wii fit

Last week Harvard researchers released some depressing statistics about the future of obesity in the US, saying that close to half of us will be obese within the next 40 years. A large reason why, the study claimed, is because of our social networks redefining what is acceptable.

If socializing with people who make unhealthy lifestyle choices can lead to a skewed view about obesity, then encouraging those who may be less motivated to get into a fitness routine sounds like a good idea. And even if you're just in a temporary slump, thinking of your fitness goals as a game can get you excited about working out. Luckily in this era of technology there are many ways to make a night out of socializing and fitness, join others around the world who share your goals, or play a game to make burning calories more fun. Check out some console and online gaming options after the break.

As you may remember, I tried the Wii Fit for 30 days after its release. Although I did see some results, I don't think it was anything close to what G.I. Jane accomplished in boot camp. Nonetheless, the US Navy recently announced that they'll be adding games like Dance Dance Revolution and Wii Fit to the early stages of boot camp to prepare recruits for the rigors of what's to come.

Apparently, recruits are showing up prepared to work it out during training, but are getting more injuries in the process. Officials say that introducing other exercises — like you'd find on the gaming console — can switch things up and help recruits build endurance. The Wii has already been approved by the American Heart Association, why not the Navy? What do you think — can the Wii actually help the Navy build a stronger soldier?

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?

We knew the Wii Fit's balance board is to blame for hours of fun, and maybe even some weight loss, but sex addiction? That's news to me! According to a report out of the UK, a 24-year-old woman recently took a tumble off of her balance board and damaged a nerve, which led to a diagnosis of "persistent sexual arousal syndrome," giving her sexual cravings up to 10 times a day. Thankfully, the Manchester resident has been able to control her cravings at home and at work by "breathing deeply."

Granted, the report is coming from a UK tabloid so you should take it with a grain of salt, but it's a fun addition to your gaming news lineup for the week, no?

Confession: I love playing video games — I especially love them on the Wii because I get to move, jump, and shake myself into a tizzy. Three fitness games were released for the Wii this last week and even though it's not like doing the real deal outside, the games are a fun way to burn calories and whip your bod into shape.

Nintendo Wii Fit Plus ($20)  Wii Fit Plus is Nintendo's follow-up to the popular Wii Fit. There are new exercises, balance board games, and strength and yoga activities, as well as targeted exercise routines for things like reducing tummy fat and toning your figure. A great improvement is the addition of a calorie counter — after you complete each exercise the game tells you how many calories you've burned.

To hear about the other two games, continue reading.

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