Wii Fit Plus
The popular game system can help shed pounds and keep you entertained
By Michael Boyes

Chances are if you're a reader of Image magazine - and you certainly are at this moment - then you're undoubtedly concerned about how you present yourself to the world. And while the esteemed physicians featured in our magazine can fine-tune and bring out the best in your appearance, it is still up to you to begin and maintain an exercise regimen so you can feel good while looking sensational. That's where Wii Fit Plus can help

Today, millions of parents are sending their children to bed early so they can spend quality time on Wii, Nintendo's wildly popular gaming system. For about two hundred dollars, you can pick up the basic console and for another hundred you can get the Wii Fit Plus Bundle with the all-important balance board. A year ago, the demand was so high that you needed a lot of luck just to find a Wii console at your local Best Buy, or pay shamelessly inflated prices on the internet. Indeed, dozens of websites popped up out of nowhere, selling the phenomenon for more than twice the manufacturer's list price. And it wasn't just children fueling the demand - adults were leading the charge too.

Wii Fit Plus is like having a personal trainer come into your home and put you through a program of exercises without having to pay the $200 per hour. While you perform an exercise, your virtual personal trainer - your choice, male or female - gives you instant feedback, encouragement, and then lets you know how you have done, compared to your previous sessions. If you're fortunate enough to own a large LCD or plasma television, the experience mimics attending one of those workout programs held in your local gym, less the small talk with that certain someone you're trying to either discourage or, perhaps, encourage. Hey, do you come here, often?

The secret behind Wii Fit Plus is the balance board. You stand on the board and it quickly weighs you and adjusts the sensitivity so that your performance will be accurate. Your virtual personal trainer will demonstrate the routine. Then when you're ready, you begin your exercise, keeping an eye on the yellow circle. In its center is a black dot that moves, depending upon your ability to center your body while performing the exercise. If the dot moves frenetically around and out of the circle, your virtual trainer will give you tips on how to improve your performance.

It's about breathing and balance. What's more, it takes a lot of strength and balance to keep the dot in the center of the yellow circle. You'll be happy when your virtual trainer tells you, Good job!

Each exercise has a specific number of repetitions. The more proficient you become, the more reps you'll be allowed to do (there must be a legal thing going on behind the scenes). A smug smile will appear on your face when you learn you can now do 12, 16 reps per set. And then of course, there's competition. In my family, the four of us are acutely aware of which of us has the highest score - yes, it keeps track, damn it! So unless you have the machine all to yourself, expect to hear a little smack from your significant other, children, or roommates.

If you are still using the original Wii Fit, it's well-worth the $20 to upgrade your software to Wii Fit Plus. In this version, you can now custom-build a complete exercise regimen without having to go back to the menu every few minutes to select another exercise. With Wii Fit Plus, you'll now spend more time exercising and less time fiddling with the controller. Your workouts will be as demanding as you decide

For me, I have built a challenging 45-minute package of classic yoga poses, strength-building exercises, and a couple of fun aerobic exercises, including step-aerobics, and, my personal favorite, Super Hoola Hoops. But, friends, let me give you a word of advice: unless you have the gifted coordination, youthful looks, and the lean body of one of Beyonce's dance team, spare your family the visual and do this one by yourself. I do.

For fun, Wii Fit Plus comes loaded with a dozen or so balance games like downhill skiing, snowboarding, walking a tight-rope, and even a strange one where you have to sit on the balance board like an idiot, motionless for as long as you can ( I did it for 180 seconds!). So it's also fun. Your kids will love those games too

Over the course of a year, I have lost 23 pounds by using Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus. I think it's because each day I faithfully weigh-in. First, there's a drum roll. Then my animated likeness, called a Mii, will frown and put his hands displeasingly on his hips if I have gained more than a few ounces, or he'll wildly jump up and down, cheering, even if I have just lost an ounce or two. You know, honestly, I find myself passing on that candy bar or that side order of fries because the next morning I want to see my Mii jump up and down. I've bonded with my Mii. And no, I don't need therapy - thank you very much.

Anyway, try missing more than a few days. Your Wii Fit Plus will snidely say, Well, well, well, look who's back. If it isn't Michael! Or, how about, it's been 56 days since your last workout. I mean, really, the machine will call you out! But I guess some of us need that. I do. I've lost 6 inches off my waistline, increased my strength, and developed my coordination, as evidenced by the proficiency with which I can hold a yoga pose. IMAGE