Home
RSS Feed
E-Mail
14 days ago I announced that I had swapped my 360 for my friend’s Wii and that I was going to try out the Wii Fit. My goal was to work out for 14 straight days. If I did, regardless of the results, I was going to buy myself a Wii and try like heck to keep it up.
2 weeks later and I’m proud to say that I haven’t missed a single workout. This may have been the first two week stretch of my life that I actually exercised every single day. Even when I was training for the marathon I took days off to rest. However, I stayed true to my goal and put in about 45 minutes per day, every day.
There were some days that it definitely wasn’t easy. Taking the Wii Fit to Iowa City to visit family was an adventure. I’ve been enjoying doing the exercises, but doing the Hula Hoop game with 5 relatives watching you is certainly a humbling experience.
But enough jabber. The big question on everybody’s mind is, can you get results? Can you actually lose weight playing video games? The answer is an emphatic YES. Check out the graph below:
I can’t believe I’m broadcasting to the world how fat I really am, but hey, it’s all part of the healing process. I thought about blurring the numbers on the left side, but let’s face facts, it’s pretty darn obvious that I’m seriously overweight right now! And the whole point of doing this is to actually take some action to remedy that!
See that big spike? That corresponds to the homemade Meatloaf and Macaroni and Cheese dinner we had in Iowa. Seeing all my results go up in smoke was incredibly depressing, but that was one heckuva good dinner! Despite that, a few days later I’d gotten it worked off. While I can’t say that I’ve been dieting, I’ve just been trying to eat a little better. One slice of pizza and some salad where normally I’d eat 2 or 3 slices of pizza. Bringing hundred calorie packs of chips and pudding to work, so even if I buy myself something from the cafeteria, it’s not out of control. This past weekend, I went to two BBQ’s, went out to dinner with the wife and went out drinking with friends one night. Despite all that, I gained one pound and lost it the next day.
I know people are going to attribute the weight loss to water weight, and maybe it is. Who cares? It feels great to see that graph pointing downward, I feel fantastic that I’ve worked out every single day and I’m actually doing something good for myself. I’m sure the weight loss is going to slow down and I’m going to have to fight for every pound. Suffice to say, I’m ready to.
So long as I’ve spent over 10 hours working out on the Wii Fit now (averaging about 45 minutes a day), I figured I’d do a mini around the world regarding what I like and what I don’t about it.
Like any workout, you get out of it what you put into it. People have said to me, “Yeah, but can’t you just shake the controller and get credit for running? Or just tap the board to get credit for situps without actually doing them?” YES, you can. And let’s face it, who are you cheating? Can’t you also go to the gym, chat with friends for an hour and leave and tell people that you spent an hour working out in the gym? Sure… But the only person you’re cheating is yourself. I bust my butt doing these exercises and I’ve really felt like I’m getting a good workout.
While there’s a wide variety of exercises and activities, I’m kinda bummed because I think I’ve unlocked everything now. Part of game mentality is that you have to keep working to keep unlocking bigger and better things. In this respect, Wii Fit peeks too early. Would be nice if there were continually new things to unlock, or downloadable exercises.
However, the ones that are there will definitely get you sweating and your heartbeat racing. 10 minutes on the hula hoop and you’re going to definitely be feeling it. Rhythm boxing is a blast and a great warmup. While you won’t get any new patterns after a while, it does mix up the order of them so every workout is different.
A few tips for the Step Aerobics and Running. With the step aerobics, once you’ve mastered the advanced class, you’ll unlock “Free Step”. This means you can watch your favorite sitcom while you keep stepping. Your Wiimote will announce how many steps you’ve done and how long you have to go. WAY cool. However, I just didn’t feel like I was getting a workout at their pace, even when you set it to the fastest pace available. Then I read somewhere that you can silence the ‘beat’ and just step at your own pace! So it will still announce how many you’ve done, it just won’t give you a beat to follow. Do that and then really take it up a notch. I hold two hand weights and get those steps per minute jacked way up there. I think my record is about 3250 steps in half an hour.
Similarly, when you unlock the free run, you can get creative with it. Free run asks you how long you want to run for, and then all it measures essentially, is how many times the controller goes up and down. But you don’t necessarily have to be running. I’ve used these time periods to do jumping jacks, and intend to use the time to do stairs the next time Aiden is out of the house. I’m sure you could come up with any number of other exercises as well.
Strength exercises and Yoga are fantastic when you pair them up, as the Wii suggests. I always follow their suggestions for related exercises and that works out pretty well. The situp challenge can be brutal, but I’m now up to 100 situps every session. Pushups are lagging a bit farther behind, but they’re improving steadily too. Honestly, if you really do the exercises the way they are meant to be done, you’ll get a heck of a workout.
Now that the first 14 days are behind me, I’m going to try my best to keep it up. If I falter, feel free to hold me to it! Who knows, at NECC maybe I won’t look quite so much like a Weeble Wobble! Regardless, I’m feeling pretty darn good. Even if I don’t lose another pound, I’m finally doing something to improve my overall health. Can’t go wrong with that!
