Losing Weight with the Wii

we've had the Wii and Wii Fit for about a year and really like it but found we weren't using it as much because we couldn't do it together (one at a time vs. split screen). we got the Wii Active and that one allows two people to work out together and it's more of a workout vs. games that make you sweat (Wii fit does have yoga and other ones, but it's easy to just use it like games vs. real work out).
we haven't bought the part two of both games but think we might since it's only $20 for each and you can add to the exercises, routines, etc.
we found with the Wii fit that the kids got into it with us (two teen step-daughters and my two year old). I could pretty easily do some yoga and other exercises with my toddler crawling and walking around me while I did it.

Like everyone else said, it's keeping it going on a regular basis and managing the nutrition aspect as well; two things we've managed to not do well at all in recent months. but that's what new year's resolutions are for, right?
best of luck to you...we're getting back on this train as well this year.

The Wii fit isn't going to do it on it's own, but it is fun and active to do together. For the losing weight... what works for me is thinking of what to add to my diet rather than what to take out. If I eat my 7-10 servings of fruits and veggies and drink 10 glasses of water every day, I lose weight. In the process, I eat less junk because I'm not hungry and I don't feel like I'm depriving myself. I also find that my cravings are reduced because my body starts working better because it's getting what it needs. I have also had success in the past with kickstarting my healthy eating with a week of no dairy or no refined sugar or no meat oris just makes me more conscious of what I'm eating and makes me think of what to eat instead. Oh, and good quality extra dark chocolate helps me also- one or two small pieces a day takes care of my cravings and makes me feel so good! Good luck

I can see that you have gotten tons of great advice so far but I wanted to add my two cents. My kids got a Wii and a Wii Fit for Christmas. I am totally excited about the Wii Fit because of the yoga. I really want to do yoga but am WAY too self concious to do it in a classroom setting with other people that have been doing it forever and me looking like a fool! In addition the Fit has all kinds of games that work you out aerobically and are fun! Have fun, I am going to...as soon as the older kids go back to school! :)

My family have the Wii Fit.
It is great. It tracks our progress.
My Hubby lost weight using it. I lost some too, like 10 pounds.

We use the Wii Fit... and so do our friends. We love it. To us, it is VERY worth it. My kids use it too to "exercise" although they think its just fun and games.

Basically what we do is "interval training." Which basically means... sprinting for like 5-10 minutes, then cut back to brisk walking... then kick it up again to a high speed/rate of sprinting for like 5-10 minutes then back to slower but brisk walking again. Thus, the "interval" name for this type of working out. AND, do some light weights too... because muscle is what burns calories more and makes you "toned" and tight and fit looking.
And no, we are not work-out freaks... we don't work out every single day for hours. We just work out maybe every other day... for like 1/2 hour. That's it. That is as much time that I can squeeze into my day. We keep it RATIONAL... and not excessive. It is just something do-able for us.

Interval training is anything you do in spurts... so do an activity you like... but it has to be cardio type exercises... ie: cardiovascular or "aerobic" type exercises.
Then perhaps do toners/weights/weight resistance exercises on alternate days.

And basically, we/my Hubby just ate regular like how he always does... but he cut back on eating baguettes/bread....ie: starch, which was what he was eating too much of in proportion to other foods he was eating. Basically... we just eat more "balanced." Like the food pyramid. If you eat like that plus exercise, you can lose weight... healthily.

The Wii Fit is great. It is well worth the money. Even Grandma uses it. Doctors recommend it as well. Our friends all have it as well... and the whole family can use it.

But for you, perhaps get your Doctors suggestion on losing weight, since you were anorexic as a teen and it concerns you... you want to lose weight HEALTHily. And normally. Do not try to lose weight super fast... or compare yourself to others.

All the best,
Susan

Check out Tosco Rena's Book Clean Eating. She talks about proteins and carbs and how to really get your metabolism working and it really does make sense. It is a lifestyle change of eating but it makes a lot of sense. She lost a ton of weight at 40.
Good luck!

Yep, you're metabolism is probably screwed up. Get Jillian Michaels book "Mastering Your Metabolism". It will really make sense to you. You can reset your hormones by what you eat & turn on your fat burning hormones without "sucking the joy out of life" as she puts it. Also, I would make a more realistic goal than 40-50 lbs by June. I know you want to just get there but what happens if it's slower than that? Are you going to quit because the results aren't happening as fast as you like? Commit to do it even if it takes all year & celebrate each pound - be in it for the long haul. Get your mindset straight now that there will be ups & downs but don't quit - you can do it!

