The Nintendo Wii Fit: combining exercise with video games (Part 1)
fatpie42 just told me about the Nintendo Wii Fit, a mix of virtual reality with motion sensors. It's supposed to make exercise into a video game. You stand on a small rectangular device that looks like a weight scale. It's supposed to "replace your exercise equipment" and "help get families exercising together." This video shows what it does:
The Wii Fit looks pretty cool! Great mix of virtual reality with motion sensor technology!
The Wikipedia page talks about how this is an example of "exergaming" and "exertainment." It says "These exercises will provide a 'core workout,' emphasizing slower, controlled motions."
Would I actually buy something like this? NO!
Yes, it looks very cool and trendy. But how does it compare to following real exercise DVDs ( like Turbo Jam) and actually doing real yoga, pilates, baseball, tennis, skiing, skating, pushups, etc?
I don't think people will get as good a workout with the Wii as with real exercise. See how SLOWLY those folks in the video are moving? They are barely increasing their heart rate! And how can you exercise on such a tiny rectangular platform?
The Wii Fit seems to be trying to distract you from the "boredom" of real, old-fashioned sports and exercise. It also seems to be trying to "bring families together" by having people play video games AND exercise. But why can't those families bond together with REAL exercise or normal exercise DVDs?
If people really want to get in shape, they won't be "bored" by exercise. I'm not. I love seeing my progress and improvements in my body. And I love going outdoors to exercise.
If a family doesn't bond already and different members HATE exercise, do you think a Wii Fit will get them to change their mind? I doubt it. I have a hard enough time getting my mom to go for a walk. She hates computers and never plays any kind of games. The Wii Fit is trying to distract you from thinking that you are actually doing "work." Maybe it's a good idea for people who really really dislike exercise---maybe some of those computer nerds who are chemically bonded to their devices. :p
But I still think playing real sports and doing real exercise is plenty rewarding and better for your actual fitness than a Wii. :p
For example, one of the Wii Fit games is a virtual hula hoop. The girl watches an image of a hula hoop and weaves her hips, pretending she has one.
Why the hell doesn't she just get a REAL hula hoop? Or use her IMAGINATION, for a change? I can also imagine I have a hula hoop and shake my hips in the air.
We have a real poverty of imagination. :p
I see the need for this device, though. In a time where husbands can ignore their REAL wives and spend all day going on virtual dates with virtual spouses in Second Life, going out on virtual motorcycle rides and drinking virtual coffee, how can reality ever compete?
Click to viewThe Wii Fit looks pretty cool! Great mix of virtual reality with motion sensor technology!
The Wikipedia page talks about how this is an example of "exergaming" and "exertainment." It says "These exercises will provide a 'core workout,' emphasizing slower, controlled motions."
Would I actually buy something like this? NO!
Yes, it looks very cool and trendy. But how does it compare to following real exercise DVDs ( like Turbo Jam) and actually doing real yoga, pilates, baseball, tennis, skiing, skating, pushups, etc?
I don't think people will get as good a workout with the Wii as with real exercise. See how SLOWLY those folks in the video are moving? They are barely increasing their heart rate! And how can you exercise on such a tiny rectangular platform?
The Wii Fit seems to be trying to distract you from the "boredom" of real, old-fashioned sports and exercise. It also seems to be trying to "bring families together" by having people play video games AND exercise. But why can't those families bond together with REAL exercise or normal exercise DVDs?
If people really want to get in shape, they won't be "bored" by exercise. I'm not. I love seeing my progress and improvements in my body. And I love going outdoors to exercise.
If a family doesn't bond already and different members HATE exercise, do you think a Wii Fit will get them to change their mind? I doubt it. I have a hard enough time getting my mom to go for a walk. She hates computers and never plays any kind of games. The Wii Fit is trying to distract you from thinking that you are actually doing "work." Maybe it's a good idea for people who really really dislike exercise---maybe some of those computer nerds who are chemically bonded to their devices. :p
But I still think playing real sports and doing real exercise is plenty rewarding and better for your actual fitness than a Wii. :p
For example, one of the Wii Fit games is a virtual hula hoop. The girl watches an image of a hula hoop and weaves her hips, pretending she has one.
Why the hell doesn't she just get a REAL hula hoop? Or use her IMAGINATION, for a change? I can also imagine I have a hula hoop and shake my hips in the air.
We have a real poverty of imagination. :p
I see the need for this device, though. In a time where husbands can ignore their REAL wives and spend all day going on virtual dates with virtual spouses in Second Life, going out on virtual motorcycle rides and drinking virtual coffee, how can reality ever compete?