What’s Your Wii Age?

This question is going to be as common as “What’s your sign?” at the local pub within the next five years. I turn 40 this November, but my Wii age is 28!

You’ve likely heard of Wii gaming and the newer version or add-on console Wii Fit, the newly addictive interactive game by Nintendo that is igniting a fire under the overweight and under-active youth around the nation—not to mention those who are fitness buffs, athletes, and the generally physically fit Janes and Joes around the world. How much of an impact? Enough that numerous studies and reporter Pat Hagan for The Sun in Britian reported in December 2007 that Britain is beginning to use the Wii in its stroke victim rehabilitations:

“Brain-injury charity Headway says there have been remarkable improvements among visitors to its Shrewsbury day centre after it bought a Wii console in August (2007)." Chief executive Jean Robinson says, “You can notice the difference in how they use their bodies. We just bought it for our younger visitors for a bit of fun. But we were surprised at how even the older patients took to it. Brain-injury victims have trouble with all sorts of things, such as hand-eye coordination, concentration and attention span. The Wii seems to improve all of them. When the hands cross the middle of the body when using the Wii, both sides of the brain become engaged. Doctors believe this is crucial in stimulating the signaling pathways.”

Personally, I love watching my husband play his xBox shoot-'em-up games since I equate it to an interactive movie experience. But to actually play myself? No thanks. That was, until my girlfriend came to visit in March and brought her Wii and Wii Fit with her. After three days of using it with her and her eight-year-old son as well as my husband, I was sold. So what did my husband get me for Mother’s Day this year? You got it! A Wii Fit. It is addictive, fun, and lo’ and behold, it's good for me and my body. As much as I go to the gym, run and walk with my dogs, after doing just an hour and ten minutes of different yoga poses, strength training exercises, and balancing games I already feel the soreness’ setting in.

When I discuss physical activity and fitness with my clients, we are always trying to strike a balance between family time, personal time and physical exercise time. I can definitely say that by having a Wii with the Wii Fit add-on, you can begin to embrace a better balancing act. My husband and I on the first night we brought the Wii home used it together and bowled. It was a lot of fun! I can definitely see how this will be a great addition to improving our stay-at-home weekends with our 1-year-old son.

Feel free to jump on the band wagon. Don’t be afraid; the Wii doesn’t bite, but it may provide a few good hurts. And you’ll be able to answer the new hot question around the water cooler on Monday. And by the way, I am not receiving any endorsements from Wii, but I feel when there is a product that can truly support a more well-rounded and balanced family experience it is important to pass along my thoughts and perspectives.

Until next time, embrace your inner wisdom.

Namaste,
Karen