I really want a wii and a wii fit.

[ScrimpAndSave]

But we are looking at spending MAJOR bucks here. And it is a WANT not a NEED.

I am currently trying to lose about 20 more lbs and would love to have a Wii and Wii fit. Is it worth it?

[disneysteve]

Hi. I was thinking about you yesterday and realized you hadn't posted for a while. Hope you are doing okay.

Yes, a Wii and Wii Fit is a want, not a need, but, IMO, it is a pretty good want. I think taking care of your health is a need and spending some money to do so is not a bad thing at all.

Wii Fit is fun and gives you a pretty good workout. In the long run, it is cheaper than joining a gym. The whole set up runs about $350. If you figure a gym would be $30/month, then you're even in a year and the Wii Fit doesn't have any ongoing cost beyond the initial purchase, unlike the gym which you have to keep paying for month after month.

Also unlike a gym, if you get tired of Wii Fit or find you aren't really making use of it, you can always sell it on ebay or craigslist and get back at least part of what you spent.

You could also count the Wii console as part of your entertainment budget. It is fun to play. It comes with Wii Sports which includes baseball, tennis, golf and bowling. Actually, playing those is a fair amount of exercise, too.

[GREENBACK]

S&S
I profess to knowing nothing about wii fit but as a former athlete on a budget I know calisthenics(push ups, situps,etc.) will get you in shape as well as anything. It's mostly a mental game. If you really want this and you think it will work then get it but it's, as you stated, a want. I can turn on something stupid on TV and do push ups and sit ups or whatever all day and have a thorough workout. We're all different though.

[ScrimpAndSave]

Disneysteve, thanks so much for thinking of me. I am doing pretty well...

You almost convinced me to go with it! Especially being a physician and all...hahaha.

I am 5'1 and 157...am much more healthy around 135 so that is what I am shooting for. I'm wondering if doing this each morning would help me...I haven't spent much money on myself within the past year...(I know - what an excuse!)...and have been eyeing the wii for a very long time. I think my dad would enjoy it, too.

[sweeps]

Originally Posted by GREENBACK

S&S
I profess to knowing nothing about wii fit but as a former athlete on a budget I know calisthenics(push ups, situps,etc.) will get you in shape as well as anything. It's mostly a mental game. If you really want this and you think it will work then get it but it's, as you stated, a want. I can turn on something stupid on TV and do push ups and sit ups or whatever all day and have a thorough workout. We're all different though.

What you're saying is true, but it's a matter of motivation. Wii Fit keeps you motivated by making exercise fun. It is an expensive purchase, no doubt about that.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by sweeps

What you're saying is true, but it's a matter of motivation. Wii Fit keeps you motivated by making exercise fun. It is an expensive purchase, no doubt about that.

Motivation is part of it. Structure is, as well. The Wii Fit gives you specific exercises to do, shows you how to do them, gives you a routine and timing. It is remarkably similar to working with a live trainer. And yes, it is fun.

[sweeps]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

Motivation is part of it. Structure is, as well. The Wii Fit gives you specific exercises to do, shows you how to do them, gives you a routine and timing. It is remarkably similar to working with a live trainer.

Yes, good point.

[Cassandra]

I have been thinking about getting a Wii and a Wii Fit too. My birthday is coming up and I really don't know what I want. I have tried the Wii Fit before and even though I only used for a few minutes it was a lot of fun. I think it would be a great way to get into the habit of working out.

A lot of game places here sell used Wiis, which are about $50-60 cheaper than new Wiis. I haven't looked for used Wii Fits, but I bet you can find some at a game store or online.

[srblanco7]

We have a Wii (I have kids - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it) and it's a lot of fun. The Wii fit is great for my wife, who doesn't like to go outside during the winter months. I'm a firm believer that you have to do something active every day. If a Wii will help you stay motivated (and you can afford it) - go for it!

[ScrimpAndSave]

I just called walmart and all my area targets and they are sold out!

