FitSugar

Wii and Weight Loss - It's Official

FitSugar — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 02:00:00 -0800

Well, the research is in. Kids who regularly play Wii games burn up a significantly larger amount of calories than kids who play other game consoles, or spend their time passively watching TV.

Not really surprising news for anyone who has ever played Wii Sports. After a night of Wii bowling, the next day my arm was really sore and I knew that I had worked it!!!

Professor Tim Cable headed the study at Liverpool John Moores University, where they measured the impact of playing Wii versus playing a traditional non-motion-controlled console on 5 girls and 7 boys, between the ages of 13 and 15 years.

15 minutes of gaming using a traditional controller increased the subject’s energy expenditure above resting values by an average of 60%. With a Wii controller this was increased to a whopping 156%.

Heart rates also increased to 130 beats per minute while playing Wii, compared with 85 beats per minute with a traditional console.

Most kids who are serious gamers, average about 12.2 hours of playing video games a week. At 150 calories an hour, in a week they'll burn 1,830 using the Wii, which works out to be 40% more than your average video game.

Wow that's great news, but too bad it's next to impossible to get your hands on a Wii right now.

Game Review: Your Shape For Wii

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:50:08 -0800

There's a new fitness game in town and it's ready to work you out and make you sweat. Your Shape ($69), a new Wii game by Ubisoft, makes Jenny McCarthy your workout coach and training buddy so you don't have to sweat it out alone.

The game comes with a camera that you perch on your TV; it captures your image and plays it on your TV so you move with a reflection of yourself, like looking in a mirror. The camera also monitors your movements, and if you slack off, Jenny will let you know - she also gives you praise when you make a correction. Who couldn't use an ego boost mid-workout?

To learn more about the game, continue reading.

Just Released: Three Fitness Video Games For the Wii

FitSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:00:47 -0700

Confession: I love playing video games - I especially love them on the Wii because I get to move, jump, and shake myself into a tizzy. Three fitness games were released for the Wii this last week and even though it's not like doing the real deal outside, the games are a fun way to burn calories and whip your bod into shape.

Nintendo Wii Fit Plus ($20) Wii Fit Plus is Nintendo's follow-up to the popular Wii Fit. There are new exercises, balance board games, and strength and yoga activities, as well as targeted exercise routines for things like reducing tummy fat and toning your figure. A great improvement is the addition of a calorie counter - after you complete each exercise the game tells you how many calories you've burned.

To hear about the other two games, continue reading.

Speak Up: What Are Your Pre-Workout Rituals?

FitSugar — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:07 -0700

Athletes do some kooky things before a big game: former Red Sox player Wade Boggs would eat chicken before every game, and during the 1998 World Cup, Laurent Blanc would kiss the head of his goalkeeper before each kickoff.

I might not be a professional athlete but I have my own little rituals before heading out on a big hike or climb. I fill up at least three water bottles and make a small tower of rocks at the beginning of my trail. Building a little rock tower is something I did when hiking with my family and I've just continued on the tradition.

Do any of you have rituals or superstitions you subscribe to before a big race or challenging exercise? Do you do them out of habit or does it calm your jitters? Let's hear from you!

Hotflash the Menopause Game

FitSugar — Fri, 18 May 2007 17:15:00 -0700

When it comes to board games, Monopoly just doesn't always make the cut.

Enter Hotflash the Menopause game ($29.98), a hilarious way to have fun with a not so fun topic. There are spots you can land along the game called Raging Hormones where you’ll discover some little known facts about women, your body, perimenopause and lots of other stuff. When you land on a HotFlash!, you’ll have a chance to act a little goofy or ask your friends about some deep, dark secret like “Have you ever had a one-night stand?” Be sure to avoid PMS Purgatory, and be careful not to go down the Fallopian Tubes. They’ll take you backwards through Weepy Way, Lustless Lane, Bitchy Boulevard, Insomnia Aisle and The Forgetful Forest. Whether you're menopausal or not, you'll be sure to crack up playing this unique game.

Think Girl Talk (ah, remember that game) mixed with CandyLand but for grown-ups. Fun, eh? Buy it directly from HotflashGame.com.

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Game Time: ProForm 20.0 CrossTrainer Elliptical

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Now I am not really a big video gamer, but combine video games and exercising and now you've got my attention.