First of all, congrats to you. What a great start you are making. If you can incorporate some walking into this routine it would be great. Just make sure you are getting at least 20 minutes at a time of getting your heart rate up. Second thing I would suggest is setting realistic goals. How long did it take you to put on the weight? It will probably take twice the time to get it off. Unfortunately it sounds harsh, but it is reality. If your goals are not realistic you will get discouraged. I am certain that how you feel will make you keep going. Third would be diet. Make sure you are eating healthy. Get at least 6 to 8 servings of veggies a day. Try to supplement veggies for starchy snacks like crackers, chips, white rice and such. I am also setting out to loose some unwanted weight so I will be right beside you sister! We got a Wii for Xmas and hubby and I are going to get our buns off the couch! I am kicking around the idea of a Wii fit as well. My friend has one and loves it. She said it holds you accountable which is sooo important. It will call you out if it has not seen you in a few days. It also calculates your BMI and lets you know where you stand. It can be a bit cruel from what I understand, like making your character fat and such, but it's all in good fun I guess. Good luck and I wish you much success. : )

The Wii Fit is what you need. It is about $100 more, but it weighs you and helps you set weight loss goals. We have the old one from last year, but there is a new one now w/ more features. My daughter also likes the yoga on the Wii Fit. It also calculates BMI. Really it is more important to be fit than to worry about pounds specifically, but being fit will make you look and feel good. Good luck w/ that.

Hey J.,

I just started this new program over the holidays...not the best time, but I am loving it and have heard alot about this..Go to www.irepcni.com/isabelfolgado and you can read all about it...its real food, what you like with sound choices and shakes plus suplements...people are dropping like crazy..I too have 40-50lbs to lose by summer..you go girl!!!Lets make 2010 a reality in our weight loss goals!!

first off congrats ..you've got the weight loss bug! yay! i would say the best way would be to break up your workouts..even if its only for 10 minutes at a time....start the day w/ ice cold water or hot tea..that will already start to boost metabolism..i found that there is this vitamin called Activit by the P90X people that helps..i stopped taking it and i noticed my weight start to climb up again..also cut sugar out as much as possible..also cut down on carbs..i'm 45..have an almost 4 year old..i weigh less now than i did before i got pregnant..but i also run..and i go to the gym..Equinox..if u would like a pass to Equinox let me know and i can send u one..
they have a daycare so working out sometimes is a break for me...$7.50 for 2 hours..so i go and take different classes i try to mix my workout up...that's what its all about..so if u decide to do the Wii thing..try to get different workouts..u have to trick your body..by not doing the same thing over and over..i have found spin to be a great weight loss workout..i even throw yoga in..today i will do bosu and kettle ball..tomorrow muscle tech and either spin or yoga..wed i maybe skip...thursday a workout and spin again...then run on saturday...the P90X workouts are fabulous..i was in slightly better shape when i was doing those but i enjoy the gym and working out in groups..
women hitting 40 etc..need to eat more proteins b/c they tend to gain more in the middle.

so i've switched and now i have eggwhites for breakfast and chai tea...then i'll have an apple for a snack..or banana..then i will have a carb at lunch.. go to the gym workout then i will drink a protein drink right after my workout and have a protein dinner
you should have protein right after your workout it boosts metabolism.
only thing is..you get a better nights rest w/ a carb for dinner so u may want just a little carb...like jasmine rice or brown rice even better.
stay off red meat..and do not snack on chips and salsa like i love to do...i have to stop that..try to avoid corn chips all together .. :(
also i drink water w/ lemon in it instead of regular water sometimes so i don't get the calories from a sweet drink but i feel like i'm drinking more than just water..also i usually have a Kombucha drink w/ my dinner ..i like the gingerberry by synenergy ..kind of like having a soda but its good for you.
good luck! hope u lose the weight and have fun doing it!

D.

i haven't tried using it to lose weight. when you do the initial game setup, it asks you to enter your personal weght goal and info. i have played with it and it doesn't keep me busy and entertained. the commercials i've seen on tv seem like it could improve one's lifestyle. the wii fit has yoga, running, skiing, and other games that are fun. you already have a wii at home, why not give the fit a try?
good luck!

I believe this is possible. I now of a young lady who was overweight from her early years.. and through dance, dance, revolution on Wii she got to her desired weight by senior prom... Of course to everyones surprise... My daughters and I just got this for Christmas, please wishus luck... Also as long as you increase your activity level 3-5 times a week, adding 30-60 minutes of activity you will brin your weight down. Just a little more advice do not reward yourself with desserts. Set your rewards early, (for a full week of activity)video night with your child and a video for you,(for a month o keeping up the schedule) get a babysitter for a girls night at the movies, (after 10 lbs.)mani-pedi cure...Have a great new year!

I have the wii fit and if you do some strength training and the yoga, you'll help kick in your metabolism. The only exercise on there that makes me sweat really is the boxing, once you get to the higher level, like 10 min straight. It's good training but you'll need to add some serious cardio on top of it. I go hiking with my 5 y/o daughter and my 20 month old on the Kelty baby carrier, that makes me sweat! I do also run when my husband has time to watch the kids.