Del.icio.us
Digg
Technorati
Magnolia
Newsvine
Reddit
119 Responses
Steve- Thanks for posting that. I just got my Wii two
wiiksweeks ago, and have been ‘working out’ with wii boxing – something that i probably would have been a little embarrassed to admit online before reading your post. Thought about getting the wii fit, but this has convinced me. Maybe I can pick one up on the way home!David Gran’s most recent blog post.. Dispatches from the Revolution 05/30/2008
Steve–thanks for posting and putting yourself out on the web like you have. Makes those of us who are thinking about the Wii Fit you have helped make the decision easier. Shouldn’t Nintendo be giving you a kickback–I mean you are blogging about their product. : ) (OK–I know that was bad, but I couldn’t help myself).
Steve,
This is awesome. I weigh about as much as you do, and I have been using Wii Sports for my workout. My results have not been as impressive, but I have lost nearly 10 pounds, so far. The only problem for me is that the Wii Fit is sold out everywhere! I can’t get one. When I do, though, we should have a race to see who gets down to 200 lbs, first. My ideal weight is 180, but I am just trying to get to 200 lbs, for now.
Jethro’s most recent blog post.. Reflection: On Arguing
Steve,
How much space do you need to make it work? My home office is kind of small, but I’d love to try it.
Steve,
I too am working on losing a few this summer, and I hope to have a solid routine in place before school starts again. Perhaps we can have an unplugged wii workout session every day of NECC- the social network that sweats together, stays together…or something like that- LOL. Keep up the great work-out.
WAY TO GO!! I can’t wait to see the lean, mean you at NECC
@Chris Not a ton. You need to be able to take a comfortable step in any direction from the board. Some of the exercises have you laying down and doing some stretches. So roughly enough room to do a snow angel
Our living room is pretty small, but the only time I’ve ever worried about the space is during the boxing game. There’s been a few times when I’m throwing a punch and thinking to myself, “Maybe that’s a little too close to the plasma!” Saw way too many accidents when the Wii first came out!
@vejraskaa heh, might need to work on that motto, but I love the idea. Was trying to figure out what the best way to take the ‘show on the road’ and do it in a group. I mean we can all do the excercises together, but you don’t get credit unless it’s plugged in. Who knows, maybe we can just do some jogging, powerwalking or aerobics as a group.
@Jethro Sounds interesting! I’d be game. We’ll have to talk over the terms. But I could always use extra motivation.
Steve congratulations. Drop by the TechSmith booth at NECC and I’ll see if I can get you a t-shirt for your hard work.
Good job, dude. Too cool.
Up to 100 sit-ups? Congratulations
Steve~I also have been working on the Wii Fit but everyday. Although you are seeing much better results than I am, perhaps I should move up from 30 minutes a day to 45 minutes a day! Keep up the great work!
Steve, that’s awesome! You are an inspiration to us ‘big guys’ (like me.) I’m going to have to get one of those! Thanks for the post!
Dave Solon’s most recent blog post.. An Interview with Jeff Corwin
Very cool Steve, thanks for sharing. I am still waiting to get mine (all sold out), but great to see it’s working for you.
Alec Couros’s most recent blog post.. Girl Who Silenced the World
Steve,
This seals it for me! I have been teetering on getting the Wii/fitness but I thought it was a phase. Sounds like a good workout. Yes, sold out here too in PA. Great, keep up the good work.
Robin Martin’s most recent blog post.. Summer Learning
Steve,
Thanks for the inspiration. I can’t wait until I can find a Wii Fit. They are hard to come by right now. Keep up the great work! Thanks for sharing this.
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the info. Keep up the good work! Exercise is about having fun. I was on the fence and now I’m going out to purchase. Does it need to be on hardwood floors or is carpet okay?
Heather
@Heather: It has little feet that can be attached for deep carpets, so that shouldn’t be a problem. I actually kept them attached even on the hardwood, just to add a little extra height to it
Steve Dembo’s most recent blog post.. Describe the skills or attributes you believe are necessary to be an outstanding teacher
Thanks for posting this info Steve,
My hubby just bought a Wii last nite, but could not find the Wii Fit. I love the Wii and your experience is just the motivation to inspire us to keep looking for it. I need to lose much more than just 20lbs, but knowing that this can help towards my ultimate goal is big.
Way to go, Steve! It really encourages me to see it working for you!
Thank you so much for putting this information on the web. I went and waited in line this morning for 3 hrs and finally got my hands on my wii fit.Your post sealed the deal for me also and yes nintendo should be sending you a check lol. I love it so far. We had ours on for 12 hrs today just playing with it (our whole family). It was tons of fun and my muscles are so sore so i may need a break tomorrow lol. We did not play on it this long for a workout , we were just checking it all out and couldn’t stop playing it was so much fun. If nintendo could do something with an excercise big to go with a wii fit program it would be fabulous. I actually saw an article about one that had been designed but may cost too much to produce. The wii mote goes in the pedal of the bike. I am so excited at all the possibilities they could do with this game . I just hope Nintendo doesn’t waste this opportunity because if they play their cards right they have a gold mine on their hands. Thanks again , you have really motivated me and now i have no excuse . You are proof it can be done!!!Good luck on your continued sucess with the wii fit and loosing weight .
Hi! Im trying the same, i try to do more than 1 hour every day, and a half hour walking outside or playing wii sports (tennis and boxe). to see it really works its a real motivation for me thanks! Im on my day 5 today!
