Wii Fit

On the road to better health, some of us are willing to take any detours, no matter how unappealing they really are. Most of the time, it is better to stick to the main highway. Anything that promises weight loss without exercise or sounds extreme (think colon cleanse) is just a play for your money.
Our bodies were not meant to be sedentary. We are not rocks or pieces of furniture that need not move to maintain our form. Exercise not only maintains a healthy weight but improves mental health and keeps your body functioning better over a longer life.
So how does the cardiologist's family exercise? Confession: The cardiologist is the biggest couch potato in the family. Yes, he resists exercise for exercise's sake so it's up to me to provide motivation.
One of the best ways to exercise is to pick an activity where you are having so much fun, the exercise is secondary. Our family recently discovered Wii Fit and have had a blast with it ever since. My husband & I grew up before video and computer games, Xboxes, etc. so we usually have no interest in playing them. Our daughter received a Wii system for Christmas and we were instantly converted.
Wii Fit is easy to use, has great graphics and can provide a really good workout. There are a variety of activities to choose from: strength training, aerobics, yoga and fun games such as ski jump or boxing. The Wii will also measure your BMI and set goals for you while providing plenty of positive feedback. The family has developed a competitive spirit and if one person starts the Wii program, someone else often joins in.
I have an 80 year old friend who got a Wii system and loves it. She has learned to connect to her nieces and nephews over the internet and plays with them. The only drawback with Wii is the price but if the whole family benefits, the cost is worth it.
If you are seriously overweight or in poor health, please consult a physician or a personal trainer before beginning a fitness program. Otherwise, get off the couch, get a Wii and start having fun.