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Research Says Wii Fit Won't Make You Fit

By: Jen Mueller : 11/20/2009 10:21:17 AM : 307 comments : 17,533 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)

MRSREALLE 7/16/2010 2:26:07 AM	I do not have a Wii, but have wanted one since the Wii Fit came out. My sister has one though and loves it! She's 38 and uses it to work out every day along with her daily walk. She has gone from the high end of overweight to the middle of normal...all in just 6 months. In looking at the study, there were not enough subjects studied, there was no real age range, and look at who provided sole funding for this study. Wii Fit is not for those that are already very active, it's for those of us still sitting on the couch! Anything that helps get American's moving, and I say American's because of our severe problem with obesity, is a step in the right direction.	307
STRINGME 7/15/2010 11:46:08 AM	I disagree with the survey. I have had a Wii Fit for just under a year, and have been using it quite consistently. In that time, I have lost a significant amount of weight - I started in the "obese" category, and just yesterday made it into the "normal" weight category. I think the Fit was a huge help in achieving this goal. I had no reason to give in to excuses not to exercise. It was convenient and fun. I think that my health, endurance, and strength have improved greatly. Also, my confidence has improved enough that I feel comfortable now taking my exercise outside where people can see me. I do agree with the person(s) who said that you get out of it what you put into it. The flat step is too easy, so I bought the riser. I put on leg weights and use hand weights as I do the exercises. I love my Wii Fit!!	306
MHUTTON 7/13/2010 9:48:05 AM	I love my Wii too. It gets me moving and sometimes that's all I need to get the bug. I feel like it is working for my kids and myself. It gets me moving and my girls. Just to get them moving is great however I don't think it should be your only type of exercise. I have added a few different games to keep me moving and have added other exercise too.	305
NIKONIKO226 7/13/2010 12:44:26 AM	I have lost 50-60 pounds and it started with a wii fit, it gets you up and moving and into the habit of doing something more than just sitting on your tooshie. I'm getting my sister into it since she needs something entertaining to help her motivation, I have now developed good habits and work out without the wii fit but I still pop on to play. What ever inspires you to get up and move is the most important thing to me. I don't recommend it if your trying to be athletic though because its not a hard enough work out.	304
FRANI23 7/12/2010 10:56:02 PM	Wii Fit isn't really enough for me, so I bought the game Just Dance for the Wii and I (along with my entire family and all of our friends) LOVE it. You basically just do what the person on the TV is doing and it gets you moving. Even my mom who is adamant about doing any sort of physical activity does it. If I had not looked into the Wii Fit, I probably wouldn't have found Just Dance so I guess Wii Fit is a good place to start.	303
TOLEGIRL1 7/12/2010 9:42:57 PM	I think that it has its place. If we are doing activity and looking for ways to change it up then its another piece of "equipment" to pull out of our tickletrunk Every little bit helps and you can always change the way you do it so that you can tailor make your activity for that session. Some things are meant to be reviewed as an alternative and this is wii system in a nutshell- anything that gets people moving and motivated... how can that be a bad thing?! Go wii !!!!	302
HELOVESUS 7/12/2010 4:07:56 PM	i love my wii fit...i sweat like a hog...i've gained good balance..etc. Way better than just sittin' there!	301
SHRINKINGNINJA 7/12/2010 3:47:19 PM	This research was not conducted very well. It needed more people and varying fitness levels. Sure, I don't get much from the Wii Fit because I workout 2 to 3 hours a day at my Dojo. However, my Dad who does not exercise at all, or my Mom who does very little could see wonderful results with using the Wii fit on a regular basis.	300
CECE0330 7/12/2010 3:07:20 PM	I would never look at it as an exercise REPLACEMENT, but as something that can involve the whole family + burns some calories, well, it's better than nothing! I also don't really see what's wrong with burning say 114/day doing the boxing. I'm sure if a person did that 7 days/week and took some other small steps to become healthier, they'd have no problem losing weight.	299
ODAT1117 7/12/2010 3:00:14 PM	I completely agree with the skeptism expressed here. Only 16 participants in the study, ages 20-24??? Come on... How about you get 100+ participants aged 40-60 and have them do 30 minutes of Wii Fit or Wii Sports per day? I agree also that the Wii should not and probably can't be a complete substitute, but look at all the people who have been inspired and motivated by the game. I'm just concerned that poorly designed studies that produce negative outcomes can and will discourage people from getting up off the couch. The whole goal is to move more and eat less. If the Wii makes a person move more, then GO FOR IT!! Thanks for listening to this former researcher!! :-)	298
GAILSQUEST 7/12/2010 9:42:15 AM	I love my WII and use it every day.I use WIIFIT,Walk It Out,Biggest loser and EA ACtive.	297
