We finally got the Wii for the kids a couple weeks ago. Right away Wii Boxing became a big hit in our house. What's impressive about it is that as you are punching air you can feel your heart rate increasing and the next day all of us have sore arm muscles. It's no impact and it's fun - in my opinion that makes it perfect for a busy mom with rheumatoid arthritis. They make a game specifically geared toward exercising called Wii Fit and we were going to buy it but it was sold out. The game includes many different types of exercise and tracks your performance. If my husband and I can turn it into a competition that will be all the motivation we'll need to get into a better exercise routine.
I found an article on Arthritis Today online that says it's a good option although you won't burn as many calories playing Wii Tennis as you will by actually playing tennis. As a mom/stepmom of six, I'm not sure when I'd be finding time to organize a game of tennis, plus I'm not very good at tennis. The good news is that playing Wii Boxing you won't get any black eye's or bloody noses. My personal thought is that Wii Fit is at least as effective as most other forms of exercise you might do in your living room. It includes yoga, balance, strength training and aerobic exercises.
If anyone else out there has tried Wii Fit post a comment and let me know what you think. Otherwise I'm pretty sure we are going to buy it and try it out.
Posted by
Jennie
on
July 25, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Categories:
Exercise,
Health Decisions
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6 comments:
My husband bought the Fit first (because it was there) and then found a Wii. It's probably just like you say, as good as any exercise you do in your living room (though more entertaining). Unfortunately, with a 5-month-old, I don't have much time to use it. And half the time when I think about using it, my knee is so swollen I can't do much with it. Also, I'm still irritated with my husband for just up and buying it without really discussing it. I'd probably try harder to make time for it otherwise.
BTW, take its pronouncements on your BMI with a large grain of salt. My muscular, not-a-pound-of-fat-on-him Army brother registered as well overweight, whereas chubby me just dropped down into the "normal" range. As if!
Thank you for this encouraging blog. Thank you for helping me see that I can have RA and still live my life and be a good mom. I'll be back!
I'm 39 and I have RA and a Wii Fit. I love it! Even when I feel stiff in the morning and don't want to excercise some of the easier yoga moves get me loosened up and moving better. It makes me want to excercise, too, and I don't have to fight my husband for time on the elliptical.
I have RA also and cannot wait to get my hands on one of those Wii Fits. I am hoping we can track one down by Christmas. I go to the YMCA several days a week for aquatic arthritis classes, but since the Y is 20 minutes away and we homeschool, our schedule goes kerplooee... lol.
I'm 35 and have both RA and OA. Wii Fit is a great low impact workout. Be careful with the Boxing, Tennis and Bowling. It caused me to suffer tendonitis in both elbows and hands. Unfortunately that triggered a nasty RA and OA attack that has gone on for 8 months and counting. It's an awesome product. Just be careful. :-)
I am 28 and was diagnosed with RA at 21. I was just sitting and wondering whether I should no longer play video games with my RA. I own a Wii and love it, I'm also a fan of other game consoles.
Thank you for posting this entry! It is great to read about so many others who have RA and continue to enjoy the fun things in life without letting this little "road block" get in your way.
I just bought EA Active and I can't wait to try that!
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