Awsome!! I’m glad to see I’m not the only one loosing some weight. I was hesitant when it came out, but said.. “What if”. So I searched for about 3 weeks and found one. Tried it the first time and said “Wow, I’ve just done more exercise today then I have in the last 3 years combined” So everyday I’ve been doing around the 45-1hr mark a day on the fit. I’m on day 16(but owned it 40 days) it went back to nintendo for 3 weeks cause it was broke, I cut back on pop and junk food.. well, I went from 197.1Lbs now I’m at 183Lbs, Bmi Dropped to under 30 I’m 14 pounds lighter in 40 days. Does it really work? I’m on another hole on my belt, my jeans are like parachutes. I feel great and I’m not stopping. It definatly motivates me to help loose some weight.
Hey Steve – I have been using my wii fit every day for a month, and I love it too. And I love that I found a new ed tech blog to follow while actually googling for wii fit information – bonus! Trying to see if there is a bug that doesnt record some steps in the aerobics..
Nice site!
Myself, I, more and more sympathetic to the people want to
go and take them to Please, please link
http://beautiful70.blogspot.com/
I guess the Wii Fit really made the routine almost exciting for a while then as least fun. Trying to lose weight can feel like drudgery and we tend to lose motivation but you made it simple with the Nintendo. Way to go as you may have helped a few more take steps in the right direction
Richard Morden’s most recent blog post.. Frank Kern clip on Tony Robbins
Great post Steve and kudos for putting yourself out there with that info as it’s take a bit of intestinal fortitude to do so. Nice to see another thing that holds merit too and you can have fun doing it if your the gamer type. I say what ever works for you is what you should be doing, and if this works for you, may you WII yourself to a skinnier new you one pound ago!
Todd’s most recent blog post.. Weight Loss Exercise And Injury
Steve
Great great post. I’m excited to see that the Wii Fit is working for you, I have been thinking about getting one myself. I guess what makes the Fit so cool is it’s interactivity and the stats, it’s all about the stats.
As far as the cheating goes, I totally agree with you. If you cheat who are you really cheating. I remeber my teachers telling me that in high school many many years ago. If you cheat you are only cheating yourself.
The Wii Fit is a revolutionary device in video gaming. And hopefully is will combat weight problems in young children now and in the future.
Great blog by the way.
Dean
Does anyone find it uncomfortable to exercise in socks and not shoes? Do you have to go barefoot?
I don’t know how long I have been wanting to get a Nintendo Wii. I think that your discussion on it is definetly going to make me get one a lot sooner. I love that they finally came out with something that doesn’t seem like exercising.
I don’t know how long I have been wanting to get a Nintendo Wii. I think that your discussion on it is definetly going to make me get one a lot sooner. I love that they finally came out with something that doesn’t seem like exercising.
Wow! Good for you! Your experience has inspired me to break mine out again. Keep up your good work and the weight will just melt off.
i have a wii…but not the wii fit yet. i heard it took them a while to get it to the u.s. because they had to reenforce it for us fat americans. anyway, as soon as i can get my hands on one i definitely will. i know it will help me in in trying to lose weight.
I just started Wii fit and think its great. Good look with your weight loss.
Hi Steve! I’ve thought about blogging about the wii fit as well but I too struggled with showing my weight… I’m glad that you put yourself out there because you are right… you’re grabbing the bull by the horns and taking control of your weight! I love the wii fit and although I’ve only been doing it for about a week (taking only one day off) and only 30 mins a day… I’ve seen and felt the results. I’m glad that you are helping so many people make the decision to get the wii fit and get into shape!
I have a friend who has been using the wii fit and also findiing it actually quite a useful weight loss tool. Up till now I’ve been a bit more sceptical, so thanks so much for all the tips. I think I’ll go and try it out myself.
Great post Steve. I was looking for the best ways to use the exercises on the Wii to maximise my workout. I’ve only had mine for four days and have done 30 mins each day and plan to keep it up and increase the time.
Reading your post has motivated me more for what is to come
Yea
saw a review on gamespot recently and they also said it was good. Since they are now selling in romania I’m gonna get me one too 
Hi Anne here i think you have some real good ideas ,you should also try eating more bran,also check out this tailored weight loss plan,its working for me , http://trustedno1.stripfat.hop.clickbank.net/
Thanks for the story Steve. I got my hands on a Wii Fit from Zellers about a week ago and I love it. It really is encouraging to know that people are getting results and that it’s not 100$ spent on nothing. Keep it up!
Thanks for posting this, I went out and ordered myself a Wii and a Wii Fit got them both in 24 hrs from GameStop, I’ve been working out like crazy and having so much fun in the process. It’s only been about 3 days but I’m looking forward to my future results.
I have been working out for a month on the wii fit doing all the excercises, maybe its because I’m a woman, but I’ve only lost 5 lbs! And I’m starving myself! With diet and exercise I can’t really see where the wii fit is worth myself. Sorry but I had to put my two cents in. My husband has been doing the same diet WITHOUT the wii fit and has lost 15 lbs.
@heather, the problem may be that you are starving yourself. Depriving your body of food only makes it hang on to the calories it does get more tightly, converting it into fat instead of energy.
You HAVE to eat in order to have a healthy metabolism.
Steve – thanks for this review, it’s really encouraging!
Dear Steve,
I found your blog by searching for other people who have lost weight on the Wii Fit.
