Second Leg of a Wii Fit Plus Journey of a Fifty-Plus Mom

I know, I know! It's only been a little over a week since I started the Wii Fit Plus journey. However, I've tried lots of fitness activities that started out fairly lame and got progressively worse. I've not missed any days so far, and I look forward to my exercise time. All of my family members have participated at least enough to set up a Mii. That adds to the fun since they appear in any group workout settings. It's like getting a private workout, but still having the encouragement of your family.

Having so many options means that I can choose not only the type of exercise--Yoga, Strength Training, Aerobics or Balance Games--but also that I can do the specific activity that I feel I'd like to do (or need to do) on a certain day. Some days I've exercised with some Wii Fit activities that I've done in real life, like mountain biking, running and step aerobics. On other days I've branched out into slalom skiing and skateboarding. With the classification system, the personal trainer and the calorie-burning (METs) rating, I know what the activity is designed to do and how quickly I will burn calories while doing it. For the yoga and strength training exercises the personal trainer explains and demonstrates each move before you do it.

My favorites so far include Island Cycling, Perfect 10 (a workout for the hips), Obstacle Course, Rhythm Parade, Step Aerobics and Balance Bubble Plus (a balance game.) I've tried several others, most of which I've enjoyed. I have learned--to my dismay--that I absolutely stink at the Hula Hoop! I have not done any of the strength-training exercises, which I normally would. I justify this because my workout with the Wii comes right after I walk two 65-pound dogs that have been known to strain against the leash. After dealing with them, I'm not ready to face push-ups or side planks.

My husband, our 20-year-old daughter and our 16-year-old son are the other family members who have taken a real interest in Wii Fit. My husband had ACL surgery several months ago and really likes the Slalom Skiing and.the Obstacle Course as knee-strengthening exercises. Our daughter always spends several minutes on the yoga exercises before moving to other things. Our son often includes a bit of yoga and some strength training exercises before going to the aerobic exercises. Both of the "kids" enjoy Rhythm Kung Fu and Tilt City (for balance.) They both do VERY well with the Hula Hoop Plus routines--drat them!

Wii Fit Plus is attractive because:

1. It makes a daily workout feel like a family activity, even though you do it by yourself. Even the Mii characters for our dogs get involved by helping capture flags or critters.

2. The competitive aspect makes it seem more like a game than a workout.

3. You need very little space and no special equipment, although an exercise mat is nice for some of the yoga and strength training exercises.

4. You know as you exercise how long you've been actually working out and how many calories you've burned.

5. On "doldrums days" you can give your Mii a whole new look--skin tone, hair style, facial features. outfit. The machine does know your weight, so you can't get instantly skinny; otherwise, you can have a whole new you in a few seconds.

Onward and forward! I'll keep you posted!