When the buzzer at my front door rang this afternoon, I sprang from the chair in my home office. It must be the new Wii Fit being delivered! I’d pre-ordered it from Amazon.com a couple weeks ago, at the time for $89.99. Oh boy, was I excited. All of those reviews and most of them good, like CNN.

Since I bought the Wii almost a year ago, I’ve been hooked. The last game system I owned was, ahem, Colecovision. Some would say that it wouldn’t take much to impress me. I think of it more that I had high expectations and didn’t want to waste money on graphics - I was holding out for the next big iteration.

Wii is one smart idea after another. From the first use, anyone could see the value in adding a sensor for your feet. Great that it could come out so quickly.

What did I think? Admittedly, I’ve only used it for a sum total of one hour, but so far so good. The only technology easier to set up was my iMac. Plug it in and go. Everything is straightforward. The explanations for each exercise are also very easy to understand. Getting over the initial assessment when you’re told your weight, body mass index (BMI) and Wii age — I was eight years older than I am. Eek. — it’s clear to see how your progress will be tracked over time. You can set goals for yourself like weight loss and track how often you’ve done certain exercises and how you improve at them.

I tried every initial option under each of the four categories - Strength Training, Yoga, Balance and Aerobics - from hula hooping to lunges to tree pose to hitting soccer balls off my virtual head. Based on my moderate experience with each of these in real life, my Wii Fit experience was bang on. I favor one leg over another, have trouble with balance on some moves and am not meant for step aerobics. Ever. My favorites were the ski jump, slalom and jogging (though I dislike it in real life, so likely it was the novelty of it and will wear quickly). I definitely felt like I’d worked out by the end of the routine. Muscles sore, better posture than when I’d started.

Much like the sports CD that comes with the Wii, the CD that comes with the Wii Fit is a great first step. It whets your appetite for what’s possible. I imagine a new Legend of Zelda where you’re literally running after an enemy as you swing your sword… Goosebumps!

Ok, tomorrow rain or shine I also promise to leave the house.

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