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45…That is my Wii Fit age which is only…oh…TEN years off! I thought I was making a dent in my fitness goals, but the holidays definitely set me back. I’ve got ten pounds to lose at the very least, and since I don’t have a lot of time to work out, I’m using my Wii Fit U to get me back on track.
I’ve been a gamer since I was a child and have a particular affinity towards Nintendo, since my very first system was an NES. Nearly 5 years ago, I received my first Wii console, along with Wii Fit, which was and still is an innovative way to exercise. As is customary in the realm of technology, Wii Fit has been updated for Nintendo’s latest system, the Wii U. I had an opportunity to preview the game while in Bentonville last Fall and immediately found myself enjoying the short basic step workout I tried out.
Nintendo challenged me to participate in a Wii Fit U Challenge this Winter and since 1. I am technically considered overweight and 2. In need of some motivation and accountability in the area of fitness so I readily took on the challenge.
What is Wii Fit U?
Much like its predecessor, Wii Fit U is a an exercise video game which utilizes both the Wii Balance Board and the Wii U GamePad to engage users in fitness, strength, and and balance activities. In addition to the new activities Nintendo has added, Wii Fit U introduced the Fit Meter which closely resembles a pedometer (but better). This is my favorite feature because it means the system will keep track of all the walking and running after my kids I do throughout the day (and it counts!). Not only will the Fit Meter count your steps, it contains an acceleration sensor to measure intensity and an atmospheric pressure sensor to measure altitude changes. All this means is that the Fit Meter is that much more apt to accurately calculate the calories you’re burning based on what type of activity you’re participating in.
How Easy Is It To Set Up?
Once you’ve downloaded Wii Fit U from Nintendo’s eShop (this took about 2 hours) and synced the Wii Balance Board, you’ll have the opportunity to begin customizing your Miis (aka Avatar). You can password-protect each profile so that others can’t see your weight (for example) or more importantly, inadvertently use your Mii during their workout (which would totally mess with the results). Since I have 2 tech-savvy little kids, I took advantage of this feature. Once you’re all set up, you’ll begin by taking the Body Test, which will calculate your BMI and your Wii Fit Age through a series of balance tests. I went back to my very first Body Test and was surprised that my Wii FIt Age had gone down 5 years. I suppose I’m headed in the right direction.
Lastly, you’ll want to synch your Fit Meter to the Wii U GamePad so all of your activity imports to your profile each day.
What’s New With Wii Fit U?
Wii Fit users will likely feel a sense of familiarity when starting up this updated version. In fact, many of the activities from Wii Fit return in Wii Fit U, including those in the categories of Aerobics, Strength Training and Yoga. The new activities are seen in the categories of Balance and Dance (which is brand new to Wii Fit U). The additional 19 activities round out the total number to an even 70, giving you plenty of options to choose from to change up your routine.
Those who own Wii U are likely familiar with the GamePad which is a welcome addition to the system. This touch-screen pad is your portal to navigating through the menus and I find it much easier to use than the previous controller. One of the perks of using the GamePad is that you can work out (or play a game) without having to use the TV. Very often, my kids will watch a show while I’m exercising. Just be sure the GamePad is within the vicinity of the console. The GamePad also has a camera which means you can check your form while working on the Yoga or Strength Training Exercises.
Along with the ability to set personal goals, there is a new Personal Training Section that I absolutely love. Rather than doing random activities, I can customize my own routine based on the amount of time I want to work out or the number of calories I want to burn plus the intensity.
While I personally enjoy and even prefer to work out alone (I can get in and out much easier that way), I know that many people need accountability to accomplish their fitness goals. In our current social media-driven era, it makes sense that Wii Fit U would include Gym Communities. Here is where you can share your fitness achievements, compare scores, pose challenges and motivate others towards meeting their own goals.
Several years ago when I first reviewed the Wii Fit, my daughter wasn’t born yet and my son was too little to participate. This time around, we’ve involved the entire family and we’re having a blast (my son even create a Mii for our dog Niko!).
Stay tuned as I share how Wii Fit U has helped us achieve our fitness goals in the new year!
Wii Fit U, which will be released nationwide on January 10th, 2014, is currently available as a free one-month download through January 31st, 2014.
*Bonus* If you download the game before January 31st, 2014 and purchase/sync the Fit Meter (ARV $19.99) with your free trial version of Wii Fit U, you can keep the game forever! That is a savings of $30 plus you’ll have access to the game now, before it’s officially released. Please note that you also must own a balance board.
For more information, visit the official Wii Fit U site at WiiFitU.Nintendo.Com
Images: Nintendo
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