Research Says Wii Fit Won't Make You Fit

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By: Jen Mueller : 11/20/2009 10:21:17 AM : 248 comments : 14,008 Views

Wii Fit has become a hot trend over the past couple of years. In fact, Wii Fit is now the third best-selling video game of all time. Many people use Wii Fit as a way to get active and have fun. But is it really a workout? Can Wii Fit be used as a substitute for traditional exercise? A new study from ACE (American Council on Exercise), says "no."

The study recruited 16 volunteers, ages 20-24, to test the product. They were given a test to measure their baseline fitness level, and then practiced 6 different Wii Fit games until they could demonstrate proficiency in each. The games were Free Run, Island Run, Free Step, Advanced Step, Super Hula Hoop and Rhythm Boxing.

The results found that none of the activities was sufficient enough to maintain or improve cardiorespiratory endurance as defined by the American College of Sports Medicine. Each of the activities actually burned more calories in "real life" versus doing them virtually in the Wii Fit game. Here were the calories burned results for a 30-minute workout:

Free Run and Island Run: 165 calories
Rhythm Boxing: 114 calories
Super Hula Hoop: 111 calories
Advanced Step: 108 calories
Free Step: 99 calories

Wii Fit burns double the calories of a traditional video game, so it's better than just sitting on the couch. But according to the study, this kind of activity should not be a replacement for your regular session at the gym. If given the choice, researchers suggest using Wii Sports instead of Wii Fit, because Wii Sports involves more continuous jumping and provides a better workout.

If it comes down to it, using Wii Fit is a better option than doing nothing. As with any kind of activity, it's important to find something you enjoy, because then you're more likely to stick with it. But it's also important to understand how effective the exercise is going to be, especially if you're trying to improve your fitness level or lose weight.

Do you agree with the results of this study? Is Wii Fit a workout for you?

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Comments (Scroll to end to leave a comment)

TEACHERCHICK82
2/1/2010
7:22:45 PM

 I love my Wii. While it's not the same as the gym, it's better than nothing. I do like the EA Sports Active. It kicks my butt! I'm usually sore the next day after using the EA Sports Active. I usually use it in addition to my gym workout. Or on the weekends when I don't feel like hitting the gym.
248
ROBINRS
1/17/2010
5:39:07 PM

 Am panning to get a Wii next month and was going to get Wii Fit but after reading these other responses I think maybe some of these others will be better options.
247
STARDUSTD
1/13/2010
1:15:06 AM

 I haven't used the Wii Fit, so I can't speak from experience. Based on commercials, though, I'm not surprised by these results, because the exercises I've seen don't seem like they would be enough to sustain aerobic levels.
However, 16 people is an incredibly small sample size. It would be interesting to read the results of studies that recruited a much higher number of participants from a diverse sample pool.
246
FAT_2_FAB
12/25/2009
5:19:50 PM

 I have a Wii Fit and after I got the hang of it, it was waaay too easy for me. I only break a minimal sweat if I do the boxing game, but the yoga poses are tough for me. I do have some soreness after I do several of those. The balance games are fun too, but I would really like a bigger challenge than what is currently offered with the Wii Fit.
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GRIPKID87
12/11/2009
4:22:44 PM

 I don't really care for the wii fit but i do LOVE me some biggest loser for the wii they have me dripping with sweat on a medium level and leaves me a good sore for days, EA Active is also really good!
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PURRFECT7MI
12/10/2009
7:42:13 AM

 around Thanksgiving I had the chance to test Wii out myself and was very unimpressed. the thing I found even funnier was the 4 teenagers in the room using the system and SITTING on the couch while playing the golf and bowling game.

I do not have the system and do not intend to buy it.

the DDR (dance dance revolution) mats we bought a couple years ago with the games for our PS2 are FABULOUS and a very awesome workout!!!
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ROCKINCHICK
12/9/2009
8:20:02 AM

 I think Wii Fit is a great beginner. We soon bought My Fitness Coach which is a great workout, just like popping in a dvd workout. I now have Biggest Loser which I have yet to do but I know when I am consistent and eat right I lose weight using them.
242
ANMARI_T
12/6/2009
12:45:29 PM

 If you have a Wii and want a workout that will blow Wii fit out of the water pick up EA Active. When I first got my Wii I of course went out and got the Wii Fit right away but I got bored with it pretty quickly.

EA Active is super challenging and isn't so much of a game as it is a virtual trainer. I am sore for days after a workout on 'hard'.

