Archive for May, 2008

New Feature Unlocked on Wii Fit Running: Free Run!

May 29, 2008 · Filed under Wii Fit: Aeorbics · Tagged , , ,

Hi Wii Buddies!

I was going to blog about the Wii Fit Strength Training exercises today, however, I just unlocked a feature I had to tell you about:

Free Run!

The Wii Fit running game is located in the Aerobics category. After you go through so many activities, new ones are opened up. 

Free Run lets you change the channel on your TV as you still participate in the Wii Fit Running game! Yes, that’s right-you can literally watch your favorite TV shows while running in place in your living room.

All you have to do is place the Wii remote in your pocket or simply hold it in your right hand.

You will hear the sounds of your Will running through the Wii remote, and you will hear it as you get faster or slower (just like you were watching it on the screen). You will occasionally hear a voice through the Wii remote telling you to keep a steady pace, or that you’re keeping a nice pace. The voice will also let you know when it’s been five minutes, and then at two minutes, one minute, and then down to ten seconds, etc.

The voice is not too loud so that you don’t hear your television.

Are you tired of running in place? I got a little tired of running in place, too. Not tired from the running, just…bored?  However, I went back to my high school days of playing tennis, and remembered all of the exercises we’d do on the court. For example, we did exercises such as running forward and backward on the court, side to side on the court, crossovers, etc.

It’s made a huge difference, and I feel like I am more apt to do another run or a longer run if I vary my routine. Sometimes I run in place, and sometimes my living room turns into a mini tennis court. I can almost imagine all of the lines on the court that I spent many times running back and forth, back and forth.

Sometimes I love watching the Mii’s running through the beautiful scenery, along with the cute dogs. Other times, after the Wii music has been playing through my head all day, I can simply watch a favorite TV program and still get the benefits of the Wii running game.

Coming up next on WiiScoop:

I’ll be blogging about the Wii Fit Strength Training exercises, along with one of my favorite games: Wii Sports! !

 

 

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Do you remember Excitebike from the 80’s?

May 29, 2008 · Filed under Virtual Console · Tagged , , , , ,

Thanks to the Wii, you can download it and other oldies but goodies to your Wii system.

I love this game now as much as I did back in the 80’s!

When my husband and I showed our nephews some of the games we played as kids, they were not exactly amused, lol!  They lost interest after about three minutes, at which point the politely said, “Can we please play some Wii games now?”

I’m thrilled Nintendo has come as far as it has, and still managed to hang on to some of my childhood favorites.

To see some of Nintendo’s past games, visit your Wii Shop Channel, and click on Virtual Console. You can search by popular titles, newest additions, category, or game title.

What are your favorite early Nintendo games?

 

 

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Does Anyone Else Have This Problem???

May 27, 2008 · Filed under Wii Fit · Tagged , , ,

The problem being, a huge, friendly, overly eager dog that wants to participate in the Wii Fit activities with you?  :)

I should get extra points for trying to keep him off of the Wii Fit board and work out at the same time, right?  :)

What’s really funny is watching him try to chase the tennis ball when we play Wii Tennis. It sounds so realistic that he runs around the living room looking for them, lol!

Of course, then I feel bad because tennis balls are his favorite toy in the world, so we end up going in the back yard where he can chase the real thing.

Needless to say, a game of Wii Tennis takes a bit longer at our house!

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Wii Scoop Blog Review: Wii Fit Skiing

May 26, 2008 · Filed under Wii Fit: Balance Games · Tagged , , ,

There are two skiing activities on the Wii Fit game. Both are amazingly fun, improve your balance, and strengthen your legs.

The first is a downhill skiing game. There are many gates that you have to pass through on your skis. You may be leaning right one minute, and two seconds later you are leaning to the left!  At the end of each level, you will know how balanced or unbalanced you are. The more you practice, the better you become—trust me; I’ve become much, much better…and can’t wait to take on my skier/snowboard niece and nephews!  J

The second game is a ski jump. If you’ve ever watched the Winter Olympics, and seen where the skiers race down a steep hill, and then slightly up on a ramp to go flying through air, then you know what I’m talking about!

 

The cool thing about this game is that you really feel like you are flying through the air, in hopes to land the furthest jump! You start out by bending your knees, and trying to remain perfectly balanced (or close) while you zip down the hill. There is a balance circle that tells you when you are centered, and when you are off balance. Then, you have to pick the exact moment to quickly strengthen your legs up, and off your little Wii goes into the air! You get two jumps, and the distance of both jumps is added together.

 

Here is a screen shot taken just as my Mii skied off the ramp:

 

 

Both of the skiing games on the Wii Fit are perfect for anyone wanting to improve their balance, strengthen their legs, and/or just have a little winter fun!

Hmm…anyone thought of a good name for my Wii Fit Trainer?  I’m having trouble coming up with a name for him (as silly as that sounds)…

If you have a name for him, please post it below in the comments section! :)

Have a great night!

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Wii Scoop Blog Review: Wii Fit Yoga

May 24, 2008 · Filed under Wii Fit: Yoga · Tagged , ,

Hello Wii buddies! I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday weekend!

My internet service went down last night, so that’s why this blog is a bit late.

Yesterday I tried out the Wii Fit Yoga exercises.

I have to admit, I was skeptical at first. Yoga poses in general seemed odd to me, and I couldn’t understand the benefits.

