Are Wii Fit yet?

My husband and I have been having fun with the new Fit. Charlotte too, though I think she prefers running to just about any other game. I don’t blame her, the balance games are kinda hard for me too.

So, after about 3 weeks, I have a few comments.

First off, I want to blow away the little "time bank" graphic that shows up after every exercise. It was cute the first day. Now it’s just wasted time. Same thing with the trainer’s comments. How many times do I need to hear them say "great job" and give the same fitness tip after an exercise? Just move on to the next exercise, please. And I’d love to turn off the balance feedback (the yellow circles with the red dot)—I think I wobble more when I’m staring at my dot than if I focus on the knickknacks on top of the TV.

Really, what I would love is a "game" where you could have a whole fitness routine choreographed without all of the cutesy interruptions. Computer-gen or user-scripted (or maybe offer both options). Maybe some customizing based on how long you want to workout, which areas you want to target that night. And then, just hit go and have it run straight through. Does that makes sense?

Instead of clicking three screens to get to the yoga breathing, followed by my "ranking" and the bank graphic, and pointless talking from the "trainer", then click four buttons for half-moon, and repeat all the mumbo jumbo, followed by the next exercise (and the next, and the next), I want to do something like:

Enter desired time of workout (say, 45 minutes). Emphasizing (choose legs or upper body or abs or balance). Then have the option to customize or just "go".

And, before you ask, no the "favorites" menu isn’t the same thing at all. Not even close.

I have seen at least two other fitness Wii games on the market. One didn’t seem to utilize the balance board. The other (by Jillian whatsername from Biggest Loser) seems to be generating lots of bad reviews. And I don’t know if either of them would meet my qualifications. I’d have to rent them to see if they’re any good.

Now, unless you think I’m massively regretting the purchase and just hate hate hate the Wii Fit, that’s not the case. My legs have been feeling the difference (though they need some hamstring exercises to balance the lunges). My abs have been feeling the burn (I also change up the "jackknife" exercise to vary upper vs lower abs vs obliques—the game doesn’t even notice). I should try more of the balance games, but I generally quit after spending an hour doing 40 minutes of yoga and strength exercises.

Also, I was pleased the other day to do a "body test", including having the system calculate my "Wii Fit Age". My first two attempts weren't great--38 and 42 years each. This time, I hit the jackpot: 32. Now, we all know that I'm not 32 yet. In fact I will be turning 29 (for the 4th time) in March. But close enough :)