Running in Place on the Wii Fit Vs. Running Outside for the Same Effect

The Wii Fit game console, manufactured by Nintendo, has many people running -- not just to local retailers to buy the console, but even in their own living rooms. There's no question that the Wii Fit takes players to a level beyond playing Super Mario Bros.' sedentary-style. But, still, many want to know if it's really just as good as putting on the tennis shoes and running outside.

  1. The Wii Fit -- What It Does

    • Health writer Nicole Nichols notes an important difference between exercise and activity. Activity is anything that keeps you active. It may include exercise, but not every activity is exercise. For example, playing miniature golf is an activity, but its paltry demand on the body hardly qualifies it as exercise. Similarly, although the Wii Fit does get people active, it's perhaps a stretch to say that the Wii could substitute for an exercise program at a gym or cardiovascular exercise outside.

    What It Doesn't Do

    • The reason for the Wii Fit's diminished status as an exercise tool is what it, in general, doesn't do. For an exercise to qualify as cardiovascular exercise, it must elevate your heart rate to a level appropriate for your body and it must sustain that heart rate for five to 10 minutes. Additionally, it should exercise your various leg muscles in a rhythmic way. Running in place on the Wii Fit, though, doesn't allow for such rhythmic forward strides as does running outside. Furthermore, since it fails to put such an increased demand on the muscles, it doesn't work the heart muscle enough to get an elevated heart rate.

    Other Pro-Wii Arguments

    • But even though the Wii doesn't qualify as exercise, it does have some advantages some prefer. Nicole Nichols refers to unsafe neighborhoods as a deterrent for some to go for a run outside. With the Wii Fit, though, someone could get at least get a little aerobic activity while staying in the safety of the home. And, those who don't like to run in the rain or during a cold, snowy winter also benefit from the Wii Fit. Another benefit is that, because Wii Fit's running-as-exercise is put into a game format, those who wouldn't otherwise be interested in running may develop an interest.

    Wii Fit Transition

    • "Runner's World" writer Susan Paul also notes that while the Wii Fit offers a good start for beginning runners, there's so much more to be had in terms of running for exercise. She recommends transitioning from running on the Wii Fit program to running outside at a local track. But she cautions not to overdo it. Begin by just walking around the track for about 10 minutes and then alternate between running and walking thereafter. Repeat the alternating routine for about 20 minutes, and increase the intensity as you progress.