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Do You Use Wii For Cardio Exercise?

Anna Monette Roberts — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 01:30:05 PDT

Many people claim that Wii games like Just Dance offer sweaty, heart-pumping results. This weekend, I tried it out for myself. Using this heart calculator, I found my target cardio range should be between 98-146 beats per minute. After 30 minutes of dancing, my heart rate peaked at 120 bpm. I felt most of the work in my arms, and I did manage to break a sweat. While I did have a great time laughing at the dance moves and working hard to keep up with the choreography, I think of Wii games as a fun way to move and be active with friends but not a good substitute for a gym session. What do you think?

Workout Trends - Fad or Here to Stay?

FitSugar — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:13:42 PDT

Going through the same workout routine can be boring, which is why new products and methods keep people motivated to get fit. However, with so many options, it's hard to anticipate which technique or method will stick around and influence gym workouts nationwide. Now's your chance to vote on the workout equipment you think is a fad versus the ones that you are convinced are here to stay.

Motivating Social Games For Fitness Fun

Leta Shy — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:00:35 PST

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.

US Navy Recommending Wii Fit Training in Boot Camp

GeekSugar — Thu, 27 May 2010 03:47:13 PDT

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?

Nintendo Gets American Heart Association's Seal of Approval

GeekSugar — Mon, 17 May 2010 11:30:06 PDT

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?

Oh, My - Wii Balance Board Blamed For Sex Addiction

GeekSugar — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 01:47:05 PDT

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?

Have You Ever Injured Yourself Playing Wii?

FitSugar — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 04:31:13 PST

Sometimes getting healthy can be a dangerous thing, even when playing a video game. Being sore after an intense round of Wii bowling isn't too unusual, but a young girl recently suffered a foot fracture while playing Wiii Fit. Yowza!

The 14-year-old girl fell off of the Wii balance board, probably while doing one of the yoga poses that requires a bit of balance from standing on one leg. If you're unfamiliar with the Wii balance board, it's an accessory you stand on like a skateboard that allows you to mimic real life balancing moves, twists, and turns. Besides Wii Fit, the balance board is also used in skateboarding, snowboarding, and rock climbing games.

This girl is definitely not alone. During an intense game of Wii Tennis, a friend of mine was hit with a Wiimote. The remote came flying out of her opponent's hand and hit her squarely on the jaw. I'm curious . . .

Just Released: Three Fitness Video Games For the Wii

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:00:47 PDT

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.

Daily Tech: Pentax's Latest Red-Hot, Affordable DSLR

GeekSugar — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:05:42 PDT

Pentax's new K-x DSLR only costs $650 and it comes in white, black, or special-edition red and navy hues - CNET
MySpace Music gets a new, interactive homepage with several new features - TechCrunch
Pro baseball player Heath Bell was able to lose weight in the off-season thanks to Wii Fit - The Wall Street Journal
You can now pick up a T-Mobile G1 for only $130 - CrunchGear
Microsoft's search engine Bing is growing in popularity - Mashable
It's giveaway and game time on GeekSugar! Be sure to log in and play our Best Video Game ever bracket! - GeekSugar

Daily Tech: Wii Fit Plus to Be Available In the US on Oct.4

GeekSugar — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:11:55 PDT