Just my two cents :)
241
REMEMBER1984
12/5/2009
6:16:51 PM

 I agree with the earlier writer, if the whole study was 16 people in their early 20's, then the study is useless. I might as well test 16 6th graders if writing three page papers over two pages papers for a month improve their grammar. They are way to many variables to account for any change.

As far as wii fit, I use it, mainly for the balance exercises and in addition to my normal gym workout. If anything it beats watching tv for 30 or 60 minutes.
240
JCMYEREZ
12/5/2009
12:23:20 PM

 It is only better than doing nothing.....but not nearly as good as a true workout.
239
PEPPEREDMOTH
12/4/2009
5:24:12 PM

 I don't own any kind of Wii and have never used one, but I HAVE taken several classes on statistics. Any study with only sixteen subjects from one very narrow demographic followed for two weeks is essentially meaningless.

That's not to say that the Wii fit is or isn't a great (or terrible) fitness tool, but either way we certainly can't tell from this study! How silly.
238
ZUMBAMOVES
12/3/2009
1:59:52 PM

 My whole family loves the WII fit. We also do WII sports, and I just got WII resort. We also have the DDR pads and Dance games!!! They are a workout!!! No one can tell me that WII does not give a person a workout. My son walks 3 miles to school, 3 miles home and still is breathing heavy with the DDR. Not only does it give us a work out it is absolutely FUN!!!
237
AMBER0985
12/1/2009
10:18:47 AM

 I love my wii fit, and workout out on it everyday doing the free run, boxing,super hoola hoop and strength training and yoga, I also walk the neighborhood with my kids in their double stroller everyday too.
236
HISPANICPRINCES
12/1/2009
1:22:31 AM

 I love my Wii fit when I can't fit my regular work outs in I usually do an Island run I can't believe this study saying that you can't get fit with it, it sure is better than sitting around for 4 hours playing a video game
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MOXIEPURPLE
11/30/2009
9:51:44 PM

 I love my Wii Fit, I am looking forward to getting the new EA game and Wii Fit Plus, and I have lost weight using Wii Fit, long before I started trying to eat right or anything else.
234
DAGNYTAGERT
11/28/2009
10:51:21 PM

 I'm sore after my wii fit workouts. That's a good workout as far as I'm concerned. Besides, I really hate gyms.
233
HRKITTY
11/28/2009
4:40:20 PM

 I really enjoy Wii Fit as a supplement to my exercise routine. Plus, the new Wii game (where you can also use the Wii Fit Balance Board) EA Sports Active is actually pretty strenuous.
232
JENNIR285
11/27/2009
11:36:48 AM

 My wii fit definitely gives me a workout. I am sweating adn smiling after I use it and I can't say that for much else that I do. Being obese it is tough for me to do most activities adn I find many of these are easy enough for me to do. Is it a high energy, high impact workout? no! do i expect it to be? no! It gets me off my games long enough to work up a sweat and it entertains me enough to use it again. This is not a workout plan, its a workout TOOL... how you use it is up to you. In my situation it is jumpstarting my workout/weight loss plans, for someone else it may be something that is as much as they can do especially if they are older or injured, and for someone else it may be childs play. we're all different!
231
JKPONYGIRL
11/27/2009
10:12:19 AM

 I would like to see the results of this type of study done with 40 - 50 year olds. I think the results would be very different. Also the baseline fitness is very important. For someone who is overweight or just beggining to exercise the results would be different for someone at an ideal weight who was very fit.
230
CANDICANE32
11/25/2009
12:53:23 PM

 I love my Wii Fit. I've gotten bored with the original games and purchased some new ones. It got me motivated to move more. I also use it to weigh myself and keep track of my loss. I say, whatever gets you off your butt and moving your body works!
229
CARAISLA
11/25/2009
11:23:51 AM

 I have used my wii fit to get me off my a** and to get me taking those small steps of exercise. I have now incorporated Aerobics and walking into my fitness schedule. But i know if it wasnt for the Wii fit i would have still been quite idle.

