Mii Fit

It has finally arrived. One of the most interesting peripherals in gaming history next to motion sensing cameras and the mod chip. I am of course referring to the Wii's Balance Board. The Board is an interesting...well....board that you lay on the floor and stand on. An array of pressure sensors then detect shifts in posture, weight, and movement and translates it into ingame malarky.

I am highly amused and intrigued by the concept. For starters, the Board comes bundled with the Wii Fit software (which is more of an exercise program with game elements). In a box. A hefty box. Apparently, fitness begins at the checkout counter. I estimate the board to be at least 2-3kgs heavy though i'm probably off by a few hundred grams.

Once you've loaded it up and synchronised your Board with the console, you step on it for the first unabashedly direct (and no doubt the precursor to many) appraisal. Unsurprisingly, my center of gravity is slightly off to the left and my BMI, although within the ideal range is not quite in the area of the magic 22. Studies indicate that a BMI of 22 is the healthiest BMI. Literally. Apprently you get sick less if your BMI is 22. Iiiiiinteresting.

So, once all the initial jargle is dispensed with, you're asked to set a weight/BMI target you want to achieve and a time limit which ranges from a week to a whole year. Apparently I need to lose about 7kgs to achieve a BMI of 22. Lets see if Wii Fit can help me do that. I'm by no means overweight, but I could probably do with tightening the belly and gut area a bit. To play it safe, I opted for a 3 month target limit.

Finally, you get to the exercises themselves. These range from Yoga poses, muscle workouts reminiscent of pilates and fun activities like skiing and even a very basic dancing activity. The core aim of the software is designed to help people attain and maintain proper posture, balance as well as weight goals. The activities show you the muscle groups you will be working on, and even has workout "sets" to complete where you perform specific exercises to target particular muscle groups.

Needless to say, its a pretty nifty software and peripheral. I can see the Board being used for more than just fitness. At the very least they can double as the pedals for a racing game. My biggest concern is that they won't maximise the potential of the Board, as its a pretty pricey package to use for just one game.

As always, the moment something vaguely innovative or controversial comes out, some concerned American citizen will post a well researched (and no doubt well meaning) article about the dangers of said innovation.

Here is an example:
http://au.wii.gamespy.com/wii/wii-fit/872341p1.html

If Mrs Hobbes took the time to read the manual, it clearly states that BMI calculations are based on a sampling of average ADULTS. It also goes on to say that for users below a certain age, the reading will most likely be inaccurate and should not be taken seriously. Come on people. The Board isn't a fitness expert. It's a big piece of plastic designed by a VIDEO GAME company.

Don't.
Take it.
Personally.