Put the Cheetos down
Not all video games are meant to be played sitting down. Some require physical movement, particularly with the motion sensitive Wii remote and nunchuk. With that, we here at GameDaily stopped eating nachos for a second to list the plethora of fitness games on the market, a fun mix of dancing, Pilates and yoga.
Wii Fit Plus (Wii- 10/4/09)
Even though it's more like an expansion than a sequel, Wii Fit Plus is a game that fitness fans should check out. You'll be able to customize your daily workouts, choosing between strength and yoga exercises. You'll also have access to new exercises, including obstacle courses and skateboarding. For $19.99, it comes highly recommended.
EA Sports Active (Wii- released)
Despite selling millions of units, a lot of people found Wii Fit too awkward to use for daily exercise. Fortunately, that's where EA Sports Active comes in. This exercise game comes packaged with a thigh strap (to hold the Wii remote) and a restraint band, both of which you can use to complete knee bends, runs and a number of other exercises. Active also includes a virtual trainer that tracks your progress, helping you modify workouts. Look for the follow-up, More Workouts, to arrive in November.
Wii Sports Resort (Wii- released)
Nintendo's Wii Sports Resort lets you visit a tropical paradise and enjoy fun activities, from bowling to golf to modified fencing. And if you're too exhausted for all that, you can hop into a hang glider and go sailing around the island to take a break. If you can't afford to go to the Bahamas, this is the next best thing.
Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010 (Wii- 10/6/09)
Fitness expert and all-around hottie Jillian Michaels leads the charge for her second Wii exercise game, which is due October 6th. Fitness Ultimatum 2010 dares you to get in shape with a number of customizable workouts, including Cardio Training, Strength Training and a Resolutions Mode, which helps you work specifically towards your goals. Sadly, losing a lot of weight won't earn you a date with Jillian.
The Biggest Loser (Wii/DS- 10/6/09)
Based on the hit NBC show of the same name (where contestants battle to lose the most weight), The Biggest Loser allows you to choose between four, eight and 12-week programs to compete with virtual contestants from the show. There are over 80 exercises to choose from, divided into specific sections (yoga, lower body, core, etc.) to help you get in better shape. You'll also have access to 50 healthy recipes from The Biggest Loser Cookbook.
Stratusphere (Wii- 2010)
Trish Status, a former women's champion for World Wrestling Entertainment and an accomplished fitness model, will bring her own workout-specific game to the Wii. In Stratusphere, you'll use the Wii balance board and other peripherals to exercise alongside Trish through an innovative yoga routine. Get ready for some Stratusfaction, even if she's not a blonde anymore; we love her as a brunette, by the way.
Your Shape (Wii- 11/24/09)
Your Shape may be the most customizable exercise game out there. Ubisoft's upcoming Wii release features multiple background colors, music tracks and various animations, so you can change your workout to your liking. You'll also be able to work alongside Jenny, a virtual assistant who walks you through each program. Best of all, you won't need to grip any controllers or stand awkwardly on a balance board. The game comes with a camera that reads your movements. The only downside is you watch yourself perform these exercises.
Walk It Out (Wii- 10/20/09)
Yes, someone actually made a walking game. Konami's virtual simulator lets you walk around different paths, making new discoveries and getting in shape with different speeds. The game also features 120 included songs, so you won't need to worry about bringing your iPod. It should be a good game for people who hate actually walking outdoors. Look for it this October.
My Fitness Coach (Wii- released)
Originally released for the Nintendo DS, Ubisoft decided to bring My Fitness Coach to Wii. This edition takes advantage of the Wii remote and Nunchuk, utilizing almost 500 exercises that you select with the help of a virtual trainer. Coach also features customizable environments and song styles, along with personalized goals and charts.
Daisy Fuentes Pilates (Wii- released)
If you're looking for a holistic approach to exercising, former MTV veejay Daisy Fuentes has you covered with her Pilates game. Here, you'll use the Wii remote and, if you're up for it, the balance board, as you choose from five pre-set Pilates routines, doing stretches and other movements while following Fuentes' instruction.
Gold's Gym Cardio Workout (Wii- released)
One of the better workout games on the market, Gold's Gym Cardio Workout has all your bases covered when it comes to conditioning your body. Go through cardio boxing, work on your sprints or perform other calorie-burning exercises with the help of virtual trainers. Plus, it comes with a free one-week membership to Gold's Gym, in case the game motivates you enough to get out of the house. It's definitely worth the $20 price tag.
Punch-Out!! (Wii- released)
There's also Punch-Out!!, Nintendo's sequel to the NES/SNES boxing series. Now, if you're a girlie man, you'll play the old-fashioned way by holding the Wii remote sideways. However, if you're a beef jerky eating tough guy (or gal), you'll hook up the nunchuk and knock out King Hippo, Bald Bull and the others using real punches.
Dance Dance Revolution series (Multiple consoles)
Most DDR games come packaged with a dance mat, so you can unroll it on the floor and dance the night away. There are a variety of songs with each version, from artists like Captain Jack and Rihanna. Best of all, if you enjoy tracking your burned calories, you can turn on Diet Mode. Now move your feet.
Yoga (Wii- 11/6/09)
Set for release on the Wii in early November, Yoga lets you choose from several in-game Gurus (we're serious), who teach you everything you need to know about the art of yoga. Use the balance board and Wii remote to keep your balance through several positions, while also competing in mini-games to test your yoga might. Thanks, but if we need a Yoga fix, we'll turn to Dhalsim in the Street Fighter games. "Yogaaaaa!"
My Ballet Studio (Wii/DS- 11/10/09)
Unfortunately, 505 Games didn't provide an official description or screenshots for this game, so we're not sure what to expect from My Ballet Studio when it releases this November, other than lots of graceful dance moves.
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