SPOILTDIVA 7/12/2010 7:57:22 AM	I agree with people who are saying it depends on your fitness to begin with. I get out of breath from the short run, I'm not very fit so it makes perfect sense that I feel it. I also think that for some people it might be a first step on the road to fitness. It could be that some people don't want to put themselves out there straight away and that just doing this little bit of exercise could be a stepping stone to further physical activity. I hope so anyway.	296
EPIPHANYANGEL 7/12/2010 5:42:41 AM	I like to use the Wii for fun, but would not use it as a 'workout'. I like the fact that I can use it to weigh myself and set specific calories to burn.	295
ELECTRICLADYT 7/12/2010 12:00:08 AM	I want to get the WII Fit. Problem is- when i have the money, the stores don't have it in stock. When I don't have the money- the stores have it. I tried the regular WII sports when I was babysitting last year, and got winded. How much of a benefit will probably depend on your fitness level to begin with.	294
SWEETVABREEZE57 7/11/2010 8:21:29 PM	I don't think it's a replacement for exercising but it is a plus to play games with movement when you may be just sitting on the couch.	293
PANFRIEDTROUT 7/11/2010 5:28:58 PM	if it weren't for the wii fit plus & active, i'd still be sitting on the couch; 30 yrs ago, i loved exercise for its own sake but over the many years began to view it as boring and a huge effort. heck, i got tired just thinking about doing any calisthenics or jogging & did ....nothing! along comes this FUN nintendo game & i'm up & moving! sure, at some point, i'm going to need to head to the gym but the games have helped me WANT to change my life and my views of exercise. my weight is going down & my outlook on things is going up :=)	292
ASMARTERWAY 7/11/2010 5:12:38 PM	Wii only just bought one so ask me in a few months! However, I would be VERY surprised it it were any kind of substitute for the real thing! However, on those occasions when you're just too damn tired to do gym, it's probably an ok substitute?	291
GIGI255 7/11/2010 5:07:04 PM	When I saw it advertised on TV right before Christmas, i Knew it was another ploy to get people to believe that they will lose their holiday pounds, and knew it would not be amounting up to much, and I bet people dont use it, either when they get it, much like a rower or a exercise bike, that sits in a corner.	290
BIJOUX7 7/11/2010 11:13:21 AM	It's fun but I don't feel like I work very hard when I play....	289
SAFETYSUE 7/11/2010 6:08:29 AM	WII Fit is great and just watching my adult daughters, hubbies, and grandson when they bought this for Christmas, was all the proof I need to say it gets people up off the couch and moving. They spent so much time playing with it and all the games they had. It was a very different Christmas than past, everyone ate themselves silly and hung around on the couch and watched movies. All the laughter and movement in the house was certainly healthier no matter what weight you happen to be. I know some of my daughters friends are twiggy, and they are more out of shape that my daughter who (works out) is built more athletic like me. We can build muscle pretty easily by working out and look pretty fit. So as some have said here, it is better than sitting on the couch!!	288
SOCALDEBBIE 7/11/2010 12:49:16 AM	It has to depend on your beginning fitness level. If it's your first step off the couch, of course it's going to help. If you're a marathoner, it's not.	287
WINSTONSUZ 7/11/2010 12:04:54 AM	I would never have started my weight loss journey if it wasn't for the wii fit. I had to start with something that is fun but still gets me involved I'm not into hard core workouts with jumping jacks, lunges and all that. I love the wii fit and beating my own records and yes it got me off the recliner. I still use my wii fit I've lost 26 pounds so far but I also now use my tony little gazelle and my elliptical trainer to give me more intense cardio workouts. But I still want to be a kid and play at 53 and the wii at least contributes SOMETHING to my fitness goals! I could feel changes and saw some results when I was working out with the wii 30-60 minutes a day as opposed to sitting on my recliner... so what do stuffed shirts know anyway! Is it the most serious workout you can do? nawwwwwww but sometimes all it takes for someone to START is something that makes this all fun!	286
BOSSLADY2000 7/10/2010 11:16:00 PM	I disagree with research Iam 67 and weighed220 in january oif this year started usingwii fit program andtrackingmy food intake and work on wii and have lost 100 lbs. i feel better nowsleep better et. i have arthritis and a bad back ifeel without the wii anfd spRK I WIOULD STILL BE OBESE	285
SWEETSUGAR7 7/8/2010 12:51:07 PM	I agree the WII FIT and PLUS is better than doing nothing at all. I also agree that doing other activities outside are good idea. We need to explore and be in the fresh air and enjoy life. The mixer of all activities is a good idea and more variety.	284
COMPUTERTEACHER 7/8/2010 10:16:05 AM	I appreciate that SP included a link to the study. Many "health news" articles from other sources don't. On that point, thank you! But I agree with several of the respondents: 16 subjects, in their early twenties, does not a conclusive study make. Researchers must "publish or perish" even if the research is irrelevant. That seems to be the case here - a quick and simple bit of "research" to be published. Oh, and yes, there does appear to be bias due to who's funding the project.	283
