So you stuffed your face on Thanksgiving, but now you're feeling a little down about your bod. Don't worry — there are plenty of ways to burn of a few calories without stepping foot in the gym. Fire up your favorite gaming console and pop in one of these titles that will have you working up a sweat in no time.
Clockwise from top left: The Goods Package ($156) from Manduka has everything your developing yogi needs from a high-quality mat to a towel and yoga bag. Help someone turn their Wii into a mini gym with the Wii Fit 7-In-1 Lady Fitness Workout Kit ($50). If dancing is their thing, then they'll love a Zumba Fitness Total Body Transformation Set ($65). Need something a little less, well, pink? Pick up a P90X Peak Results Package ($340); it takes you from lean to mean in no time! The SHAPE Pilates Home Workout Kit ($40) has everything needed to create a makeshift studio at home. A TRX Essentials Bundle ($270) continues to be a hot ticket item because it combines cardio, flexibility, and strength training into one workout.
To get people excited over the November release of Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2011 ($39), the trainer is giving fans a preview of her top 10 fitness tips from the game.
If you're not familiar with the Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum series, the game allows players to track fitness goals and progress, while also providing some kick-ass custom workouts. I definitely had a lot of fun playing it, but I think I love Jillian's DVD workouts more. An animated version of Jillian doesn't do it for me!
Check out Jillian's tips:
Super Mario fans, get excited! Nintendo has announced that, similar to Europe and Japan, gamers in the US will be getting the red Mario-themed Wii and DS early next month. 
The red Wii and red DSi XL, released to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the original NES console, will hit stores on Nov. 7.
The $199 Wii bundle includes a red console and new Wii Remote Plus controller with Motion Plus add-on, plus Wii Sports, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, and a red nunchuck controller. The new, red DSi XL will include Mario Kart DS and sell for $180.
Like the Wii but saddened by its lack of salon-centric games? Then mope no more, my compatriot, for Redken has created Busy Scissors, a new game that "allows consumers to perm, color, shampoo, cut, blow dry, and style hair." You work your way up in the digital salon by helping "unlock each client’s inner potential by finding their unique outward style." The game hasn't hit stores yet, but you can check out the video below for a preview. Do you think you'll be getting busy with this game later, or not so much?
Although a plump little plumber took over much of my game time over the past few weeks, I'm ready for a change of pace. And with this year's E3 on the horizon (along with plenty of gaming announcements), I'm even more excited for June to commence! Pass the time with a few of these games that are sure to keep you occupied all Summer long.
Reader HannahNicole recently shared one of her funny family tech stories with our Community:
Many of my recent trips home have centered on family game night, and while that used to mean board games, lately, and usually at my mom's urging, we end up playing a few Wii sports tournaments. Bowling is a favorite in the house, but since my Grandfather is an avid tennis player, we decided to switch it up and host a Wii tennis tournament when he came to dinner.
He stepped up, after we gave a brief how-to, and set out to take on my brother. He had his game face on, totally ready to bring on the competition. However, in prepping Grandpa to play, apparently, we missed one crucial instruction: you don't need to, nor should you make contact with your Wii controller and the television. My Dad jumped off his seat in a panic, when, on my Grandpa's first attempt to return, he approached the TV screen and whacked the Wii mote right against it. Apparently he thought there was some kind of motion censor that needed to make actual contact with the screen in order to work properly, but after inspecting the television for scratches and convincing him that this was not the case, the game continued — and dad ordered Grandpa to stay at least three feet back from the TV at all times.
Are your parents or grandparents as tech-savvy as you? Do you have a funny story to share? Then tell us about it by posting to our Funny Tech Stories group! You (and your fam) could end up on GeekSugar.
We've proven to ourselves that the Wii Fit can help you shed pounds, but according to the American Heart Association, the gaming console can be good for your health in more ways than one. Both the American Heart Association and Nintendo announced their partnership today in NYC, which will bring about a new AHA-branded Wii console box, and an endorsement for Wii Fit, Wii Fit Plus, and Wii Sports Resort (coming bundled with the new black Wii), which enhance the active play initiative founded by the Heart Association.
According to the AHA, the Wii console promotes movement and activity among kids and adults alike — 60 minutes of activity a day is recommended — which makes this partnership kind of a no-brainer. Exercise and gaming? Everyone can get in on that, right? You'll begin seeing the AHA label on the console's box, and new products focusing on health will likely be released in the near future.
Have you given up your Wii Fit, or are you still keeping active with it?
The sexy black Wii has been entertaining Japan since last year, but on May 9, residents of the US can finally get their hands on one — along with bonus games and accessories in the new standard Wii bundle.
Coming stocked with Wii Sports Resort and Wii MotionPlus (as well as the über-famous Wii Sports), the new Wii bundle will set you back $200 and comes in your choice of either a white or black console. That's a big savings, considering the Wii MotionPlus adapter and the Wii Sports Resort game retail for $20 and $50 (respectively) when bought separately. This bundle will become standard fare for gamers after next week, so if you darker-hued lovers want to coordinate all of your gadgets and consoles, now is your chance!
May is finally here! You know what that means? Why, Super Mario Galaxy 2 of course! I'm on pins and needles waiting for my copy to arrive, but that's not the only noteworthy title being released this month — check out a few more games I'd start saving up for now! Any on this list that you're waiting for?