I got mine on November 10 and have lost 17 pounds to date(39 days). Since I’m so successful on it I’m watching what I eat (lots of protien, less fat) which is hard because I’m a vegetarian. I’m also using the “Free” settings so I can watch TV and walk/run at the same time. With three kids I never thought I’d find a workout that I could do at home and feel like I was actually getting a good workout. Wii Fit is an answer to my prayers. It is nice to hear that it is helping other people as well.
I bought the new Jillian Michaels Biggest Loser game and found out what a game is like that gets released before it is ready! It does not work with the board (can’t find the board), and it sometimes responds to the handheld controller or nun-chuck. I think it would be a lot of fun if I could have gotten it to actually work. I took it back.
Please keep us updated on your progress!
I have always struggled with my weight and about a year ago I did manage to put my mind to it and try to exercise and eat better. I ended up losing about 55 pounds (from 270) in about 6 months. At about 215 I found it harder to keep it up and started gaining some back, got back up to around 230, which I found quite devestating because I worked hard to get it off. I had been wanting the Wii Fit since I heard about it on a commerical and thought it sounded like a good thing to get. I got it around 2 weeks ago and have been working out almost everyday, but not every single day. I haven’t really lost a substantial amount of weight, but I think the contributions to that is weight fluctuation from drinking water (which I do a lot) and gaining muscle because I can feel the muscle and have places that I am sore and muscle does way more than fat. I find it easier to keep a consistent workout with the Wii Fit compared to just going out and exercising and its easier than looking at a video and trying to mimick it or trying to read instructions on how to do a certain exercise. If you really aren’t in the mood for a huge workout (there are those days), you can at least have fun with the games and get some exercise out of it. I look forward to more exercising games that I’m sure will come out with time (minus the Jillian Michaels game, which I’ve read was horrible from every single person who have tried it). This game can seriously help with weight though, especially if combined with a proper diet, the results would be tremendous.
Hi, I live in Italy and I had my WII & WIIFIT as a presents for Xmas. 4 days… and a big big love for my WIIFIT. It’s really a good exercise and, even if I don’t have a weight problem, i’m trying to move my BMI from 23 to 22. It’s very easy and simple and doing exercise is totally a fun experience. The only problem is to set down my boyfriend from the WiiFit, he loves it too! Thanks 4 sharing your experience, and keep it up! Cheers from Italy
I have been playing wii fit for three days now and i have gained weight.
so maybe its muscle first then weight?
let me know how anyones progress is going.? :]
jamie, i gained 2 pounds too! i’ve been doing it for 6 days. i’m hoping it is muscle…i AM sore. i’ll keep tracking it and hope to start losing!!!
I wondered, when you say you’re able to do “free” walking or stepping, what is this like, exactly? And, two people mention watching TV…Are you watching it on another TV, or just switching the video input to TV while the wii is still going? Thanks!!
Wii Fit has had good results for me, but does anyone know a way of unlocking free step without advanced step aerobics. I am absolutley dreadful at that.
Steve – Great Job Keep at it!
I have had the Wii Fit for 4 months, although, I found it gets boring, as there is not much to it, once you have unlocked everything. I do it about 3 times a week for 40 mins and have lost 14 pounds which is a healthy weight to lose it at. I found the best way to really work it out.
30 Mins Free Step ( on silent) then, I do the Hula-hoop for 10 mins, which really gets my heart pumping. Then a few Strength training, the hula hoop again for 6 mins, and then Yoga as a cool down.
There are more games now for the fit to exercise to, they are as well pretty good!
Hey,
I really enjoyed reading your post. I wanted to ask if you have tried the free run? If you did, are the miles ran accurate? There is much dispute about this online and was wondering if anyone actually knew.
Thanks,
Jen
Congrads! I, too, lost weight with the Wii Fit. I am a stay at home mom with no one to watch my kids so that I could go to the gym, so I bought a Wii Fit(thinking: there’s no way a VIDEO GAME was going to help me loose weight, but what the hell!) I am on my 10th day, working out an average of 1hr. everyday, and lost 5lbs. and a total of 5″ !!! I eat pretty healthy anyways, so I haven’t changed my eating habits, but before Wii Fit,I had no exercise, except the crazy errond running that all “supermom’s” do
So, congrads to everyone out there that motivated themselves to use the Wii fit to thier advantage!
I just got a wii fit a dya or 2 ago and its such easy exercise.. Although i do also recommened getting the family trainer aswel doesnt measure your wieght and fitness it tell you ho wmany calouries you’ve burned per session but i find the activities on ther just as fun.. im pretty fit and i found the exercises a bit more strenuous on the family trainer and just as fun! x.x
I Received a Wii Fit for Christmas. I have to tell you that I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and find it very difficult to exercise. However, the Wii Fit allows me to go at my own pace, finally get some exercise, and I feel better. while I can’t do the running I can move my body and swing my arms. Yahoo! wii Fit can also help elderly people say in better shape. What a great invention.
I decided to try the wii fit as a way to help me lose weight. So far ive done 27 days straight. I haven’t lost any weight but i am toning up big time.
I guess my fat is turning into muscles first wich is cool, i can def see a huge difference in my stomach. I can’t wait to start losing weight. In the meantime though i can def breathe better, i have way more energy then i use to. The wii fit was the thing to motivate me to get off my fat butt lol Congrats to all those who lost weight! Keep it up !
