Last Christmas, my son got a Wii (and trust me, getting one was a workout in itself!). I am not much for video games, but I have to admit I actually enjoying playing on the Wii with him! The fact that we are not just sitting and staring at a screen while pushing buttons or moving a joy stick appeals to me. The Wii is marketed as the first video game system that actually promotes physical activity, and Nintendo has actually developed several games that are geared towards motion and exercise. Aside from exercise games, there are also several sports games that will get you moving and competing. You can also easily get yourself caught up in competition with your friends, playing for hours as you burn calories and build up the strength of your heart -- we have even had "Wii Parties" with the aunties, unlces and cousins joining in the fun. The audience has just as much fun as the participants.

An added bonus is the fact that you create your own little cartoon character called a "mii" who will be you in many of the games. You can make your mii look like you (or maybe how you would like to look). Your mii is then on the screen doing as you command through the controls.

When he showed an interest in getting "Wii Fit", I was all over the idea. I mean how often can we disguise something for ourselves as a gift to our kids?! Even though getting a Wii fit package was almost as difficult as getting the Wii console, we perservered and actually got one on sale!

Out of the box and set up in less than 5 minutes -- you've got to love that! So, we start the program, step on the wii balance board, and get going.

The first thing was a "body test". The system asks a few questions (height, birthdate) and measures your centre of balance, and calculates your BMI (body mass index), and body control. Based on these results, you can also determine your Wii Fit Age.

This is where I started to dislike Wii Fit. Now, I know I am not exactly an ideal weight (ok, pleasantly plump might be a good description, although my son says I am just right -- bless him!) but according to this machine I am obese! What?! I know I am not in the slim and fit girl I once was, but obese? Ouch. That's certainly a blow to my ego -- where is some chocolate when you need it? To add further insult, my cute little mii is now shorter and chubbier based on the results. At least I am just right above the overweight line -- I can't have too far to go.

After this bit of humiliation, the machine tests your body control by using two randomly selected balance tests. You perform the tests by following the simple on-screen instructions and giving it your best shot. After completing these tests, you'll be given your Wii Fit Age. Your Wii Fir age is based on your current age and how you performed the tests. If you don't like it, you can re-do the test the next day and get a new age.

When my age calculated to 28, I vowed never to step near the thing again! I mean I am a few years older than 28 (ok, quite a few) and this helped heal my ego a bit. Why go back and risk being told I am older?

I forgot, I haven't actually done any training at this point. The good news is, you can just go right to training each day without enduring the body test. However, the body test will help you measure your progress.

Training is actually the core of Wii Fit. You can spend as much (or as little) time as you want trying out all of the 40+ activities Wii Fit offers. Each activity is designed to help you work your way to a more fit you. Depending on your preference, you can get a structured workout with an in-game personal trainer in Yoga or Strength Training, or for something faster paced and less structured you can try your hand at the Aerobics or Balance Games. After every activity, you'll receive a star rating indicating how you performed along with your results. This is then compared to the other users who play Wii Fit, so you can see how the rest of your friends and family scored compared to you. If you are not satisfied with the rating you achieve, you can try as many times as you'd like to improve your score. As long as I am in the top three, I'm happy (not that I am at all competitive...).

Some of the activities are a bit tricky at first. For example, I am a pretty good down hill skiier, but did horribly on the ski slalom. I just have to remind myself that it is not really skiing, but a test of balance and coordination. After a few tries, I was improving.

In all seriousness, I do love Wii Fit. It is fun, and since it is in my own living room, I can do activities as time permits. It is definately easier to find a few minutes here and there than to take time out to go to a gym or fitness centre. I am sure if I perservere and use it on a regular basis, I will see solid results -- maybe even become "normal".