The Wii Fit Plus with Balance Board is a unique workout system designed for use with the Nintendo Wii console. The system works by allowing the user to take part in a variety of physical activities while interacting with on-screen characters, locations and activities. It targets fitness, weight loss and balance through carefully designed and fun simulation games.
The user has the opportunity to save targets and results, working through activities and personalized weight loss routines to achieve their goals. Tracker graphs and other interactive tools let the user see how many calories they burn every session, and how much closer they are to their ideal weight which can be measured standing on the Balance Board and using it as a set of scales.
The Wii Fit Plus with Balance Board comes with the Wii Fit Plus interactive game with the same games as the original Wii Fit game but also includes a range of new games and exercise options.
The Balance Board is a sturdy white platform, a little like a low step aerobics platform, and has the following dimensions:
52.1 x 33.5 x 7.9 cm
6 Kg weight
Does the Wii Fit Plus Help You Get Fit?
The Wii Fit Plus along with the Balance Board is designed to help users burn calories and shed pounds and inches while they work out to fun music and interesting activities. Cynthia James wrote in her Amazon review that "you WILL get a work out" while Mr. L. Smith’s review on Amazon says:
"I have been doing the strength training exercise for over 60 days now, and I have noticed a big difference – most notably in my legs, posture, and balance. More than anything, I would say the Wii Fit Plus works on improving your balance. I have gained about 5 pounds of muscle in my legs – which is exactly what I needed – while losing pounds of fat around my waist"
However, not all customers who have purchased this product agree that it helps users get fit. Another Amazon reviewer, Rick T., commented that "It’s difficult to imagine how this product could help anyone to get into anything resembling good shape. Going through these motions on the board offers minimal exercise."
What is the Weight Limit for the Wii Fit Balance Board?
The American Wii Fit Balance Boards (unlike the European and Eastern versions) have a weight limit of 300lbs, although some people still experience problems when trying to use this product because of weight restrictions. In his review on Amazon, Mr. Dabraat states "
I got on the balance board to be weighed and it told me I was too heavy to use it. Mind you I am not a "Biggest Loser" Candidate. I am just over the 250 lb limit."
and goes on to question this limitation by asking:
"Why would you build this without making it capable of working for bigger people? These are the people who want to lose weight in the privacy of their homes, until they are gym ready."
Does the Wii Fit Plus and Balance Board make exercising fun?
One of the reasons people are keen to purchase this exercise equipment is because they’re drawn to the attraction of having fun whilst working out. The idea of burning calories by playing simple and amusing games certainly appealed to Cynthia Jones who wrote "IT’S CUTE and it’s FUN, I cant say that enough" whilst also adding "great, is you’re actually smiling because it is cute and engaging and you don’t feel the pain till after the fact." Mrs. Hoffy disagreed by writing on Amazon "I get more exercise just doing housework. Only thing it was good for was the BMI otherwise worthless.’
What Are The New Features Of Wii Fit Plus?
Is There An Age Limit for Playing Wii Fit Plus?
Although the manufacturer suggests that this product isn’t designed for anyone under three years old, it appears that the only limit to using this product depends upon the individual and their capabilities.
Nancy Ellen, another reviewer on Amazon, commented by pointing out that generations of her family had made use of the Wii Fit Plus when she wrote:
You can spend hours playing this with your family (my parents, children and grandchildren all played with it). My three year old granddaughter absolutely loved the hula hoop and bubble game (as did my 80 year old mom).
Do You Have to be Fit Already to Use It?
Some Amazon reviewers have made a strong argument for the fact that you don’t have to be fit at all to get use out of this product. Cynthia James commented on several injuries she was suffering as a result of, but pointed out that the Wii Fit Plus and Balance Board "is a GREAT rehab tool", while Virginia Vegan claims that even though she spends a large proportion of her day wheelchair bound and has difficulty walking any great distance she "was VERY surprised at how many games (she could) play" and says that she would "recommend this to ANYONE with disabilities."
Find The Best Price
I recommend purchasing from Amazon for best price and service.