I wonder if this research was funded by microsoft or sony in anyway?
228
-WILLOW-
11/24/2009
7:23:14 PM

 I like Wii Fit. I was disapointed in the cardio, but I like the added motivation while doing the core and yogs, etc.
227
AYMELEK
11/24/2009
3:47:39 PM

 I agree with the comments here. While it may not be the be all end all with the cardio portion, at least people are getting off the couches! I think that the Wii Fit is great and like Sharona said there are other aspects (Yoga / Strength Training) that were not researched.
226
SHARONA_P
11/24/2009
10:22:12 AM

 This study focused only on the cardio exercises on the wii fit and yes i would agree that you'd get a better workout by doing an actual run or boxing. But i like the wii fit for the yoga and strength training exercises. These are exercises that i am least likely to do on my own and ones I still need. And the cardio exercises are great for short bursts of cardio that get your heart rate up before doing any resistance training. Does wii fit REPLACE regular exercise, absolutely not, but it;s a great supplement to a regular exercise plan.
225
HARLEYANGELONE
11/24/2009
9:46:29 AM

 I have a wii and I love it...Especially on days when it is raining out and I can't get out for a walk..I don't think that study is correct..Look at all the people on this site who use the wii and enjoy it..It is better than doing nothing..
224
SUNSETSEEKER
11/24/2009
8:55:39 AM

 Something is better than nothing. I say if you want to exercise with the wii do it. The important thing is to move more.
223
NICKI2B
11/24/2009
7:03:08 AM

 I really want a Wii. I can see myself actually using it, which I can't say for a gym membership! All activity counts! And if it is fun it counts triple in my book, because it may even find a place in my schedule. I'm still working on making exercise a priority but so far I'm still in the stage of gaining a general awareness of how active I am/am not.
222
AYASEYUE
11/24/2009
1:13:02 AM

 I just got Wii Fit Plus and I got Wii Fit when it came out, the Plus is a lot better since you can actually customize the Yoga and Strength training into a daily workout plan and they have a new section that lists certain areas you want to target such as Agility, Tummy, Hips, Arms, Back, even Relaxing and Warming Up and gives you 3 related workouts that take about 5 minutes and target that specific area. You can string them together in longer workouts to target multiple areas. It also has calorie counters and a scale that will relate calories burned in terms of food items of similar caloric value. It has all the old games and about 24 new ones that also work on hand eye coordination and mental tests that go along with the work-out.

I got the Plus around the same time that I joined Spark People and got serious about losing weight. I set my 2 week goal for 5lbs and I have almost reached my goal in a week and a half through Spark's suggestions and using my Wii Fit. I have a very busy schedule since I am a college student with an art major, not only do I have a lot going on but most of my school work has me sitting behind a computer, not to mention my hobbies which are reading, drawing, and video games. Between all that I have a very sedentary lifestyle but my Wii Fit works into that schedule and it has been working for me.

Its not for everyone but there is definitely something up if I am seeing results where there study isn't. Maybe they needed a bigger group, or a group that actually had weight to lose or was out of shape. Also, they say 'until they could demonstrate proficiency' which is very vague and most of the activities are not difficult to adapt to. It doesn't sound like they measured any results on long term use, just how many calories were burned in one sitting. It may not be as effective as working out traditionally but personally, I have NEVER been able to hula hoop except around my neck, wrist, and ankle... so I don't know how I am supposed to get a work out using a hula hoop if I can't do it in the first place, gyrating while standing on a plastic board probably works x100 better for me in that instance.

I agree with the majority of what is said here, it may not be a substitute for traditional exercise but it will get a lot of people to start getting healthier and more fit and eventually they will make an effort to do more. Saying that it does nothing though or that it isn't effective at all is a flat out lie though.
221
MRS.MITA
11/23/2009
10:56:58 PM

 I never thought that it would be as good as a real workout at the gym but thought it could be helpful in being more active and burning calories throughout the day. It sounds like it's still helpful for those who aren't doing a more intense workout already and maybe a good way to get people up and moving.
220
SBW21DMD
11/23/2009
8:34:12 PM

 the wii works no matter what a study of 16 says also try ddr if you havn't it works wonders and it even has a workout mode
219
IAMTHINNOW2
11/23/2009
7:16:59 PM

 I'm happy to see people challenging the validity and reliability of research. I hope they realize that many of the statistic we hear about this study or that study are often based on small groups with poor controls and often paid for by someone with a vested interest.
218
2U4UHEALTH
11/23/2009
6:51:06 PM

 The WII Fit is not a replacement for a personal trainer. It doesn't truly correct your form but it gives great encouragement and ideas. The Yoga is great for flexibility and relaxation. A friend of mine lost 35 lbs using the WII Fit and following a point based diet in a matter of 7 months. Better yet.. The WII Fit helps her keep it off by tracking her activities that she does off the WII as well.

I agree with the users that disagree with the study, the subjects were not varied enough and there were not enough subjects.
217
DOWN2SEXY
11/23/2009
6:42:24 PM

 The sample group was such a small (and YOUNG) age range, and the sample was so small (they based results on 16 kids?) that I don't think the results of the study are very credible.

