GGWii

A quick search of the interwebz will provide many references to the obnoxiousness of the WiiFit game. I've even posted here about the WiiFit calling Joe a dog. Having tired of the snarkiness (THAT's overweight!!!!), I decided to see what other Wii workout options were available.

My hero Amazon provided several matches and after weighing reviews and prices, I ordered Gold's Gym Cardio Workout. The price was right, only $20. And the other game I was interested in (EA Sports Active) was more expensive and not available at that point (it actually released yesterday, 5/19, but I'm a bit impatient).

As I mentioned above, I read the reviews carefully. Because of this, it was very clear to me that this game does not provide a lot of workout types. It's primarily cardio boxing, starting at a basic level, teaching you the steps, and moving upwards in difficulty and skills.

After the initial setup/session, I'm now greeted with the option to pick my exercise myself or to allow the trainer to pick a sequence for me. I've been following the trainer's suggestions though I usually tack on another exercise at the end. The program tracks your progress, calories burned, weight, hit count, and adjusts your routines accordingly.

There are many options in this program, including multiple trainers, settings and songs. The Balance Board isn't necessary for this game though it does have some integration - a few exercises, such as push-ups, for example.

Now, for the more important information. What has my experience been?

I've worked out with this five times now. The first couple of times I found my back very sore, I think because I haven't moved from the sofa in so long. That's gone away, replaced now with some soreness in the arms (which would be expected). My coordination is lacking but I'm finding myself much more comfortable now. The game works up a sweat and holds my attention as I try to master the skills and move ahead.

I'd say this game provides a better workout than WiiFit. It's more structured, harder, and much more adult. Not that I'm anti-cartoons and cute but I feel like I'm actually exercising instead of playing with this game. Also, the male instructor doesn't have a stupid ponytail. And nobody has insulted my husband (so far).

The only issue I've had so far with GGWii (as I like to call it) is that sometimes I have trouble registering my hits. I haven't determined yet if that's the fault of the system or my fault for not doing it right. Regardless, I know that I'm performing the hits so for the sake of exercise, I'm fine with that. Also, I suck at jumping rope. Not surprising - I kinda suck at it for real. The game's just accurate about it - and I did make some progress on it last time.

This guy gives a pretty good review and you can see what it's all about if you're a more visual person:



So not my most exciting post. And no, it wasn't a paid advertisement. But I've mentioned it several times on Twitter and a few people asked for my take on it. Since it's too long for the 140-character treatment, here ya go! Tomorrow, another fitness-related post but much lighter.

P.S. I forgot to mention that you should really be careful doing uppercuts. I was a little too enthusiastic about one last night and almost punched myself in the face. Apparently my face-punching knows no bounds.