This is why I am loving the new ProForm 20.0 CrossTrainer Elliptical ($799.00). Not only is it a great elliptical for your personal use, but the console features 2 interactive games. Using the dual game controllers on the elliptical arms, you can play the Fat Blocker game or the Calorie Destroyer game during your workout. The best part? The harder you exercise, the greater advantage you will have over the computer you're playing against! The console keeps track of the four highest scores for each game - so you and your husband can try and knock off each other's scores each time one of you works out.

Plug your iPod or other MP3 player into the console and play your music or media files through the built-in speakers. This could be the most entertaining piece of cardio equipment ever!

Not enough for you? The machine also features large, super gel grip pedals that allow you a number of different foot positions for greater comfort and stability. Trust me, anyone who has ever lost her footing on an elliptical machine can attest to how fabulous an idea that is. Buy it directly from the ProForm site.

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Relax Already: Become a Player

FitSugar — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:00:00 -0700

While it is true that we begin our slow mental decline as young as age 27, there is something you can do to keep your gray matter fit - playing creative games. Crossword, sudoku, and Set are great ways to stimulate your brain and create new neuron growth.

Challenging your brain is not only good for your cognitive health, but it can be a great way to de-stress at the end of a busy day. Concentrating on something other than your to-do list can really help settle a busy brain. You can play many of these creative games online, or find a good old-fashioned newspaper and have a crack at the crossword and the word jumble. It can be surprisingly relaxing to work your brain. What games do you like to play?
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Host a Name Game Healthy Potluck

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:00:00 -0700

Eating healthy has become my full-time job, and I'm not going to lie to you - I'm lacking in the creativity department. I mean, how many times a week can I make pasta primavera, tacos, and grilled chicken? If you're desperate for some healthy new meal ideas, why not tap into your friend's brains?

Invite your buddies over for a Name Game Healthy Potluck dinner. Everyone has to bring a healthy food or dish that begins with the first letter of their names. So Susi could bring grilled summer squash and salmon, Brian would bring tomato and basil bruschetta, and Jenny would bring juice smoothies for dessert. Make sure they know each dish needs to be made from scratch with real ingredients. It should be low fat, low in cholesterol, low in sodium, or low in sugar. Have people make copies of their healthy recipes, and not only will you leave with a tummy full of nutritious food, but you'll also have a stack of new ideas to add to you repertoire.

Engagement Party: Garden Games

FitSugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:00:00 -0700

There are so many parties leading up to a wedding, but they all need not be formal, sit-down affairs. I propose (pun intended!) a garden party to celebrate your upcoming marriage. This way you can play games instead of just standing around drinking glass of champagne after glass of champagne trying to make small talk with your future aunt-in-law's third husband.

These simple lawn games are a great way for guests from the different parts of both of your lives to mix and mingle.

Bocce Ball: Lawn bowling fits in perfectly at a garden party. You can hone your aim and skill as you try to hit the pallina. Here are the rules to bocce ball, so you can be prepared for your next match.
Badminton: Anyone can play badminton and it is sure to cause a bunch of belly laughs as folks hop around trying to hit the slow floating birdie.
Croquet: One thing I love about croquet is that you can easily play the game wearing a skirt. Remember Heathers? Here are the rules of croquet if you need a refresher course.
Volleyball: Kick the action up a notch or two with a volleyball game or tournament. Since volleyball is more athletic than the other games mentioned, you should definitely include information on your invites that the game will be played and the guests interested in playing should bring appropriate attire.

Do you have a favorite garden party game? Share it in the comments section below.

Head to IDoSugar for more wedding coverage.

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Pants Dance Video Game by Subway

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 02:00:00 -0700

If we could all really "digest" the message of a healthy lifestyle/diet from a video game, life would truly be sweet. So sweet in fact we would probably never overindulge in cake and milkshakes. Ahhhh, what a dreamer I can be. Cake, milkshakes and even french fries are just a few of the items to avoid while playing the online video game produced by Subway titled Pants Dance. The pants in the title are Jared's, of course.

The spokesman for Subway's healthy sandwich line is retiring his famous fat pants that were featured prominently in print and TV ads. Jared has kept off the 245 pounds that he began losing ten years ago. To celebrate, Subway created a video game where you try to catch healthy food including yogurt, water, and of course Subway sandwiches as well as sneakers and dumbbells, in your pants to lose weight. However you must also avoid unhealthy foods and the accessories of unhealthy lifestyle choices, which include a video game controller.

Hats off to Jared for taking the weight off! The game is fun, but the message is even better. I wouldn't waste my time on the game. I would actually put on my sneakers and grab my hand weights for a circuit workout. But that is just me.

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