I bought my kids Wii and Wii fit for Christmas and will say its been over a month with 30-45 minutes a day and I’ve managed to lose 35 lbs just by working out everyday and altering my eating habits a bit. Its definitely something I’d recommend to anyone 25 and over thats feeling that major drop in their metabolism. My weight loss is slow and steady, but as Steve mentioned … I feel FANTASTIC.
thanks so much, one, for being informative and helping my decision in purchasing wii fit, and 2 for your bravery and lack of embrassment with sharing screen shots… more courage than i have! keep up with the good work, and keep us posted!
Hi Steve
Well done, thats excellent, i too bought a wii fit,i have been using it for a week now and i have to say i feel great and get a good workout. I am use to working out and find that the wii fit it used correctly without cheating you will lose weight. I have already lost 4lb by doing a 45 min daily workout.
Well done
Ashley
Hi Steve,
Thanks for putting yourself out there. I just recently got Wii fit, and like some of you it was hard to find but just keep looking for it and eventually you’ll find one and it’s worth EVERY penny and it’s perfect if you are too embarassed or shy to go to the gym. I work out every day when for 30-45 mins a day and WOW do I feel it in my muscles! You’re right, if you cheat, who are you really cheating? YOURSELF! I do more of the Yoga and strength ones, I never thought I would ever like yoga but I LOVE it! As long as you watch what you eat and how much of it and use Wii Fit, you will see results.
Congrats on your achievement!
Way, way to go. I just bought my wii and wii fit today, loving it! i am also hoping for a weight loss. Keep up the great work my friend! and thank you for sharing!
Hey, all I just wanted to say I began using the Wii Fit today. I am in pretty decent shape, but when I started using it, I was sweating like a mad man, and I am only 22 yoa. This thing kicked my A$$ better than my gym. I am thankful that I found this little gadget.
Hey, thanks a bunch!! i got a wii fit last thursday and i’ve only missed 2 days of workout but I do a body test everyday though. and knowing that results are there (which I always thought they were) I wanted to be absolutly sure though. Thank you so much!! you have inpsired me to work even harder on it =D
I think that any weight loss program is better than no weight loss program. The Wii Fit makes losing the extra weight fun if you can get into some sort of routine. I came across this website http://www.wiifitroutine.com it has a couple hundred routines already created as well as this routine generator program that allows you to create custom routines. Wii Fit Routine seems to be a good environment for people serious about losing weight with their Wii Fit
No wander you are losing weight, you are stopping eating and getting up and moving around. Anyone would lose weight
Hey, thank you so much for posting this! It was really encouraging to read about someone who’s taking a positive approach to exercise! I’ve decided to change my diet and exercise routines because I want to be healthy. Since my brothers have a Wii, I Googled to see if the Wii has worked for others as a serious exercise tool. Your post is so motivational! I’m at 130 right now and I’m hoping to reach 123 by using the game. Oh and it’s nice to hear all that from a gamer’s perspective; like the part about the game peaking too early. Don’tcha hate when that happens?
Been exercising at gym for 5weeks now, finally up to 30 min on elliptical…plus walking a mile and weight all 3-5 times week…haven’t lost a pound soooo discouraging…going to get my wii fit tomorrow.Really hope it works with cont gym routine.
Thanks soooo much Steve, now i am inspired to lose weight, i am about 135lbs, i know that is normal for my weight, but i am still chunky, and now i am inspired to go and work out and try to reach around 100-115. Thanks!
You say that you can turn off the sound on free step and have gotten over 3000 steps.. but when I tried that.. the board only registered the steps that were completely in sync with the rhythm on the screen.. am I just doing something completely wrong here?
I have had the Wii Fit for almost 60 days and I have lost almost 20 pounds and my blood sugar is now normal everytime I check it. I exercise from 30 min. to an hour every day and have not missed a day. I also changed my eating habits. I am old (57) so I don’t think my metabolism is as great as a younger person, but I had been a couch potato so long that I love this. I hope I can continue on and possibly get the Wii Active – does anyone know anything about that?? My favorite activity is the advanced step, sometimes I do it four times in a row!! – that amounts to 20 minutes.
I have the wii fit for 2 days, and I’m impressed with it, I’ve done the exercises that are unlocked, all of them in each day, and I really lost some weight only in 2 days, and I didn’t even start to eat properly…
I’m that kind of person that always says “this is it, this time i’m really going to lose some weight” but I’m always too lazy to go to the gym, and now I can say, without being laying to my self, I’m gona achieve my goals and having fun playing a game at the same time, it’s great…
Thanks for your testimonial =)
Good on you, what an amazing weight loss!!!
I got my wii fit a few days ago, and was a bit skeptical of whether i will loose wight if I stopped using the boring treadmill, and you are proof of that.
Ive been reading that it doesnt help you at all, but seeing your amazing results I will stick to my hour a day routine…
Which activities are best to loose weight?
Ive been using step up, and it must be working as I can barely walk with the pain lol
And I can only set it to loosing 10 kg, is this right, or should I be able to choose more…. I want to loose about 18kg
This is awesome my wife and i both have gym member ships and never go. We have a 11 month old and this Wii fit we seen at the local wharehouse superstore and iM going to go buy it. I will lose the weight as well.
