Keeping Fit and Losing Wiight

I enjoy exercise. Jogging, cycling, badminton and even the odd hula hoop are my preferred method of bum-firming and serotonin. I also enjoy videogaming. A lot. And an increasing number of people of all ages are merging these two seemingly opposing interests and turning to the one media previously chastised be the media for nurturing a nation couch-potato children; they are turning to computer games.

The Nintendo Wii has revolutionised the way we play, entertain and now how we keep fit. Forget a pricey gym membership and soggy tracksuit bottoms as you jog through endless muddy puddles, the most convenient – and fashionable – way to get fit is to get Wii Fit. There has even been a blog set up by an enthusiastic gentleman, dedicated to discovering the possibilities of weight loss in conjunction with daily exercise from the comfort of his living room.

Upon its release in various countries, Wii Fit has sold out in record time, much to the frustration of those who are in desperate pursuit of a copy. Despite the slightly steep price tag, the supplied board and range of mini-games coupled with fitness routines and personalised health information have proved a winner with individuals you would normally never find in your local games store.

It cannot be denied that the influx of curious faces thrusting money at Nintendo’s ingenious next gen console are helping line the pockets of happy games publishers, developers, manufacturers and retailers everywhere. Though through the rose-tinted haze of get-fit-quick transparency, are we forgetting about The Great Outdoors? Computer-aided exercise may require no more travel than a roll out of bed, but can you really say that twenty minutes of vigorous movement is as satisfying as a twenty minute cycle in the crisp fresh air?

Of course, I know this is fantasy. I know that for some jogging through quaint landscape or attending regular treadmill sessions is simply not possible. And for that, I have to admire the way in which the negativity associated with gaming has taken a subtle turn for the greater good.

Do you use a Wii to help keep you in shape? What do you think about traditional fitness methods vs digital methods?