Video game players are traditionally to be found hunched over their computers but Wii Fit, which will hit European stores on April 25, is designed to give them a proper workout.
With obesity reaching critical levels in the UK, the Wii Fit may provide some people with an enjoyable alternative to visiting the gym. As it is designed to be used in the comfort - and seclusion - of a person's home, it allows the unfit to get back into shape without the embarrassment of attending exercise classes as a beginner.
The games console, which plugs into any TV, comes with a balance board, about the size of a pair of bathroom scales. Once stepped on, this board calculates a player's bodymass index based on their weight, height and age. The player then carries out a few basic balance exercises on the board to gauge their rough level of fitness.
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