Was reading your blog and you mentioned “Rhythm Boxing.” Can you tell me where to find this? I am going to be purchasing “Punch Out” which seems to give a good workout (tried it at the store). Thanks and great job with the weight. I have a long “weigh” to go myself.
wow i am 101 lbs i could really use this thanx for all the info .
Hey Steve,
Thank you for sharing.
I started Wii Fit today and totaled to an hour and a half of messing around. An hour and a half is a lot though, I’ll probably average half an hour if I get into it. Which speaking of, my one fear right now is abandoning it after a month… We’ll see what happens.
Thanks again,
E
I’m about to embark on a Wii exercise routine (30 minutes a day) to start whittling down my weight and your blog was great to read and has given me lots of incentives and tips. Steve, I don’t think anyone really cares about the numbers on the side of your 1st graph (the ones you thought about blurring). All we care about is that that the green line went DOWN!!! Well done.
Great Job! Wii Active is very good as well!
Wow – your results are impressive! I started with the Wii Fit 2 weeks ago, have only taken 3 days off from exercising and have lost 10lbs. I have started eating better and the Wii definitely keeps me motivated – I love to get on each day to see how much I’ve lost. When you don’t have motivation to go to the gym, this is perfect – it’s a lot easier going to my basement to work out – no excuses! Your post was great – thanks!!
Steve,
I too am using Wii Fit. Not trying to loose weight but rather gain mussel strength. But its been over a year since this post and id like to know how you’ve been doing with this since you started the blog.
Thanks for the great report. I am at my wits end trying to motivate myself to exercise, but I always get so bored. I think this might keep me entertained. Thanks so much!
Just thought you’d want to know that our school nurse started the Wii Fit last January 2, 2009 and by August 8, 2009 she had lost 45 lbs.! I just bought mine today and am going to start soon!
Wow! i am amazed at how many people have responded to this.
My lover just got me the wii for my birthday, but even before having it I was curious about the balance board and wii fit.
Reading all of these responses, and you people giving your stories certainly is motivation for me!
I had knee surgery when I was 22, so my metabolism slowed much sooner than rest of family guys that were tooth picks till about 35. That combined with knee pain and still smoking all the while turned insanely lazy, I find it even more exhausting trying to work out.
I played bowling at a friends once and though “WoW, this is great”. I joke how Nintendo said “Okay, America you are fat enough, here is something to lose your weight while liking video games…” lol, but all in all seems worthy.
Congrats Steve and everyone here who has put their dedication to this, I am definitely getting one as soon as possible. If not to lose weight, to turn this flab into muscle I am still young and I have no reason I should be in such horrible shape!
Thanks Steve,
You pretty much were the reason that i am going to buy wii fit. Thanks for sharring your story with everyone. It is truly an inspiration.
HEY!! Merry Christmas everyone!!! I am an overweight 23 year old female….and FRUSTRATED… I joined the gym went for about a week then got bored and tired of the stares some aneriox’s gave and quit. Tried jogging but got tired and off track when winter came. So my loving Mother got me the wii fit for Christmas and I am so excited to try it out!!! I look forward to coming back here to share my weight loss with ya’ll!!!
Good luck to all!!! And remember 1 day off track equals 1 mistake not failure!!! WE CAN DO IT!!!
I got my WII FIT the beginning of October. I started out playing with it a couple days then I got serious and used it for 50 monutes a day at least 6days a week. After a month I added another hr, totaling 1hr 50 minutes a day. I only do the aerobics excersises, to burn calories, as stated and I usually do atleast 30minutes “free stepping” while watching TV. Along with that, I also watch what I eat, 1 cup of coffee, then water all day until dinner and then diet soda. 3 300 calorie meals plus 2 100-100 calorie snacks. Its not a but a way of life. I do usually indulge once a week, at which to wII shows weight gain BUT overall my weight is continually dropping. I started at 165 and as of last week, I am 144! That’s 21 ponds. You can not diet to lose weight. it has to be a life style change. i will not stop exercising or eating right & I accept that I will indulge once in a while. The main benefit of the WII Fit is you can continually watch the weight drop because it measures “parts of pounds” so you can see your weight drop everyday.
Steve,
You’re an inspiration. Even though I don’t know you, I feel proud that you’re disciplining yourself and I hope to do the same. Keep it up!
hey there steve,, just wondering how is the weight lose going dude?,, got my wii fit plus for christmas
loving it….
hello. my mother bought the wii fit last august and lost 25 pounds by thanksgiving. i was in awe and we bought a wii for the kids for christmas..but not the wii fit. At christmas, my mother had lost another 6 pounds and looked fabulous. i have been working with a trainer at the gym for a year but had started to stall in my progress, mostly due to illness and the hand holding food to my mouth disease!
i bought the wii fit the day after christmas and my kids and i love it. the workouts are good but i found they were not quite difficult enough, and bought the wii active. Love it, it is like having a personal trainer in my house. Now i bought the extra workouts and am doing all three every night. I cannot believe how much i don’t miss television. thank you for your post..wish i would have looked a year ago.
Hey Steve, I am glad to see that this website is here. I got the Wii fit for Christmas from my husband. Let me tell you I love it. We are going to Cancun in March and I have about 35-40 lbs I want to shed. I have already in one week lost 4 lbs. I am really excited. I only use it 4 days a week and for 30 minutes but after reading what you have done and accomplished i am going to do this every day and 45 minutes. Thank you so much for your inspiration.