I just got my system and the WiiFit on November 12 and didn't get it set up until a few days later. Maybe the "new" hasn't worn off yet, but I actually really look forward to using it every day. It seems to be very flexible in terms of building your own routines and there are so many options to choose from I think it will take a long time before there's anything boring about it. I like that you get instant feedback on things you need to improve (balance is an issue for me - well, more accuragely equilibrium is an issue) so it's nice to be able to see in real time where my center of balance is so I can work to improve that.

WiiFit might not do much for a young person who is already in good shape, but it sure has been making this old gal feel muscles she forgot she had. Is it going to be the same as running a 10k? Obviously no, but there's no way I could withstand that anyway. I used to go to the gym regularly - at least 4 times a week. On a good gym day, I burned maybe 500 calories. Over 7 days, that would average out to around 290 calories a day. I burn that or more spending an hour with WiiFit between the Rhythm Boxing (which I can't get enough of), a 10-minute run, the Hula Hoop ones (there are two options), and the other fun stuff.

Another thing overlooked is that the WiiFit literally encourages people to take it to real life. An example, even though I have only played 9 holes of golf in my entire 58 years, I went to the WiiFit driving range just for fun. The system analyzes your swing and give you pointers. I am evidently a "natural" because I scored at the pro level. Literally, the feedback I got was that I should go out to the REAL driving range and start hitting some balls.

The system also allows the user to enter non-Wii fitness activities, so on a day when I'm in the mood for Tae Bo or a day that I walk 5 miles, I can account for that.

Let's face it, NO single activity by itself is going to make some of us fit. A person can get all the cardio in the world and that doesn't necessarily make them any stronger or any more flexible.

Let's see a study that includes thousands of people of both sexes, all ages, and all general fitness levels that lasts more than a couple of weeks and see if there aren't SOME people out there whose fitness improves as a result of using it. It may not make us triathletes or Olympic weight lifters, but if it makes us move more than we did before, it's a valid tool, IMHO.

216
BETHHARRIS
11/23/2009
5:02:50 PM

 We have a Wii and Wii Play and WiiSports at the bar. I used to think I wanted one for home for the yoga and WiFit but now I'm not so sure. I'm afraid it would be just like at the bar, people were all into Wi the first 2-3 weeks we had it. I think at this point it needs dusting as we speak. It's fun when you have people to play with and I do have to admit to being the undefeated boxing champ of the bar which on the nights I had to defend my "title" did leave me in a higher heart rate zone and nearly sweating with sore arms the next day! It's also WAY cool to have mini-bowling tournaments in the bar too. I figure up at the Wii is better than sitting on a bar stool as long as everyone's sober enough to play. Which is a big concern for me to determine when a crowd is o.k. to play Wii and when it's best to have mysteriously "forgotten" to charge the remotes!
215
SRCHNG4SMTHNG
11/23/2009
4:08:20 PM

 I use my Wii to help me work out all the time. I know I'm not burning as many calories in some of the activities as I would by doing them in real life but I also find myself working out for at least twice as long with the Wii as I would in the gym. It's also a great way to get people up and moving that would normally not.
214
DODANEODWYER
11/23/2009
3:35:58 PM

 The Wii is great for someone like me who is actually fearful of a gym. I find that I sweat and my heart rate is up for the 30-60 minutes that I'm bowling, boxing, playing tennis etc. As I improve my cardio I'll be able to move on to more intense workouts including the gym - however...for right now - it's a great step - even if it's a baby step.
213
SHEENADEE
11/23/2009
3:04:06 PM

 Wii Fit is absolutely a workout that can help improve someone's fitness. I use it almost daily & freely recommend it to others. Of course, it is not as intense a workout as some other mechanisms...but everyone is not always going to do the most intense exercises now are they? For the first 6-9 months of my fitness journey, I did nothing but Wii Fit and a little walking. In that time, I lost 40-50 pounds and definitely improved my fitness. I have added other things into my workout routine so that it is no longer Wii Fit only; and feel that I am now getting a better overall workout and more intense cardio that I needed. But, Wii Fit still plays a major role in my routine and I think always will. It keeps me interested & moving; I credit it with getting me up off the couch to begin with.

