I decided to spend some time playing around with Wii Fit Plus since I hadn't used it for anything other than weighing in for quite awhile. I finally managed to conquer the Table Tilt! As I was going through the games I did the beginner step. OMG, how slow is that? I kept screwing up because it's almost impossible to step that slow and keep any rhythm. My son came in and asked if I was waddling my way to fitness!

I gave up on watching the feet. I just started watching the Mii's and followed them when they were stepping on and off and moving their amrs. Found that to be the best way for me.

I also had problems at first, but now I rarely miss one, though I may have a couple dozen OKs some games. I watch the footprints, not the Miis, and I don't clap either, because the sound interferes with hearing the music and the chimes that indicate how well I've stepped. However, I do swing my arms from the time the first clap-hands appear to the end of the routine, varying the intensity with how much I have to concentrate on the steps (the side-steps require more focus). Turning up the volume on the TV helped.

What I've found to be most effective is to simply to move with precision and mindfulness, so that when I put a foot down, my weight is divided equally between both legs. I think of it as if I'm pressing down on a button with my foot rather than taking a step. For instance, when both feet are on and I'm stepping off with one, I know I can't just immediately transfer all my weight to the foot hitting the floor, but spread my weight over both feet.

I'm one of those people who has always lurched through life. My poor mother despaired of me. When I would sit down on the couch, I sort of collapsed onto it. When I stood back up, I sort of lunged upwards, using my momentum to carry me up. I've done this since I was a slim teenager, though it's much worse now that I'm an obese middle-aged mom. The step program (and the yoga, and my building my core strength and stamina by exercising almost every day) has taught me to center myself as I go through my everyday life. Now I lower myself gracefully onto the couch, balance my weight carefully as I walk or climb stairs, and stoop or bend in a careful, controlled manner. In other words, this program has taught me to be more graceful. And that makes me feel strong and confident. Bonus.

The step activity is my warmup exercise every day. I often start off a little unfocused (if not half-asleep), but having to control my movements in a very precise way helps me to transition to the mindset I need to get the most out of my entire exercise session.

joy