News Taffy

If you don’t like to exercise, find sneaky ways to get moving! I wrote about the Wii game system a couple of years ago and how much fun it is. Since then, schools and senior centers have recognized that the Wii games are fun and a good way to get people to get off the couch. Playing (or exercising!) with the Wii can be a fun social time as well.

My daughter received a copy of Just Dance for the Wii for her birthday. Some of you may have heard of it or your kids have it but have you checked it out? She and her friends certainly had a good time judging from all the laughter I heard while they were playing. Then she invited me and my husband to play one night and I remembered why the Wii is so popular. The three of us laughed so much at each other while doing the dance moves. We soon worked up a sweat as well.

There are countless versions of Just Dance, with lots of popular music, some for young kids and even a country dance version so you should be able to find one that appeals to you. It was a little difficult at first, because you watch the screen and follow the moves. Since you don’t know what is coming up next, you will be a little behind. If you aren’t fit, you will get breathless but all the laughing you’ll be doing will also contribute. Indeed, you’ll get a workout sitting on the couch while others take a turn, laughing and moving to the music.

If you don’t have a Wii system, consider getting one. They are pricey as is any game system but there are many great games that will get you and the whole family moving. The graphics are good, the instructions easy to follow and there are different levels of play. The games offer strength training, aerobics, yoga and other games just for fun such as bowling or ski jumping. That being said, the Wii system is not a substitute for “real exercise” done at the gym or on the playground. You won’t burn as many calories as you would playing a real game of tennis for instance. But if you are one of those people who resists any kind of exercise, this may be a good way to ease you into the idea of exercise. It’s also a good way to do things as a family or to engage each other actively rather than passively watching a movie and stuffing your face with popcorn and coke. As always, I am happy to see people doing something to get exercise rather than nothing. So you hard core couch potatoes, get moving and have some fun!

Until next time,
Lisa