balance board but the exercises will make use of some specific equipment if you have them.
Ryan kinda looks like he belongs in Kraftwerk.
He - is - show - room - dummy
You ain't right. :p
I guess if you have the physique of an alien or that of a danish roll then I could see how this would help. But, why not get a workout DVD or higher a trainer.
However, the balance board should be very fun for games that will take advantage of an extra input. I can see racing games, shooters, etc.
I look forward to games that will work with this. I just hope this doesn't end up more like a gimmick.
Am I the only person that thinks that guy need some new carpet. On the other hand I will probably be getting a Wii fit the first time I see it in stock while I am at the store.
You're posting on his article, tell him yourself.
Question: I don't feel like a 3 minute step work out is going to do much. Does anyone know if there is a way to change this to make it, say a 20 minute step workout? Thanks in advance!
I can't believe the price people will pay on eBay for the WiiFit--what a bunch of fucking morons....
Hey Fatties!
I got a deal for ya. Instead of paying all that moolah to Mario I can save you money. I'll send you some bricks and a piece of wood plus my instructional tape. I'll yell that you're off balance every once in awhile and tell you to do tai bo moves. It will be just like the Fit except with better background music.
No fatties were harmed in writing of this entry.
what a welcome from the commenting crowd of engadget!
Just so you know that sweating is somewhat over rated. Some people ca sweat buckets while working out and other people don't reach that point at all. The sweating does not mean you are burning more calories. If you get stronger using the device you will built muscle. Do more cardio outside of the fit system for a rounded approach.
Rob
Mind if I ask what your diet's like, Ryan?
As that wise man Robert Hutchins, the president of the University of Chicago long ago, said, "When I think about exercise, I lay down until the thought passes."
People argue that Wii Fit is bad because it's not effective enough, because you could exercise without it, because it doesn't cure cancer , but those critics are missing the point.
The point of this system is to MOTIVATE and GUIDE people to do fairly simple exercises in the privacy and comfort of their own homes.
The Wii Fit is NOT meant for exercise experts/enthusiasts.
The Wii Fit is NOT meant for hardcore gamers.
The Wii Fit is NOT going to undo junk food/smoking/drinking/couch potatoe-ry.
The Wii Fit IS meant for those who live reasonably healthy lifestyles except they don't have the time to go to the gym and don't like doing the same exercise over and over.
I'm not saying Wii Fit is the best thing since sliced bread, and I agree that a routine system would be nice, but features like playing your own music is very subjective because some people (like myself) prefer the calm and appropriate music provided by Wii Fit.
As someone recently posted, sweating /= losing weight. Muscle weighs much more than fat, so if you do lots of muscle exercises you might even GAIN weight, but your body will feel much tighter and less flabby.
Personally, I've bought it for 2 weeks now, I've exercised about 40 minutes a day doing a range of exercises that keep me active, entertained and feeling better than.
- I have a reasonably healthy lifestyle (no bad habits, eat fairly healthy)
- I don't get home from work until 7pm
- The gym would cost me at least $80/month
- I have a reasonably roomy lounge (recent graduate, living with parents)
It's worked well for me, I enjoy the way the system leads me through my exercises (so I know I'm not hurting myself) and I can keep track of my progress with my (slightly chubby) Mii character. I've lost about 1kg in the past week or so, but that's because my arm and leg muscles are no longer as flabby.
In conclusion, Wii Fit is novel, it's aimed at the time-poor money-abundant crowd, it's sensible and not over-the-top, and it has enough variety to keep me interested for at least a 3-6 months.
It could be better, yes, but for what it does and how it does it, I'm fairly satisfied and I feel my money is well spent.
I hope my perspective has been helpful.
I picked up a wii fit, but not for the workout as I already run six miles everyday. I will mainly use it for the yoga exercises to improve my flexibility. I did pickup the "We Ski" game, which works with the wii fit, it's a lot of fun and adds a new level of interactivity when using the board. I am really looking forward to a surfing game, this board just screams a good surfing game.
I gotta say that WiiFit, despite its obvious flaws (setting up a workout routine mostly) definitely works as encouragement, if anything, to start burning those calories.
I have a gym membership and usually can only manage to get there once a week, twice if I'm lucky, but with the WiiFit I've been able to get a quick hour session done every morning before work and lost 4 lbs ( from 11st 4lbs -> 11st ) since the uk release.
The yoga poses are actually a great stretch routine to start off the workout that I would never, EVER attempt while actually at the gym.
I think what most people are forgeting is that this is still nothing more than a game. Yes it has a workout with it and it has the word fit in it, but Its a game none the less. It is I think a good idea, so that some people will start to use a game to work out that normally wouldn't. Remember all the stories about overweight teenagers and college kids that lost weight doing those dance party games at the arcades. Its something that gets the blood flowing and heart rate up and pretty soon after doing that for a period of time people will lose weight. Thats what this game is really about. There is no way anyone really expected to use this game and have Governor Arnold's (i cant spell his last name) ripped muscles from back when he competed in Mr. Universe. This is just to help some that do nothing but gaming get some sort of exercise. I own a WII and my wife wants the WII fit GAME and I have one to give to her for her birthday next month, but in all honesty anyone who was expecting this to be the ultimate workout experience hed thier hopes too inflated. Again this is a great thing to help the beginers and the "lazy" people (I am not trying to insult anyone), but anyone wanting an actual fitness plan needs to go to the gym and put the sodas, and junk food down. I do wonder about any negative comments written about this game. I wonder what snack food that person was eating when they wrote it. like if its a candy bar king sized with a 2 litter Mountain Dew, then no wonder it doesnt seem to work. If someone takes that approach then nothing will wirk. But those are just my thoughts. To all that own the game enjoy it, games are meant to be fun.
I got one of these yesterday (the very last one at the store) and tried it out last night. Man, it's cool. Well worth the price. To think I haven't touched my Wii in months and now it'll get a workout.