Wii Fit Plus by Nintendo

Title: Wii Fit Plus   Manufacturer: Nintendo
ASIN: B000VJRU44   Media: Video Game
Console: Nintendo Wii
Release Date: May 21, 2008

Product Features:
Every Wii Fit Plus user has the ability to create a 'Mii' profile that tracks their progress, measures their BMI and weight, and checks their balance. Wii Fit Plus comes with a specialized electronic balance board, and a standard Wii Remote and Nunchuk. This board is similar to an aerobics step board in style, but actually reads the movements of the user wirelessly during game play. Up to eight members can create user profiles in Wii Fit Plus.

There are five different categories of exercises. The first category, "Training Plus", includes new balance and exercise games, an update from the first version of Wii Fit. Some of those games are 'Juggling' and 'Snowball Fight'. The second section is "Strength Training", which includes muscle building and toning exercises like 'Torso Twists' and 'Rowing Squat'. The third category is "Aerobics", which includes heart rate increasing exercises like 'Super Hula Hoop' and 'Basic Run'. The fourth section is "Yoga", which includes balance and stretching exercises like 'Sun Salutation' and 'Palm Tree'. The fifth and last category is "Balance Games", which includes exercises to perfect balance like 'Tightrope Walk' and 'Ski Slalom'.

Critical Evaluation:
Wii Fit Plus offers a variety of new and old exercises and games to help users stay fit. There are higher impact exercises, and less intense slow activities. This collection allows users of all ages to play this video game, and also presents different choices for the user based on strengths and weaknesses. For users looking to seriously lose weight, there is a daily weigh-in and progression chart to track improvement. Additionally, there is a calorie counter to assist in portion control, and a 'choose your own training plan' for localized exercise work. Wii Fit Plus also keeps track of the time users spend exercising, as the animated balance board cheers on the participant. In the "Strength Training" and "Yoga" categories, animated personal trainers demonstrate the movements for users to imitate, allowing users to feel like they are attending an actual class at the gym. The huge assortment of games and exercises provide something for everyone.

Genre: Sports, Video Games

Curriculum Ties: Physical Education

Interest Age: All ages

Challenge Issue: none

Why I chose this item: Teenagers should be encouraged to lead healthy lives, and this video game is a great tool to help someone keep fit. Additionally, this particular game is extremely popular.

Wii Fit Plus game trailer