Great job!
I just Wii Fit Plus and was looking around to see who had success on the internet and your story is really inspiring! I’m so proud! Keep up the great work!
This thread’s been going on for 2 years? I would love to get an update on how you’re doing, Steve! I got Wii Fit Plus this past Christmas, but didn’t get around to setting it up until about 24 days ago, and started right in. The first week I did mostly step, step, step, but felt I wasn’t getting enough of a challenge – not sweating or anything. I mean, the free step for 30 mins makes your butt and thighs a little sore, but really, it’s way too easy (never thought of your tip of turning off the sound and going faster!). So I switched to running. The first day, I did the short run. At the end, I literally thought I was going to have a heart attack.
This was the 3 minute run….lol. I could hardly do it! So the next day I did it again, and it was a little easier. The next day I did it again, and it was a little easier. I tried the 5 minute run, and then the island run. And unlocked the free run. Tried the 10 min run, then the 20 min, and then the 30. So, here I am, 24 days later, and I’m doing the 30 minute run, twice a day! I’m running, too…not jogging. Running. I never thought I would say this, but I love it. And I’ve lost 10 lbs already, only by exercising, no change in eating habits. Except for no food after dinner. But am still eating pizza and cake and pretty much anything else. Wii Fit Plus rules! LOVE it.
Hey Steve great review, thanks for being so open! I would love to hear of your progress since then.
Best to you,
Curtis
I see now I can lose the flab & have fun at the same time
Before, I thought it was just a simple board with easy mini games……..I played it at my cousin’s & it said I lost many calories in a short amount of time…..:D
It’s amazing about how you get your own little profile with it.
A lot of high tech gadgets – but hey, you lose poundage as you get some fun out of it! ^-^
-Coliee
Good job!You are so funny just thought Id tell you that!My hubby and also have wii fit and boy can we feel the burn with the exersises lol!
Hi- good job! I googled -”will wii fit track weight loss”- and yours was the first site to pop up. I am encouraged. I have been doing WW and walking, biking but feel I need more to get rid of the Mama Kitty Pouch.
Thanks for posting! Keep losing!
Erin in Maine
mom to 4
32pounds lost
Hey! Thanks for posting this! I’m a 13 year old that weighs about 200lbs and I REALLY Want To Lose Weight! I’m About to buy a wii and i’m gonna buy wii fit with it. my mom wants to lose weight to and she says that she wants that game when i buy the wii so yeah. I’ll comment my results when i start lose weight!
Hi..
Iam a 55 yr old woman..was looking on here, so many of you who have done well..I got a Wii and the Wii Fit as well as the Wii Fit Plus..and a few other Wii exercise games such as Personal Trainer and Gold’s Gym.Wii dumb bells, etc. I have not yet started..but will be doing so in next hour or so..was just getting some feedback if it has helped people to lose weight or inches..and I figure if I workout 6 day a week for 45 mins or so..is alot more then I have been doing..so gotta help in my weight loss goals..I have lost 32 lbs in past 18 months doing a weight workout which has helped alot as well as define my muscles in arms, shoulders and abs..still have 30 to lose..but am home alot as I have a 35 yr old autistic daughter who lives at home with us still..so I am not always free to leave the house..so this I can do at home, whenever it suits me..will post again with my finding and results
I have been on a special programme now ( Including the wii fit ) for a few years now and I must say I feel great. Weight loss is a must , it makes you feel good and even look better. I see the whole world in a different way. A little bit of motivation and all will be great. Great Article…
Hey Steve!
I am a 40 yr old and need to loose approximately 40 lbs. Like to have it done by June of ’11, so we shall see if the Wii will do it for me! 
Thanks for posting! Curious to know if you continued on with this program through the years? If so, what were your results? I have a Wii Fit and will be starting at small goals. 2 wks to start, then will go to 5 and then 10. keeping my goals in small doses works better for me.
-Angie
This is a better way to lose weight. I’ll definitely buy a wii fit now.
Bob Brendon´s last blog ..Privacy Policy
This is wonderful. A way to lose weight while having a great time. Of course it makes perfect sense. Playing the Wii is definitely good exercise. Combining healthy eating with playing the Wii seems like a great way to stay healthy and trim.
Wayne Baker´s last blog ..Weight Loss For New Moms- Does SENSA® Provide an Opportunity
I was so glad to read this blog. Our family has put off getting a Wii for some time, well the last time we bought a system it was a new Nentendo64. Last Friday 1-14-11 we decided it was time. My husband and I have 10 kids and so we really wanted this to be something for the whole family to play with. Turns out it has been AWESOME. We found out only 8 of us can log in our information which works cause not all of them wanted to graph their progress. We are on day 6 and I’m super stoked about going home after work and logging my info. I also love that I can put in my walking time with my walking partner 3-4 days a week. We have unlocked a few things but then theres always the race to the number 1 position so that keeps things fun and exciting. I’ll check back later.
Steve:
Thanks for posting. I also have been doing the Wii fit. I received it and the board from my husband for Christmas. I had been doing just the basic stuff, and he thought I would like the entire thing. Well, I have been feeling better, I have been excited about getting to it every day, and I got one of the best compliments I have ever had from my 22 year old daughter. “Mom, your bum is getting smaller…”. I told someone that I am addicted, LOL. It is more fun to be able to do it alone and then get some good positive reinforcement.