I do have a question about what is reported in that article that makes me question some of what they actually did in the study. It stated that they recommend Wii Sports because it includes a lot of jumping. Huh? I have Wii Sports too and there is no jumping involved in it. Perhaps they meant some other Wii Sports-like package; but the one that is actually called Wii Sports is only golf, tennis, bowling, boxing & baseball. Kinda makes you wonder about their report.
212
BPELTONEN
11/23/2009
2:24:40 PM

 I used Wii Fit's strength training workouts all last summer. They weren't the hardest exercises I had ever done but I got up every morning and did 10-20 minutes. I also did a lot of walking around my neighborhood. In the end, those walks were probably the tougher workout but the Wii Fit was another fun way to make exercising a habit. It was some variety when the weather was bad or I didn't have time to walk. So I think in that way it helped me a lot! Also, when I take a 10 minute exercise break I will often do those same Wii Fit exercises--even when I don't have a Wii.
211
FRANMA76
11/23/2009
2:00:22 PM

 My Wii Fit got me started moving and made me realize that I COULD do more as far as work outs go. I don't use it as much anymore, but I do make regular visits to the gym for work outs and Zumba class. I got the Wii fit a couple of months before seriously beginning this journey of getting rid of extra pounds.
210
MDMNINA
11/23/2009
1:35:14 PM

 I love my Wii Fit. I think the difference is that I don't do the exercises just once. I will often do 30 to 40 minutes of the advanced step or the boxing. And I really sweat. It's easy to say that a session at the gym is better. But joining a gym involves money. And often people join a gym and just don't go due to the hassle of getting there and waiting for the machines you want to use. Not to mention the intimidation factor. My Wii Fit is there for me 24 hours a day.
209
GRANDMO1
11/23/2009
1:19:08 PM

 As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
208
BETTEDOWD
11/23/2009
1:13:14 PM

 I am 63 and I now use my Wii Fit sporatically, and am hoping for a Wii Fit Plus for Christmas. I have mastered most of the Wii Fit exercises. I work up a sweat everytime I use it and it has inspired me to go on to the Julian Micheal's Workout, Wii Active, and Wii Dancing with the Stars, all of which enable me to work up a sweat. Go Wii!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
207
ILOVEPEOPLE
11/23/2009
12:46:31 PM

 I have to say I have never felt that the Wii Fit provided me with a great work out, but it is fun and it is better than sitting and shooting things, in my opinion, but then again my eye hand coordination is not the best. LOL I think it's great for developing balance.
206
NETTA_MARIE
11/23/2009
12:38:13 PM

 I got my Wii fit about a year ago and while I havn't used it as regularly as I should I do believe that is has done some good. My posture is better and my back issues have declined. My chiropractor can tell the difference when I have or haven't been active on it.
205
LOVEPAINTING
11/23/2009
12:27:05 PM

 Just bought the Wii Fit Plus last week. I love it and if it's not a good workout - why do my muscles hurt the next day and why am I sweating profusley while doing it??? Why is my heart rate elevated - Isn't this called exercise???? It's better than being a couch potato and with the winter months ahead - there is no excuse to "NOT MOVE IT".
204
SKIPPYTO1
11/23/2009
12:13:40 PM

 Santa's bringing me one for Christmas (it's also serving as a reward for reaching my goal weight). My 28 year old daughter- who is VERY fit and who exercises on a regular basis, LOVES her wii fit plus. She's the one who encouraged me to buy one. I agree- a study of 16 people and of the age group listed, can hardly be considered a study. And I doubt Jillian Micheals would led her name to something that wasn't worthwhile (referring to her new wii workout).
203
MAERETH
11/23/2009
11:26:50 AM

 As many have said, it's much better than nothing. I love the games and especially the yoga. I will still use mine to supplement my fitness schedule.
202
CHOCMOM
11/23/2009
11:17:14 AM

 It is great and fun for people over 50 who have been out of shape for awhile. I get winded on some of the exercise. I go to a gym but I include Wii Fit exercises for the FUN of it! Love it.
201
BOOGERSMOMMY
11/23/2009
11:07:14 AM

 That was an interesting article and I loved reading everyone's comments. I have not tried out the Wii Fit yet but have been very interested in buying one. I go to the gym regularly but was thinking it was a less expensive option than my pricey gym. All the reading I've done, makes me think twice!
200
KALADELE
11/23/2009
10:29:58 AM

 It is only 16 people and they only rated the easiest exercises. I think that those yoga and muscle exercises are quite good and challenging - and I am only 23 and consider myself as pretty fit.
In my opinion, Wii Fit is good as it contains various exercises: free step or free run to those who had not exercised before and advanced boxing session, advanced muscle and yoga exercises to those who are "Advanced".
199

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