I tried some of the yoga poses, and was pleasantly surprised at how good I left after a few exercises.  It’s made me more open to the idea of learning more about yoga, through my Wii Fit trainer. I think I need to come up with a name for him—any ideas??

Some poses are harder than others, and the trainer said it was ok to hold on to an object or person while learning the poses. 

All in all, I look at Yoga in a new light thanks to the Wii Fit. I think you will, too!

Coming up Next…I review the Ski Jump and the Ski Slalom!

Now…what should I name my Wii Fit Trainer? Post your ideas in the comment section below!  J

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Wii Scoop Blog Review: Wii Fit Running

May 23, 2008 · Filed under Wii Fit: Aeorbics · Tagged , , ,

Hello!

As I was exploring all of the unbelievable features of the Wii Fit, I tried out the Wii Running game, located in the Aerobics category.  This exercise is available right when you first start the game, and you can increase the time, difficulty, and scenery the more you play.

Now, I’m not in the best of shape, but I’m  aiming to get there! I was a little nervous about the running part.  But I didn’t have to be nervous at all! It was so much fun…almost like I was a character in the video game. Let me explain:

First, you can move the Wii Fit board out of the way. Then, put your shoes on–I used my walking/running shoes. Nintendo suggests you remove shoes and socks when using the board. However, for the running exercise, I took away the board,  and had my entire living room space, as you do not need the board for this exercise.  Plus, I think it’s much easier on the joints to have shoes on (or maybe I’m just getting old, lol).  :)  

Just be sure to take your shoes and socks off when you want to play any other Wii Fit games.

Second,  I was given instructions to run in place and to follow the Wii guide.  I jogged in place, and as I did, my Wii ran ahead.  My Wii guide would look back and wave, and off we went running throughout some beautiful places on the Wii Fit Island. Other Wii’s joined us, including those from our own Wii family.  Also, there were lots of dogs running along with us.

Speaking of dogs….

Thanks to a helpful comment from someone here on the WiiScoop Blog, I learned that when the dog passes you, if you run past your instructor and follow the dog, you’ll go on an entirely different path! The first time I tried this, I tripped and fell flat on my face. My guide told me it was because I was not keeping an even pace.  Once my pace evened out, and I passed the guide, the dog led me on a new path. It was a lot of fun, and helped break up the routine. 

The Wii Fit running game will tell you if you are running at an uneven pace, or going too fast, as mentioned above. It encourages you do to all of the things we know we should be doing, but that are easy to forget.  Sure enough, at the end of the race, I received a reminder that read,  “Don’t push yourself too hard!”

Being on Day 1, I really appreciated the reminder. It’s hard not to go overboard when you are so excited about making healthy changes in your life, and getting fit.  However, the Wii Fit makes it possible to keep you in check, so to speak, but in a friendly, non-angry gym instructor kinda way.

I can’t wait to see the tips I receive as I graduate to more advanced levels. Perhaps I’ll get to a level that will have the Wii guides and dogs following me!  J

Two final tips about the Wii Fit running game

1.     Wii Fit Running has a two player option. Details coming soon!

2.       Here are some of the places you’ll visit as you do a virtual/realistic run on the Wii Fit Island:

  • Summit Lake
  • Rocky Peak
  • Summit Falls
  • Crystal River
  • Windmill Hill
  • Seagull Point
  • Mountain Tunnel
  • White Sand Beach
  • Camel Rock
  • Harbor Bridge

 

 

I know it will take more than 20-30 minutes on the Wii to reach my personal fitness goals, but it’s given me a great start. I even tried Yoga for the first time…and you’ll hear all about that on tomorrow’s blog!

Coming up this weekend:  Reviews of the Wii Fit Ski Salome, Table Tilt, Soccer Heading, and more…

What are your experiences with Wii Fit? Post your thoughts in the comment section below!

 

 

 

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The Wii Fit…Nintendo’s Best Yet!

May 23, 2008 · Filed under Wii Fit

Hey Wii buddies!

I have spent twenty minutes playing the new Wii Fit, and let me tell you, it’s simply amazing. I am going to play some more, but just had to get back and let you all of you know how wonderful it is—plus some tips I’ve already learned.

The Wii Fit game that comes with the Wii fit board features four exercise categories:

1.       Yoga

2.       Strength Training

3.       Aerobic

4.       Balance Games

All of the activities and games help you improve your fitness level. And, let me tell you—it is so much fun!

In the coming days, I’ll be blogging about all of the cool features of the Wii Fit, plus talking about some my favorite (and not so favorite) Wii games.  I’ll have tips for taking care of your Wii console, remotes, games, and accessories.

I can’t wait to read your comments and blogs, and look forward to sharing our Wii experiences!

My first experience on the Wii fit was with the Wii running game….coming next on the Wii Scoop blog!

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Wii Scoop Debuts with the Wii Fit!

May 21, 2008 · Filed under Wii Fit

Welcome to Wii Scoop–your blog for Wii News and Reviews!

What better day to introduce my Wii blog than on the “Wii Fit” release day?!!

In  a few short hours, I will have the Wii Fit in my hands, and I’ll let you know ALL about it!

In the next few weeks, I’ll be posting reviews of wii games, and talking with you about all things Wii.

Back soon with the scoop on the Wii Fit!

 

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