Gamasutra are reporting that the American Council on Exercise (ACE) has released a report describing Wii Fit as "underwhelming" in terms of exercise intensity.

They measured calories burnt in the various games and found that, surprise, they didn't burn as many as if you did the exercise for real.

However the entire report rather misses the point: Wii Fit is not, and never has been intended as a competitor to real-life boxing, going to the gym, or going for a long run. Wii Fit's emphasis is much more on muscle tone, balance, flexibility, coordination and all over strength, than it is on cardio style fitness. While it has the cardio games like rhythm boxing, these are just a small part of Wii Fit's selection.

This misunderstanding is unsurprising really, the ACE is a trade group for fitness instructors, so naturally they are going to judge everything in relation to "traditional" western approaches to fitness. It's just a shame that so many people who should know better disparage something which people might actually enjoy, and want to do repeatedly rather than miserably pounding away on a treadmill.

Of course some might say they have a vested interest in seeing Wii Fit fail, but that would just be cynical

Duh, probably has something to do with the fact that the Wii Fit Balance Board cost me all of 99.00 and I got WiiFit Plus as a present. I use it almost everyday. Less than a yearly gym membership that I never use and really have to cancel. I have never looked forward so much to exercising. I can do all of this in the comfort and protection of my own home and it helps me focus on my balance which is what made public gym workouts embarrassing. I'm already shopping for more WiiFit additions and forsee myself using this for a long time, rather than the 2-3 months I actually used the gym membership. Plus, many of my friends, local and virtual, use WiiFit and we compare progress. I may not sweat as much as at the gym, but I am much more consistent, which, over time, will be of better benefit.

That pretty much sums it up. Gyms are only any good if you actually use them.

LOL. So true. My co-worker (belongs to same gym) does try to get me to go to classes, but I'm so clumsy and can't keep up. Hopefully after a few more months on WiiFit I might be able to keep up.

The problem with gyms from my point of view is that they don't allow me to exercise when I want to exercise. I keep a somewhat odd schedule and I like to exercise late at night and my husband likes to exercise early in the morning. There is no way a gym would be able to accomodate our schedules and preferences. Plus, I don't like to wait to use equipment.

I agree with you, I have a crazy schedule too and having the Wii at home, at my beck and call is much better than worrying if I have enough time to get to the gym in time for a decent workout. We have one of those 24 hour, key entry gyms down the street but there I worry about safety, both working out alone if something happened and the idea of entering or exiting gym alone at night. This is the best money I've ever spent on workout gear/memberships.

I have had a lifelong struggle with weight. In my early 30's I got fit and trim by jogging and working out in the gym. In the 20 years since, outside of lifestyle changes which I've allowed to keep me from a regular fitness routine, I have developed arthritis in both hips, and have had multiple surgeries on my feet and one knee. As a result, I don't have the stamina for a regular gym workout. Wii Fit gives me the freedom to work out at my own pace in my home. While I'm not happy that it takes me almost 2 hours to expend 500 calories (according to their measurements), I still am able to do it and take breaks. Wii Fit isn't perfect, but it works for me!

I just like it because it is too cold and slippery outside this time of year. Come spring I will be back outside in the lawn, fishing or at the golf course but in the meantime every day I plan to go down stairs and pedal my butt off.... or something else on the wii

Likewise. When the mornings are no longer sub-zero and snowy I might feel like going for a run, but for the moment I think I'll stick to my lovely warm living room

Jeeze paul, you must be hear 24/7 Hope you are exercising while you read. I use this for my breaks.