The Nintendo Wii has outsold the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony Playstation 3 by Nintendo’s marketing strategy of creating games that appeal to demographics outside the usual gaming community.  One of the most popular games — understandably with less appeal to 18-25 year old males who purchase the vast majority of video game titles — is the Wii Fit.  Using a touch-sensor balance board, Wii Fit players can do a variety of stretches, exercises, and conditioning routines.  The Wii Fit has had exceptional success, prompting different variations of the game so that customers can experience new, fun workout routines.  Indeed, many game companies are starting production on their own fitness games to compete for a slice of the market.  Wii Fit has released a large selection of accessories to work in tandem with the balance board and Wii, complementing workouts and providing better results for customers.

One accessory is the Wii Fit Aerobic Steps and Weights, often sold in tandem with Wii Fit Workout Videos (such as Jillian Micheal’s Fitness Ultimatum and the Wii Biggest loser).  The aerobic steps offer a 3-inch raised step to work against the pull of gravity in strength or cardio workouts.  The Wii dumbbells give additional resistance for upper-body muscle strength training as free weights.  Attaching the dumbbells to the Wii Nunchuck remotes, customers can adjust the weights and add up to five pounds per dumbbell.  While these dumbbells are small compared to gym standards, the Wii system chose not to add additional weight to the product due to the obvious difficulty in transportation by customers.  The Wii Riser works with the Wii Balance Board to provide lift and spacing to the standard equipment so that exercises can include step conditioning.

Nintendo packages together many of the Wii Fit accessories to be more affordable than the stand-alone devices.  The Wii 5-in-1 Fitness Bundle, for example, comes with a USB charging cable for the system; a sleeve to cover and protect that balance board; textured socks for foot support, traction, and comfort; a fitness mat that protects both floor and body; and a bag to take the board in during travel.  Nintendo has stressed (and advertised) the green production of their products, so the mat, socks, and sleeves are not only comfortable and durable but eco-friendly.

The Wii Fit is partially marketed towards customers who are not able to exercise during travel, and provides a convenient workout routine.  As such, rechargeable batteries and power kits are available; a fully charged workout remote lasts for hours.  Nintendo even markets a complete workout-on-the-go product for customers away from the usual workout supplies, packaging in the Wii Fit system with a workout towel, water bottle, and wristbands.

For the same price as a few months subscription to a gym or personal trainer, the Wii Fit provides a coordinated workout from the convenience of a customer’s living room, for all ages and abilities. Add to this the large number of accessories for Wii that are designed for the Balance Board and it’s associated games, you have quite a bargain workout routine as long as you can be self-motivated.