Ok, so in my last post I talked about how one of the world’s oldest training techniques (yoga) is helping me run better.

In this post, I’m looking at the pluses and minuses of a slightly more modern training system. Everyone knows Wii Fit, right? The video game with the balance board controller dealy? (Available at all fine rental chains.)

I spent a few days testing out the thing, and while it was fun enough, I feel like it’s probably not going to get tons of future playing time.

The word “play” is key – the game is heavy on smiles, light on sweat. Except for some of the strength training activities (pushups, squats) every aspect is just a little too easy.

Step aerobics? More like “Dance Dance Revolution for grandpas and infants”. The balance board is only an inch off the ground; I feel like it burns about as many calories as eating celery. The balance games – heading a soccer ball, tightrope walking, slalom skiing, etc. – have limited aerobic appeal, but at least they’d help develop teensy amounts of strength in stabilizing muscles…maybe?

And of course, there was a smattering of the yoga I’ve grown to love. But somehow the warrior pose, cobra, and bridge felt a little odd on the plastic board (odder than usual, anyway).

It was kinda like…well, exercising along to a video game.

And for now, at least, this guy is going to save his video games for post-run relaxation.