When it comes to advice about losing weight, I'm afraid I'm no help at all. I'm one of those hated people who is always bordering underweight. :) But, I do however struggle with staying fit and keeping my muscle strength up, especially in light of several back injuries. We've had Wii for years, but we just got the Wii Fit Plus, and we LOVE it! The whole family! I played around the first day for about half an hour and the second for about an hour, and I was SO sore! It's a great workout while still being fun. I think it's motivating because of the way it keeps track of your progress, and because of the nature of games...you'll keep going even when you're tired because you "just have to beat that one level". lol My husband is very overweight and out of shape so he's started with it too. He broke a sweat after about 10 minutes! My 11 yr daughter has my husband's genes, so she has to stay active, and she will play/workout for hours at a time with her friends. Even my 16 yr son who's the most fit of all of us loves to play the games and was amazed at what a great workout it was.

Costco has the Wii Fit Plus for $89, that's the cheapest I've seen it. Like I said, don't know about weight loss, but I do know it's a great workout!

Hi,I have something you might want to try along with exersizing and a healthy diet. Detoxifying wraps. Tone, Tighten,Firm and Reduce Cellulite. As a bonus lose inches!I know someone that has gone froma size 24 to a 12. I have tried them and they do work. I will leave you with my website to check out. http://www.itworks2lose.itworks.net any questions let me know. Good luck with your weightloss. Thanks
Y. Independent Distributor

To me the Wii Fit was a waste of money. It is too low impact to do anything significant. The only thing that I liked was that it was a scale. For someone who is just starting out it would probably be a good fit, but if you want to lose 40-50 pounds in 6 months... probably not intense enough.

I was bulimic as a teenager and I have managed to lose 170 pounds the natural way. I now help others lose the weight also. Please check out my website and let me know if you are interested!

www.HolisticWellnessAndNutrition.webs.com

We just connected our wii yesterday actually, and it seems like it's going to help my husband & I lose weight. We just started 'testing it out' with the sports pack that comes with it, and haven't used the wii fit yet... I think it WILL help you lose weight but not 50 pounds in 6 months. I head about this other game called "your shape, by Jenny McCarthy." It's supposed to be much more peronalized, and comes with a camera that scans your body... etc

http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/kWaDeezcH80LHKNQW5Ac...

Also, I think you should have your hormones checked as well. Your thyroid could be acting funny... mine did after I had my daughter--just stopped working (Hypothyroid--kills your metabolism, no matter what you do you can't lose weght).

we just got a wii fit for christmas. it is awesome!!!! so much more fun and a good way to start with your exercise goals. at some point you will probably have to do something more intense, but for the 1st half of your weight loss goal, i bet you could do it while having a lot of fun!! happy new year

Hi there,
when my brother owned the Wii, he used the Wii Fit, and loved it, and also lost some weight when using it. My friend's sister just lost 25 pounds and she said that she has only been doing the boxing. I have heard a lot of positives about the boxing and the Wii Fit, that I want to get one! Good luck!

Hi J.,
I LOVE our Wii. I do get some good workouts from it too while playing with my son - he's 7. My doctor said to eat healthy and do at least 20 minutes a day of exercise - but I think if you can do 40 minutes to an hour it will help even more (not everyday but most days).

I have the Wii fit but my son spends more time with it than I do. My problem with it is that you are given only certain activities that you can do then you have to unlock the rest by playing games for a certain amount of time. For example - you are only give a couple of yoga poses then you have to unlock the rest - which could take some time because you also unlock other activities - it doesn't really go in order. My son really likes the activity where you jog and he does a couple of miles that way. We spend a lot of time on the balancing activities.

You can rent some of these Wii games at Game Stop. Maybe they will have the Wii fit to rent so you can check it out.

Good luck!

This might be of interest

www.HaveItAllUSA.com

losing the weight is totally up to you. dont depend on programs or diets or instruments to do it for you.
i have the wii fit and i feel it was worth it to me, it has helped me to keep track of my weight gain during my fourth pregnancy and i gained half the weight i did when i was pregnant the other three times!!
keeping track of your weight is important because then you can determine if your weight is mostly effected by either your eating or exercising habits, or both. then you can really do something about it effectively.
to really lose weight you have to know your body and and listen to your body and really feel what it needs you to do!

I know how you feel about screwing up your metabolism. I went on and off diets when I was younger to maintain a size 4, then gained 50 lbs very quickly after I turned 30. I know you said you would have a difficult time eating several meals a day, but that is the only thing that has worked for me. Eating more really can make you lose weight. I used to be someone who would eat my first meal of the day in the afternoon and eat fewer calories than most people I know. With my last pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes so I had to eat several meals through out the day. I came home from the hospital with my baby last month 30 lbs lighter than the day I got pregnant. I kept a box of wheat thins in my desk and would snack on those between meals which really helped. We got a wii for christmas as well and I am asking for the wii fit for my birthday next month to help with the last 20 lbs.

good for you:) I am proud of you for trying and doing it on your own:) parents are great! so take advantage and good luck on the paralegal one:) I live in monrovia are you close? my kids are now 18 and 15 but I had the gastro done because I tried everything:) I am now 100 lbs less:) but if you need a work out friend look me up:)

sincerely,
D.:)