Nintendo introduces WiiFit

In a bid to further stretch the definitions of video games and video gamers, Nintendo is introducing the WiiFit, a "balance board" controller for the Wii - kind of like a sleeker version of those reebok step aerobics platforms that are a staple of thrift stores everywhere - that you stand on or do pushups on and acts as a sensor and provides resistance and feedback to get you fit.

wiifit trailer video here

kind of reminds me of those Dave and Busters style interactive arcade games like the "Arm Champ" arm wrestling simulator, or the alpine skiing one where you're on the skis. I did one once with my friend's kid which was a canoing game where you sat in the canoe and had a paddle controller and paddled furiously down rapids while dinosaurs and stuff chase after you (he was too little to do it so he sat in front of me and held the paddle while I worked it). Man, it was TOUGH! My arms were so sore afterwards, Icouldn't believe I had just done that voluntarily. It made me think a couple of things:

1. it's really weird how none of these kids are playing outside, they all pack into a dark room to play games that simulate riding bikes, skateboarding and dancing

2. gyms would be so much cooler if dinosaurs were chasing you on the treadmill! Someone should totally set up a gym with arcade machines that work you out, I'd go so much more.

I heard of them doing that with cycling training, which is great, but you could take it so much further