RAINESSA 7/8/2010 7:18:37 AM	You get out of it what you put into it. When the free step was not challenging for me, I placed the board on an aerobic step and got a good workout then from the extra height. I personally would probably get a better workout on the wii than with the real thing for hula hooping since with the game I can keep on going while with a real hula hoop I constantly drop it. I have seen a lot of negativity about the workout "games" not "counting". If I do a body weight squat or lunge .... does it really matter if I do it in a gym, following a workout video, or following a cartoon image? The only problem I have had with working out with the wii is that since you have to hold onto the remotes, you are limited with how you add resistance. The Wii EA Active workout game helped with that by marketing a resistance band with handles slim enough to hold at the same time as the remotes. Granted many thought the band was wimpy, but you could substitute stronger bands. And now the next generation of workout games are using other methods to monitor movements so you hands are freed up to add weights.	282
GABBYBEAR 7/7/2010 8:57:45 PM	I am a 45 year old woman working toward a total weight loss of 30 pounds. (20 down 10 more to go). Mornings are for my serious cardio workout. I use the Wii Fit plus and Wii Active plus as a secondary workout at the end of the day and way to spend extra fun time with my teen daughters. My goal is to have a calorie defecit of 500 every day and to achieve this, I need to keep moving, not lay on the couch at the end of the day. The Wii games fill this small whole. My family especially likes the Just Dance game and I can guarantee that 30 minutes of dancing to this will get your heart rate up and there will be sweat on your brow!	281
THINAGAIN66 7/7/2010 7:30:58 PM	It definitely gives me a workout, but then I'm not 20-24 years old. I am a 62 year old overweight woman who sits at a desk all day at work. I exercise longer when I am on the Wii than when I am doing other exercises. I may not burn as many calories, but I'm not sitting on the couch as long either.	280
SUGIRL06 7/7/2010 1:43:13 PM	First, I definitely think it depends on the person's fitness level. For someone who is obese and sedentary, then this is a great first step into exercise. Also, the stretching, yoga, and balance type exercise might be useful for someone who doesn't get it in other workouts. I agree though that it shouldn't be considered a high intensity cardio workout or anything like that. It is a great tool when it comes to fitness but for serious weight loss, you will need to burn more calories than the wii fit can provide. Also, this was discussing the games that come with the Wii fit. I wonder how games like EA Active compare? Just a thought!	279
JACK3313 7/7/2010 12:07:11 PM	The Wii fit does give me a workout. But I am a 42 year old woman who is obese and out of shape. For me it is a start and there are other workouts that may be purchased. I plan on doing that in the future.	278
ADYLEIGH 7/7/2010 12:04:04 PM	I agree that some exercise is better than doing nothing, but I never understood the point of wii fit or the wii in general. I always see commercials of people doing yoga with these expensive systems and I think just go buy a $10 yoga video. Also, the one that really gets me is people bowling in their living rooms with wii, just go bowling. You probably would get more exercise because you would at the very least have to walk from you car to the bowling ally and you get the extra benefit of socializing.	277
BRITTAVICTORIA 7/7/2010 10:20:30 AM	I think it all depends on how hard you work and what you put into it. I love my Wii Fit Plus. I think the yoga and strength training is wonderful, the balance games are very beneficial (greatly improved my coordination and balance), and for the aerobics are actually quite good if you really push yourself at them. Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus are not substitutes for exercise, and they are not the only workout one should be doing, but I do believe that they are beneficial, and a great way to start exercising again if you've been sedentary for some time.	276
MORRIGANSMOMMY 7/7/2010 10:14:59 AM	I use the wii every day 2x a day and I see the difference. I've lost 9 lbs so far . I guess it all depends on how long and well you use it. Its been helping me lose weight so in my opinion I think the studies are wrong. You just gotta stick with it and don't give up. Its great for those who don't have rhe time or money to go to the gym.	275