Alyce
Wow, that is awesome. The numbers really do tell the truth don’t they.
You go girl!! I am so proud of you…….it takes so much to take on a task and to stick with it no matter what! I too am joining you in this endevour… the ups man should be deliviering my walking program for the wii and my accessories for making the board into a step board… I ordered them from Amazon a few days back …but here is my secret weapon that I am going to share with you… three simple words that I have adopted as my own mantra…
“Make It Happen”…. thats it…………short, sweet and gets ya right where it hurts!!! LOL
The only ones who can do it for us …………is US!………pay no attention to the nay sayers……..keep your log .. chart your course and steer your ship ……….YOU are on the right path to health and to happiness!
and I am joining you in your adventure!
Thank you for a great post. I have been trying to use the Wii for working out but am not feeling it with just the Wii Sports and Wii Sports resort, need something a bit more to keep my interest and work out more then just my upper body (which isn’t the problem anyways). I appreciate your honesty and candor about the product. I think it is time for this gamer chick to go pick up a Wii fit and start feeling the love
halfling´s last blog ..New Section coming to the blog
Scouring the web for some grain of hope for weight loss with this game, I came across your article. My motivation has now gone sky high. Thanks!!
Hey great post Steve you have reinforced my decision to get a wii, which I was going to get tomorrow. I was hoping it would be a great way to loose weight & hopefully get fit again like i was before I had my twins. Yes having twin 10 month old boys & a 4 year old girl does make it logistically hard for me to even think about the gym! Hope you are still tracking well with your daily workout.
Hi there Steve.
Im sorry to say this. But i think the Wii Fit or any other products that actually say “you will get fit” does not work.
This is coming straight from me. I went to the arcade with my buddies once, and i seen this weird video camera thing so i thought why not play that? It looks interesting. And it was the “Kinect” . I tried Triathlon – Boxing – Ping Pong. But let me tell you, i didnt even feel a thing, no pain or nothing. So by that i think it doesnt work, it does not get you fit.
Heres what i do, i go to the gym 4 times a week, go Jogging in the stadium 5 times a week, play basketball whenever i can.
Thats what makes me healthy not some sort of video game stuff.
Im sorry i just needed to say that.
Bro, if you wanna lose weight and become fit, go to the gym.
Sincerely,
Josef
My Name is David, im 13 and I would want to know what kind of routine you used to loose weight or what routine can I follow yo loose 4 1/2 Pounds in a month.
Hi
Any suggestion for me to do wii fit ? I want to loss my weight… which type of exercise I have to do ? Hope you will help me to find out .
Thank you
Hi my name is Tracy and I am 13 years old I weigh 137.8 pounds and I lost 5 pounds with the wii.I went from 142.8 to 137.8 in 5 days by using the wii fit for an hour or more each day followed by cutting back on sweets and watching what I eat.but im just wondering when the wii days I’m down 0.7 pounds is it lying?
•Jethro- try ebay its a great site , even tho some of the stuff is secondhand some of it isnt i use ebay all the time u can get alot of great stuff off there, Good Luck.
I have lost 15 pounds since doing it, and I am eating better. I’m 25 and feeling good. I am half way to my goal. My question is, is it normal to fluctuate with weight loss? I wear a tummy slimmer or a sauna suit when doing it. But I want the results to come quicker.
Josef’s comment above makes no sense. He’s comparing one short session on a different game and game system and trying to put that up against Steve’s documented results.
True, Wii Fit does not compare to working out at a gym. But the game is geared toward people who are just starting to get active, or need something to supplement their workouts. On that level, Wii Fit is a terrific tool to have in one’s workout routine.
I’ve lost 7 pounds in about a month, combining Wii Fit workouts with smarter eating. My BMI is quickly approaching normal range.
Hey josef, Bro, Brosef, Brofag, GTFO and go hump your basketball buddies in the gym k.
P.S.
- Why do you feel the need to comment on a wii video game console post when all you are going to do is quickly say “it doesnt work, cuz i tried something different and it didnt hurt”. Go away kid, go away.
Hello, interested to read all the comments here. I’ve just done my 15th consecutive day with my Wii Fit and NOTHING has changed! Nothing! My BMI is the same, my weight is the same! I really thought something would’ve happened by now; I’ve gone from doing absolutely no exercise to over an hour a day. I try to do at least half an hour of aerobic, and some of the muscle stretches and a few of the balance games too. I’m not going to give up – I’m really enjoying it and really starting to push myself to reaching harder goals. But I wondered if I’m doing anything wrong, or expecting results (something, ANYTHING!) too soon?
Thank you so much for writing this article. I am really proud of all the work you have done and I hope that you continue to keep it up! I just got the Wii Fit and am on my 8th day. I have not seen any physical results yet but my mood has drastically improved. I can’t wait until my graph looks like yours!
lost 7lb in 10 days with wii fit plus and mj experience about a hour a day
I agree with the positive comments. I am not a gym goer and I do not like to exercise. However, I am a competitive person. And the wii fit plus is just what I needed to think about getting in shape. I love this and I too have lost weight and feeling much better than I ever have. I logged in today and it says day 27. I have never in my entire life committed to anything this well before. Thank you Nintendo.