Friday, January 15, 2010

No, you witch, I *haven't* dropped my hips!

If you've spent any amount of time with the "push-up and side plank" exercise in Wii Fit or Wii Fit Plus, you've likely heard, oh, about a thousand times (if not more), the following question: "Have you dropped your hips?"

Whenever I hear it, I feel like picking up the nearest heavy object and throwing it at my on-screen, mannequin-esque trainer. As I don't want to replace my TV every time I use Wii Fit, I grit my teeth and mumble obscenities under my breath rather than give in to my fantasies.



Why mention all of this here--and now? Well, I worked out using Wii Fit for the first time in more than 40 days a few hours ago. And despite the fact that I had to hear that damn question about a hundred times (along with helpful comments like, "Don't forget to breathe!") in the span of a half-hour, I enjoyed myself.

OK, "enjoyed myself" probably isn't the best way to describe how I felt--in general, I don't enjoy sweating profusely and feeling like I'm going to die--but I know I'll enjoy how it makes me feel (and look) in the long run, as few exercises kick my butt like doing a few sets (of 20 reps) of push-ups and side planks.

Are any of you fans of Wii Fit or Wii Fit Plus? If so, what are your favorite exercises? Also, have you firmed up, gained muscle or lost weight thanks to the time you've spent with Nintendo's most famous "non-game"?

8 comments:

Viewtiful_Justin said...

I so want this. I wanted it when it came out...and I just haven't had the $90 lying around to get it.

My friend Jeff has it, bought it new, and hasn't even taken it out of the box (not unlikely for him, the owner of a million games, a hundred of which he has played, ten of which he has played through to completion). Every time I see it there it's lie a smack in my chubby face. :-P

Flex said...

I Wish I had, been going for a while and still the same weight. Tho my buddy dan swears by it.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Justin: Your friend sounds like me, though I'm guessing he has many more games than I do. You don't want to know how many of my games have yet to be opened! :)

Bryan Ochalla said...

Fidgy: I can't attribute any weight loss to Wii Fit, but it certainly has helped me augment my usual workout routine.

I think it really depends on which exercises you use. My favorites: Lunge, push-up and side plank and push-up challenge. I also like the plank challenge. There are a few Wii Fit Plus-only exercises that are good, too, but I can't remember their names right now.

That's all I do when I use Wii Fit/Wii Fit Plus, to tell you the truth. I basically use those exercises to replace my 'chest day' once or twice a week.

I think that's the key, really--using Wii Fit Plus as part of a larger workout schedule. Wii Fit Plus alone isn't going to be enough for most people.

Flex said...

I agree, personally I find the most effective tool being cardio, weights and good food. Tho I think wii fit is excelent at improving on, and making you aware of your balace.

I am now fully aware that my balance needs improving lol

Bryan Ochalla said...

I'm with you, Fidgy. Diet and an overall exercise routine are a must if you want to see results. I think Wii Fit/Plus can be a part of that routine if you pick the right exercises.

Bryan Ochalla said...

BTW, the new exercises (added to Wii Fit Plus) that I like are 'Balance Bridge' and 'Side Lunge.' I just did 20 'Balance Bridges' and my triceps were crying by the end of it :)

Bryan Ochalla said...

Fidgy: In case you're interested, here's my current Wii Fit workout:

Push-up and side plank (20 reps)
Balance bridge (20 reps)
Side lungs (15 reps)
Push-up challenge (30 push-ups)

I go through that cycle twice and then end with 15 regular lunges.