Video Games

Wii Fit

B+ For Nintendo Wii. $89. Rated for all ages.

STEP UP: It doesn't take a genius to realize Wii Fit will be a hit – the game and accompanying pressure-sensitive "balance board" are already sold out on many Web sites. But the game is a surprise both for the effectiveness of most of the exercises and the basic fun of many of the other activities.

TALE OF THE TAPE: The first time you start the game, you have to enter your age and height and then step on the board to get weighed and balanced (the scale isn't all that accurate, but the balance feature is enlightening). Then you can jump into the exercises, such as strength training, balance, yoga and so forth. I sampled each of the areas and came away impressed with the difficulty of the exercises. For example, the strength training regimen includes old-school pushups, while the yoga is also pretty vigorous.

HIT THE SLOPES: At the other end of the spectrum, the balance activities are really just games that take advantage of the balance board. But that doesn't mean they aren't fun. While the downhill skiing is OK (shift your weight to navigate through the gates), the ski jump is a blast. You crouch and balance your weight to gather speed and then straighten up to launch yourself in the air, holding your balance to keep from turning into a human avalanche.

BOTTOM LINE: Wii Fit isn't a substitute for a full exercise program, especially for people who are already fairly fit. But beginners and kids will work up a decent sweat and have fun doing it.

Victor Godinez

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