When your sweet little daughter can best her teenage brother in a boxing match, there’s got to be something going on. Sound crazy? Not really. It’s just another night on the Wii.
The great thing about this interactive video game is that the whole family can get fit together, no matter what your differences in age, size, or skill level. The Wii Fit is a great equalizer! Here are some tips for getting your whole family involved in this fun fitness program at home:
Schedule a routine Wii event
Exercise is only effective when it’s a regular part of your schedule. Set aside one night a week when instead of watching a movie, you get out the Wii Fit and get moving. If it’s a regular event, it won’t be long before it becomes a tradition.
Safety first
While the Wii is in general quite safe, it can be dangerous if participants stand too close together, if they overexert themselves, if they trip on the carpet or furniture, or if they perform exercises using poor or incorrect form. Emphasize safety first! Make sure the wrist strap is always used with the hand remote, and clear the area before starting. Help kids with their posture and form, and ask them to check yours out, too.
Start slow
Some of the activities can be pretty complicated – and therefore frustrating – for smaller kids (or uncoordinated adults!). Start with easy-to-learn activities like skiing and running, and then move on to some of the more advanced options.
Compete!
A little friendly competition is great motivation. Hold your family’s own Wii Olympics. Compete against each other individually, or choose teams. The Wii Fit automatically tracks high scores and personal bests. You might even want to have medals and awards; even an awards banquet!
Keep it fun
No matter how fun the activity starts out being, if it’s mandated, criticized, or pressured, it will soon be a chore. Don’t turn the Wii Fit into drudgery. Keep it fun by not taking the competition too seriously, by letting your kids beat you every once in a while, and by being willing to look like a complete buffoon. The more you get into it, the more fun it will be!
Get outside
While the Wii Fit is better for your body than sitting at the computer playing Solitaire, it still can’t match playing a rousing game of tag on the playground or riding your bike around town. Balance indoor activities with more vigorous outdoor, “real” physical activities to optimize your family’s health.
Everybody gets to be a kid again when you join in a Wii Fit sporting event. Get fit and have fun!