Wii Fit Plus Strength Training: Parts 5 & 6

Okay, so we left off with Part 4 that featured the first 15 Reps of the Rowing Squat.  Let's pick up right where we left off:

Wii Fit Plus Strength Training Part 5

Rowing Squats (30, 45r), Single Leg Twist (10, 20r),

and Sideways Leg Lift (10, 20r)

Wii Fit Plus Strength Training Part 6:

Plank (30, 60, 90sec) and

Tricep Extension (10, 20r)

Rowing Squats

These are fairly straight forward.  You saw the 15 reps in the previous installment (Part 4)...now you can enjoy the 30 and 45 reps with full audio and commentary, lol.  You essentially just want to treat this a squat + rowing combo.   Focus on pulling your arms back and trying to close your shoulder blades.  At the same time, try to make sure you are getting a deep bend, but not causing yourself any pain or extending past the 90 degree mark.  I actually enjoy this exercise and depending on what I have done previously I will usually tackle the 30-45 reps from time-to-time.

Single Leg Twists

This is another fairly easy exercise and and is somewhat reminescent of a windmill.  The scoring is simple and easy to adapt to with the ideal position on the board and facing the screen.  I enjoy this one a bit more than the sideways leg lift, but often play them back-to-back.

Sideways Leg Lift

Very similar to the "Single Leg Twist" but instead of coming in, you go out...straight out.  This is a good one for a quick exercise and no doubt helps you work on your posture and center of balance; both key for advanced exercises.

Plank

This is a good exercise and one of the few that you can really feel working, with no doubt in your mind!  However, the scoring is iffy.  You CAN NOT maintain the proper position AND look up to see your score.  There is sound, but it is certainly less than ideal.  You can hold a perfect position the full course of the exercise, but if you are off a little it will impact the score.  I think the Wii U could correct this with a controller screen laid down in front of you...that would be awesome!  If you plan to do this exercise, work your way up with some Push-up and Side Planks and don't be afraid to stop short.  My best advice is to line the board with a flannel shirt, or something else "soft" that will save your forearm from being dimpled!  This won't impact the way it registers or have any adverse effects.  I would go for a high score if you must, but once you are satisfied there focus on the form and don't fret about the score...your neck will thank you.



Tricep Extension

A classic exercise no doubt, but not one well served to the WiiMote.  This will teach you good form, but for a true workout you need to lift more weight than the WiiMote.  The problem?  You will not score as it is sensitve to the motion sensor of the remote control.  My advice, practice the form and then move on to dumbbells.  Make use of this only to practice the correct form, or to cool down from a more strenous exercise.

That wraps up the second row of exercises on Strength Training.  I will come in for the next blog entry and recap the final row, before the challenges, which are complete as of last night (7/13)...man was the Push-up Challenge tough...more on that soon!

Wii Fit Plus Strength Training Playthrough: Parts 1-4

Hey Everyone,

As mentioned, I feel like the best thing to do (in the future) might be to blog about each upload to keep it simple and maximize the utility.  However, the Strength Training Playthrough is complete, aside from the last round of the Pushup and Jacknife Challenge, which I plan to take-on tonight.

Wii Fit Plus Strength Training Part 1:

Single Leg Extension and Push-up and Side Plank

Wii Fit Plus Strength Training Part 2:

Push-up and Side Plank (20r) and Torso Twists

Wii Fit Plus Strength Training Part 3:

Jacknives and Side Lunge (10r)

Balance Board Battery FAIL

Wii Fit Plus Strength Training Part 4:

Lunge and Rowing Squats (15r)

No Game Audio!

Okay, so this covers the first row of exercises: Single Leg Extension, Push-up and Side Plank, Torso Twist, Jacknife, Side Lunge, and even the first tier of reps in the Rowing Squats.

As you can see, the highlights are of course the fact my balance board's batteries gave up the ghost trying to start the 15 Reps of the Lunge and of course the next video where I had no audio from the game; both epic fails.  However, things have been smooth ever since...keep your fingers crossed.

The Single Leg Extension is pretty simple and a great way to get started, sort of a Yoga meets Strength Training.

The Push-up and Side Plank remains one of the most true Strength Training Exercises and a favorite of mine.  It is a genuine, physical exercise that can yield great results.

The Torso Twists are another favorite and again, a very beginner friendly Strength Training Exercise.  This is kind of like the old "windmill" exercise from gym class...but better because it is on Wii Fit Plus and uses the Balance Board!

The Jacknife is a staple in my daily routine.  I make a point to do the 30 rep set every night.  It is another tried-and-true Strength Training Exercise.  Work your way up and stay dedicated to it and you will be on your way to rock-hard abs!

The Side Lunge is a great way to get into the Strength Training-Weight Shift exercises.  It is straight forward and takes the basic lunge we all know and love (or hate) and simply positions the weight sensor to ensure you are going the distance.  Just don't bend past 90 degrees and you are ensured of great form!

Well, that is it for now...I would like to expand on all this and improve the formatting...might do that when time allows.