Wootini's Weekly Wii Fit Update #3
Well, as you can see from the chart above, my weight seems to fluctuate quite a bit. I decided to stop weighing myself every day, because there wasn't really enough of a change to make it worthwhile. But going every few days can make for some odd spikes. I've noticed a pattern after just a couple weeks of using Wii Fit that my weight will go down over the course of the week only to spike back up on Saturday and Sunday because I'll eat out Friday night (and the place where I work hires a Mr. Softee truck to give away free ice cream on Friday afternoon) and possibly drink. Still, while my weight is spiking back up on the weekends, it's still lower than when I started, so it's still progress. Right? Right? More after the jump!
I am feeling a difference, after just 10 days using the game. My posture has improved (no matter what that damnable Balance Board says!) and I feel healthier. I'm also watching what I eat more, although I do allow myself some indulgences here and there, just so I don't go completely insane. I've also switched to doing my workouts in the morning, getting up an extra half-hour early so I can play Wii Fit before going to work. It's just easier, because I know I'll have time then, as opposed to after work, when there's no telling when I might get home. And I'm not going to do it after dinner!
I also went out and bought myself a yoga mat at Target. I didn't bother with the official Wi Fit yoga mat, since it goes for more money. But the options in my living room are hardwood floor or tatami-esque rug, neither of which are particularly comfortable when you have to lay down.
I've unlocked everything at this point, but still haven't actually tried everything yet. I'm trying to space it out. I did try the lotus balance game where you basically have to sit as still as possible for as long as you can. Harder than you'd think! I've also discovered that while the game only suggests combining exercises, it at least recognizes when you've done them all, and tells you you've completed that particular workout.
The push-up/side plank remains the one exercise that truly kicks my butt every time I try. Six reps is becoming easier, and I've tried 10, although I'm usually struggling through the last two. Haven't yet attempted 20, even though it unlocked it for me! However, the triceps extension is rather useless. It uses the Wii Remote in your hand to gauge whether you're doing it or not, which is fine, but it doesn't weigh anything, so it's nothing more than light toning. What's odd is that the game suggests that you add weight, but how are you supposed to do that if you have to hold the Wii Remote? I know you could do the exercise outside of the game, but then you don't get credit for it. Watch. Pretty soon, one of those accessories companies will come out with plastic shell workout weights that you can put the Wii Remote into to do the exercise.
Also, I'm enjoying the rhythm boxing, but the best aerobic workout I've found in the game so far is the Island Lap level of the running. It takes you all the way around the island for a 17 minute jog. Yipes! I was actually sweating when it was over, and not just because it's over 80 outside.
The in-game trainer suggested doing certain exercises to focus on certain things, but I'd really appreciate it if he could tell me what those are, since I'm not a fitness buff (clearly). I think I'm going to start creating some sort of routine for myself, alternating yoga with aerobics/strength. And then on the weekends, do whatever, since I have more time. The one thing I do find is that I really don't bother with the balance games at all. I know some of you boys are quite fit, so if you have any suggestions, pass them on, please and thank you!
Wootini
Posted to Hot Stuff, Video Games on 2 June 2008
· Comments (4)
Other stuff like this: nintendo, weekly update, wii fit, wootini
Name: Dave
The weight spikes are small enough that I wonder if they stem from you having, to put it nicely, made room or not. Like, not to get too personal about your body, but this is a study of Wii Fit's effects on it, right? Wrestlers make sure to void whatever bodily waste products before they weigh in, unless I'm mistaken. Maybe that's causing those weird fluctuations.
Weight fluctuates several pounds up and down just through water retention too; really you can only look at the average over time. With that said, it looks like your chart is trending down a little bit; good work!
You can get wrist weights for your tricep excersise.
You are building muscle also, which weighs more than fat. It may take several weeks to see a weight drop.
By the way, good job! I enjoy reading your journey.
Might I suggest a few things:
Firstly the total range of variation is 3lbs. Which is nothing statistically speaking (the random component with so few measurements is far in excess of any actual weight loss that might have occurred) and biologically speaking (even if you have lost 3lbs of solid fat, its not that much)...
However if you are making this an experiment, I would suggest starting an excel spreadsheet and recoding measurements too, so far starters waist and hip measurements, then thigh, calf and bicep measurements. This is because, as others have said, you might not see that much difference in weight because you lose fat but gain muscle so net change will be very little not you will notice it lots (sound familiar).
If you are feeling like it even get a set of calipers for about $20 for you US folks, £20 for UK people and record actual body fat percentage, that would be interesting!