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by Cassandra

A lot of game places here sell used Wiis, which are about $50-60 cheaper than new Wiis. I haven't looked for used Wii Fits, but I bet you can find some at a game store or online.

I think I'd be a little wary of a used Wii Fit since you might not be able to tell by looking if it was abused, jumped on, etc. The game console itself generally just sits on a shelf so buying that used is a safer bet.

[sweeps]

We called our local Target for a Wii Fit. They were storing them in the back and would only bring one out if someone specifically asked for it.

On an investment note, Nintendo has to be making money hand over fist.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

I like mine but no doing it since I f-uped my knee.

[ScrimpAndSave]

After doing some research, I am finding that there is a game called "My Personal Trainer" for the wii. It does not require the wii fit or balance bar. It is customizable depending on your goals...it's $30.

So that would put my total at around $330 for the wii, the extra remote (i want it so my dad can play some silly games with me) and the personal trainer. The Personal Trainer game is supposed to be a lot better and a lot more challenging than the wii fit...maybe I will try that for a few months and then get the wii fit if I still want it.

[Cassandra]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

I think I'd be a little wary of a used Wii Fit since you might not be able to tell by looking if it was abused, jumped on, etc. The game console itself generally just sits on a shelf so buying that used is a safer bet.

True, buying it online might not be a good idea because you can't see it, but the game stores here back all of the used games they sell. They won't sell a used game if it isn't in good condition and they all have a good return policy on used consoles and games if there is anything wrong with it.

[GREENBACK]

Originally Posted by ScrimpAndSave

So that would put my total at around $330 for the wii, the extra remote (i want it so my dad can play some silly games with me) and the personal trainer. The Personal Trainer game is supposed to be a lot better and a lot more challenging than the wii fit...maybe I will try that for a few months and then get the wii fit if I still want it.

I was about to ask what they typically cost. I would say that's worth it to lose weight and stay in shape which ,hopefully, saves money down the road on health care costs. Like I said above, I can motivate myself to do all the exercise I care for with calisthenics and running but that's not for everyone.

A wii fit sounds interesting. Maybe I'll check one out. Excuse my ignorance(I'm not real tech savvy) but can you see a demo or something where they sell these?

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by GREENBACK

I was about to ask what they typically cost. I would say that's worth it to lose weight and stay in shape which ,hopefully, saves money down the road on health care costs. Like I said above, I can motivate myself to do all the exercise I care for with calisthenics and running but that's not for everyone.

A wii fit sounds interesting. Maybe I'll check one out. Excuse my ignorance(I'm not real tech savvy) but can you see a demo or something where they sell these?

Wii Fit is $89. That's on top of the $249 for the Wii console itself, so total cost of about $340.

You can't generally see a demo anywhere I've been. Perhaps at Nintendo's website.

Wii Fit has 4 segments: yoga, strength training, aerobics and balance games. What I usually do is try to do at least 2 exercises from each area, varying the workout each time so I'm not doing the same exercises or working the same muscle groups each time. I've learned a bunch of yoga poses I didn't know (as I've never done yoga before) and also some strength training things. I do wish the aerobics offered a little more variety but I guess there is only so much you can do with the equipment in a small space in your house.

[Cassandra]

Originally Posted by GREENBACK

I was about to ask what they typically cost. I would say that's worth it to lose weight and stay in shape which ,hopefully, saves money down the road on health care costs. Like I said above, I can motivate myself to do all the exercise I care for with calisthenics and running but that's not for everyone.

A wii fit sounds interesting. Maybe I'll check one out. Excuse my ignorance(I'm not real tech savvy) but can you see a demo or something where they sell these?

Youtube has several videos of Wii Fit.

Here is a pretty thorough demo: Demo

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by Cassandra

Youtube has several videos of Wii Fit.

Is there anything you can't find on YouTube?

I read recently that every SECOND, there is 13 HOURS of video uploaded to YouTube.

[Cassandra]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

Is there anything you can't find on YouTube?

I read recently that every SECOND, there is 13 HOURS of video uploaded to YouTube.

Woah. That is a lot of videos! I had no idea the number was so large!