My Wii Fit Plus Routine-A Review

Today I tried out my personal Wii Fit Plus routine. I definitely set myself a challenge when I put this programme together.


I pieced together a personalized workout routine using the My Routine option on my Wii Fit Plus. From the selection of yoga poses and muscle-building exercises on offer, I selected ones that would give me an all-body workout with special emphasis on improving balance. Here’s how my first session went:

I did really well with the Half Moon, Warrior, Sun Salutation, Chair and Triangle Poses. I used to do yoga during my teens and twenties and I was quite pleased to find out I hadn’t completely lost my suppleness. Ramona, my Wii trainer, kept complimenting me on my posture. The Sun Salutation presented on the Wii Fit Plus is an abbreviated version of the 12-step Salutation I used to do. Considering how out of shape I am, this is a blessing.

The Tree and Standing Knee Poses were challenging to say the least. It fact, they were nearly impossible for me to do. With a bit of effort, I could maintain my balance on my left leg, but I struggled terribly with my weaker right leg. I kept swaying and even fell off the balance board a few times.

After the yoga section, came the muscle exercises. The Torso Waist Twist and Lunge were easy enough to do. The Jackknife, like the Sun Salutation was, modified, (thank the Lord) but I could still feel the muscles being worked. I did the Tricep Extension with 3kg weights. They were a bit heavy and I wobbled a bit towards the end, but I managed to get through the exercise. The Parellel Stretch was quite difficult. So much so that I couldn’t hold the position for the full count. I’ll have to gradually build up my time.

My balance issues became apparent again when I attempted the Single Leg Lift, Single Leg Twist and Sideways Leg Lift. I acquitted myself nicely on my left leg but fell all over the place when I tried the right side. But the worst, the most beastly exercise was the Press Up and Side Twist.

I am not blessed with upper body strength so Press-Ups are something I really need to work hard at. Consistently. It’s been at least two, three years since I’d done Press-Ups with any regularity and my arms have dwindled down some. But I gave it the old college try. And failed miserably.

First, I just couldn’t keep my hands on the Wii Balance Board and do Press-Ups. The board was just too narrow. When I tried to position my hands in a comfortable position to do a proper Press-Up they were off the Board entirely. This caused Ramona to enquire, loudly, if I were still in the room. I didn’t even try to do the twisty part. I just didn’t have the will.

OK, maybe this programme is ambitious. But I’m going to continue for the next six weeks and then re-assess it.

It’s time for me to go for a warm soak.