The Nintendo Wii console was released in 2006 along with two other seventh-generation gaming platforms, Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's Playstation 3. However, the advantage that the Wii had over its competition is its wireless handheld point-and-click controller, making for a directly kinetic, interactive experience that doesn't simply involve pressing buttons and remaining rooted to one spot.
Each Wii console came with the game Wii Sports when purchased. Right when you get home with your Wii, you would be able to play the tennis court, enter a boxing ring, putt a few holes, hit a few fly balls, and hit the bowling lanes, either alone or with a friend. Experts believe that Wii Sports is a great way for a very wide audience (youth and children, especially, are an important target market) to get active and involved when they swing round a remote that simulates a tennis game.
And more recently, in order to promote more in-depth physical activity, Nintendo released the Wii Fit. Using the Wiimote and the Wii Balance Board, the user is able to follow yoga routines, muscle training, and other exercises, all with the help of the Wii Fit's virtual trainer. It is able to measure your body mass index (BMI) and uses it in order to help you place your health goals as you progress with training. The game also places focus on defining one's centre of gravity to help with the work-out, and improving posture and balance—as such, the game seeks to appeal to virtually anyone of any gender or age group.
The effects of the Wii haven't gone unnoticed. In fact, one man embarked on the 'Wii Sports Experiment', where he added 30 minutes of playing Wii Sports to his regular routine, every day for six weeks, and at the end of the experiment, he lost nine pounds! The full article can be found here.
Of course, the Wii is no substitute for going out on a run or getting to play an actual tennis game on the court. But in any case, the Wii is meant to be seen as an extension or companion to strenuous exercise. So long as one knows what they are doing, it's a great way to get motivated towards a healthier lifestyle. And what could be more appealing than starting with a useful gadget from the comfort of your own home? Being accessible and fun, not only has the Wii been developed for our ever-growing lifestyle demands, but it also promotes the act of taking the time to focus on our health.
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