Nintendo is once again focusing on fitness as it gears up for the upcoming release of Wii Fit Plus. Assistant Public Relations Manager David Young was on hand Sept. 21 to answer questions while Senior Product Specialist Nate Williams flipped through each new aspect of the game.
According to Williams, Wii Fit Plus encourages activity in a wide demographic of players.
“You’re not told to lose weight,” Williams said. “It’s a fun experience that you can use that hopefully gets you into a lifestyle that is more fitness-oriented.”
Stepping on the balance board, a body test determines your balance, Wii Fit age (I’m 31 and need to gain 15 lbs?!) and overall fitness level. Williams recommends doing the body test every day to see how you improve over time. After completing these evaluations, you can create personalized fitness goals that include weight loss, weight gain, balance and strength training.
“Everything we have in Wii Fit is goal-oriented,” Williams said.
Wii Fit Plus adds 21 new activities spread throughout the game as well as new options for selecting a daily workout. The activities include balance, yoga and strength-training tasks such as skateboarding, Rhythm Kung Fu, the grounded V and the single leg reach. Williams describes 15 games in the balance section as essential in the goal of getting people off the couch.
“These new exercises are more immersive,” Williams said. “When you get on the board, you’re focused on the game; and then you realize you’re sweating. I think that is key for the type of person that’s on the fence about fitness.”
Additionally, Wii Fit Plus now offers a “Training Plus” section featuring activities that rely on balance and rhythm. “My Routine” features include creating a customized workout or selecting from the available Wii Fit Plus options.
“My Routine” combines yoga, balance and strength-training activities into one workout program based on the selections made by the user. If life demands most of your time, you can set up a routine that fits easily into your day by choosing a time limit. The game pulls together a list of actions that work within your clock constraints and allows you to add or remove each activity.
On the multiplayer side of things, Wii Fit Plus accommodates up to nine gamers. Players take turns completing the activity, and then each competitor receives a score. Totals displayed at the end of the game allow gamers to see how they did against their friends. Wii Fit Plus is available Oct. 4 for $19.99. Players who do not have the balance board can purchase the bundle pack and get the game free. For more information, visit the Wii Fit Plus Web site.