SUZYMARC 7/7/2010 9:49:45 AM	Regardless of this study I still believe Wii fit plus is a workout depending on a person's own fitness level, age, and general activity level. I thoroughly enjoy using my Wii fit plus to do a mixed up yoga & strength exercises in My Routine uisng various time lengths. For me it helps work on my flexiblity, body weight lifting challenges, and balance. Following that up with rhythm boxing or any of the other cardio games can really break a sweat depending on how much of "your all" you are giving to the game. I always bring my "A game" with me in any form of exercise and make it as challenging as I can. I believe the Wii fit is an excellent fitness tool for the elderly to keep them active indoors and working on coordination, balance, and aerobic levels. The Wii does not replace my elliptical, outside walks, or various strength workouts but it does add FUN, challenging balance games, and gets us off up our butts and moving with laughter. Plus there are Wii games out there geared for more intense aerobic fitness workouts, yet those games were not mentioned or tested. Why was the study only done for that age range and not other ranges. Say adolences, teens, 20s, 30-40s, and 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80-90s. What was the average fitness levels of those 16 people? Everyone has an an opinion, and I still am very happy with our Wii balance board, Wii fit plus, and other games that incorporate the use of the balance board. Lots of people do exercises but use improper form, at least the wii fit plus helps you work on posture and proper body balance when performing exercises. I don't use it as my only source of fitness but it sure comes in handy on rainy, hot & humid, and super cold days- it gets you active inside and off your butt zoned out in front of the tv.	274
DIZIZZY7895 7/7/2010 9:46:52 AM	I luv my wii fit plus! I use it for 30min to 60 minutes. I find it motivates me and my kids see and are being more active.	273
KARATE_KID 7/7/2010 8:41:16 AM	I love my Wii fit because it's fun. I could stand in my living room and jump up and down for half an hour, but it's not very motivating. Of course it doesn't "replace" a strenuous workout but it can be part of a balanced lifestyle. Plus it may motivate very sedentary people to get off the couch and who knows where it may lead them.	272
NJ_HOU 6/22/2010 12:51:31 PM	I agree with DAREDEVIL23 - 16 people and you get research grant monies AND published... What a trick! Congrats to the researchers on making money on this study!	271
BRINA421 6/22/2010 11:34:57 AM	I think that any type of "work out" is better than sitting on your butt doing nothing. If it can get you to move then do it.	270
JAMESMYBOND 6/22/2010 10:53:08 AM	I love wii fit but I do think dance revolution is a better workout!	269
MAKELE 6/11/2010 3:23:15 AM	I bought the Wii Fit at Christmas and I still haven't taken it out of the box...maybe this summer I will. LOL!	268
DAREDEVIL23 6/9/2010 1:23:42 PM	My research shows that... Wii fit is better than "couch potato" but not as good as running a marathon. Where do I collect my research grant money? LOL	267
EYEONGOAL 6/9/2010 11:08:27 AM	I use the EA Sport Active and I know that the workout that I get is better than the ones that I've had with personal trainers. I sweat and workout hard. Not all Wii programs are intense, but if you want one they are available.	266
NURSENESSA 6/8/2010 11:54:56 PM	The conclusion to this study is a "no-brainer." Of course the activities on Wii Fit will not burn the same amount of calories as the actual activity. The amount burned and the increase in heart rate is dependent on the person playing. I will tell you when I hula hoop, I don't mess around! My heart rate is UP and I'm sweating! I could still get a ton of points by just leaning the right way and making the game believe I am really working at it, but I don't want to do that. I give every virtual game as much physical energy that I can, and I think that makes all the difference. Plus it is fun :)	265
TCICHOWSKI 6/8/2010 8:11:24 PM	I have just begun using the Wii Fit about 2 weeks ago and I think that it's great. Sure, it doesn't take the place of a full traditional workout, but it gets you up and moving while having fun playing a game instead of sitting on your tush. Any calories burned are better than none!	264
BNSPIRD 6/8/2010 6:34:38 PM	like anything... it all comes down to what you put into it! Some probably just sat and shook the remote for the run, instead of actually moving! lol	263
RAINEY231 6/8/2010 6:06:51 PM	I have a WiiFit and I like the exercises and feel as if I get a good workout. When I bought it I wasn't doing any exercises so at least it motivated me to get off the couch. I think anything that gets you moving is good regardless of what the study revealed.	262
MILLERDOUGLAS 6/1/2010 10:59:43 PM	So I run every other day and I use the wii fit for strength training and to work out while waiting for my kids to wake up. While it isn't as good as going to the gym, for a rest day it gets me active for 30 minutes, burns some calories and it's fun	261
ETHELMERZ 4/19/2010 8:45:05 PM	Why would any group do a "study" using just 16 people anyway?? Waste of money and resources say I. It's like when they read "Health Minutes" on the daily news, headlining new meds that will "cure" some disease or something, but when they read the report, you find out it was just tested on 25 mice in a lab........	260
DIAMONDST 4/19/2010 11:06:19 AM	Everyone has a different fitness level and if a Wii Fit works for you, GO FOR IT!!!	259
ANNEMARGO 4/16/2010 1:42:44 PM	Um, 16 subjects? All about the same age? Really? Really? And that proves....what? Obviously Wii Fit shouldn't be your only exercise, but anything that gets people off the couch and enthusiastic about moving is a good thing. People forget that you need both exercise _and_ physical activity for a healthy lifestyle. For many people, Wii Fit will be physical activity, not exercise, but you're still having fun and moving, hopefully with other people (much more fun that way). BTW, ACE certifies personal trainers and exercise instructors. Conflict of interest much?	258