Wii Fit

[HplTeen]

Has anyone used the Wii Fit in programming for teens (I'm specifically
thinking for teen girls)? Does it work in a small group setting, and
if so, do you have to purchase multiple mats? I'd appreciate any
information about your experience with it.
Thank you very much in advance!
Kathy

Hartford Public Library

[Jim Peterson]

I don't have the Fit in use here in programming, but I do have one at home. My wife also babysits for 2-4 extra 6-11 yr-olds, in addition to our 2, plus our 3 yr-old. So, with as many as 7 kids in place, we pretty much let them make the decision as to how many events they want to do before the next one takes a turn. Usually, they do two exercises and pass the turn. Generally, they don't participate in the balance activities as those rely on input from the Fit Board for use and feedback. They do enjoy the ski jump, because you turn into a giant snowball if you miss the jump and they like to see how far they can go. But the Yoga, aerobics, and strength training exercises are done by all. We use large books, and short stools when the kids need to do stepping exercises. Hope this helps!

Jim Peterson Technology Coordinator Goodnight Memorial Library 203 S. Main St. Franklin, KY  42134 (270) 586-8397 www.gmpl.org

[Scott Nicholson]

> Has anyone used the Wii Fit in programming for teens (I'm specifically
> thinking for teen girls)? Does it work in a small group setting, and
> if so, do you have to purchase multiple mats?

Nintendo screwed up in a few ways with their implementation of Wii Fit.

It is designed as a solo game, for the most part. There is an event
where you can put a Wiimote in your pocket and jog in place, but the
games using the board are for one person. So, there's no reason to
buy more than 1 Wii fit, as more than one person can't play at the
same time. You can have people all taking turns, but that gets old
quickly.

You would think that if they made a game for a solo person that they
would include some type of mode to allow you to work out for a period
of time, but instead, you have to select each exercise with the
Wiimote. It's a pain - it would have been so much better to tell it
you want a 30 minute workout focusing on cardio, and it would lead you
through a series of exersices.

That said, you could play with a group of people where you have one
person on the board and everyone else just doing the exercises, but,
well, that wouldn't be much fun.

If you really want one for the library, I would suggest putting out to
your friends group to see if someone has one collecting dust that they
would loan or donate.

I would suggest DDR as an exercise alternative that's much more social.

[Kristin Boyett]

I agree it was a little strange to effectively limit your market as they have with the balance board requirement and the lack of multi-"player" participation.

As an exercise tool, the time spent selecting exercises is annoying and counter productive

(ok, so I've agreed thus far, but here's where I differ in opinion)

I think it's a fun activity for a group - we've have a group of people sitting around cheering and laughing watching someone try to hula hoop or get knocked in the head with a panda. It might depend on the audience, but I think there is an entertainment value in just watching.

my .02

Kristin

[Scott Nicholson]

> I think it's a fun activity for a group - we've have a group of people
> sitting around cheering and laughing watching someone try to hula hoop or
> get knocked in the head with a panda. It might depend on the audience, but I
> think there is an entertainment value in just watching.

So, the larger question to ask (and the one that is my continued mantra...)

What is the goal of the gaming program? What are the gaming
experiences you are seeking to provide? If the gaming experience is
"one on the stage, everyone else watches," then you might want to
consisder it. If the experience is a more participatory one, then it
might not be the game for you.

Scott