I am rarely one to jump on new technology when it’s first put on the market. The reason being is it usually has bugs in it and it costs too much. Take for instance the Iphone 3GS everyone is now salivating for when it comes out on June 19. I’d be more likely to buy the Iphone 3G because they just dropped the price by a 100 bucks and I don’t really care if I can’t send pictures or take videos without having the new one (the software update fixes the MMS problem anyhow).  Iphone 3G still browses the web–oh, and I can use it to make phone calls.

 The newest is not always the best because companies rush to put their products out without discovering all of the flaws. Then the feedback, or rather complaints, come in from users and they start fixing the software and possibly even the hardware. Apple is better than most, only they always are pricey…that’s going to change as far as I’ve read though. Watch your ass, Microsoft.

So it’s not a surprise that I just purchased a Wii along with Wii Fit. And I did it on an impulse because I’m always interested in anything related to fitness that will keep me motivated. I find that variety is the key to maintaining an exercise regiment because we tend to get bored fast.

My first time trying the Wii beat my expectations. For once they got it right for those of us who aren’t kids and don’t have the spare time to figure out multiple button moves, complex storylines, and long instructions. You jump into a game with Wii and start playing immediately. And isn’t that the future of games? Isn’t that what we all envy when in Star Trek NG the crew members take vacations by going to the holodeck. You enter a virtual world where you use your body and know-how, not a gamepad. I have high hopes for Wii to continue towards that end result.

Wii Fit is a great introduction to exercising for the novice, but my question is does anyone lose weight with it? Or is it just a fad. My wife loves it and currently we are both on our 3rd day. It’s not quite as intensive for me to match a workout on the treadmill or jogging outside, but on the other hand I rarely do strength exercises or yoga so I believe I’m hitting new spots to get sore on the ol’ bod.

Since 3 days doesn’t tell you much, I started looking for articles on the web from game players that had actually tested Wii Fit and this one from Kotaku.com says yes on weight loss. However, I think something the author wrote is very telling: “Like when anyone starts a new exercise program, I went all out when I started. And like most, my goal wasn’t to be fit, per se, but to drop a few extra pounds.”

That’s the key to exercise in general. When you first buy any piece of exercise equipment you get all excited and dream big and then go all out–like those pair of dumbbells you used one day, burned out your arms and never picked them up again. I would have to say I was guilty of doing this with the Wii on the first day. I played all the Wii Sports and then started Wii Fit. Now I’m nervous if I’ll continue day by day so I’m trying not to overdo it. I think Wii Fit is an addition to my exercise routines and not the sole piece of equipment I’ll be using.

USA Today seems to think Wii Fit may be more than a trend. It’s still selling. “Think about it: A game that teaches yoga poses and calisthenics is outselling games that teach warfare and auto theft. ” That is promising, though I don’t have anything against violent games or stealing virtual cars (just leave my Honda alone, you bastards–it’s all I got). Fact is, I’m hoping that Wii will come out with a super involved violent game using swords or other weapons as well as martial arts. One from a first person point of view like the boxing game on Wii Sports.

Imagine the workout let alone the coordination you could build by fighting imaginary villains using your arms and feet and possibly your head. All it might take is some sensor bands that you attach to your body. With regular workouts you are very aware of “time.” With games you lose track of time, thus you are more likely to put in a good workout. The possibilties for getting obese kids fit are endless.

The one game I keep hearing about that people are losing weight with is “Dance, Dance, Revolution.” I am a horrible dancer, but I’d like to pick it up and give it a go. Even attempting dance moves for me would be a good way to exercise. I’ll just have to do it when my wife’s not around to laugh at me.