Can I get a good workout with a Wii?
If you own a Nintendo Wii, you know it can be a very fun and enjoyable activity for the whole family. Did you know it also has a lot of great health benefits?
In fact, there have been several studies done on the health benefits of the Nintendo Wii. One such study was published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research in February 2014. This study selected 22 people, with half classified as doing high intensity trained exercises and the other half classified as doing low intensity exercises. They all played four different games on the Wii, including boxing, tennis, cycling, and step. They also worked out on a traditional treadmill and stationary bike. The results on all of these modalities were then measured.
While the Wii was not as effective in building cardiovascular health as the bike and treadmill, the results were still pretty good, especially for the low intensity group. All participants reported the Wii workouts as being much more enjoyable than the bike or treadmill. Of the four Wii games used, boxing had the best results, yet tennis yielded the least results.
So are you wondering if you should get a Wii?
The first question to ask yourself is what are your goals? If improving cardiovascular health is important to you, what is something you will keep doing for the long-term? What do you find enjoyable? What will keep you engaged? If you’ve played sports in the past or enjoy playing sports, the Wii may be a good choice. Especially during the winter months, adding the Wii into the mix with your other cardio activities will keep things fresh and offer another opportunity for the whole family to get involved.
As kids, playing was the norm. As people get older, they tend to lose this sense of play. However, play needs to be part of your program. Make your fitness program dynamic and fun, perhaps through using the Nintendo Wii. To purchase a Nintendo Wii through our affiliate link, click here.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26504308
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26513387
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26469308
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26556091
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26556092
Nintendo Wii Console Black with Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort
Nintendo Wii U Console 8GB Basic Set – White
Wii Fit U w/Wii Balance Board accessory and Fit Meter – Wii U
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