Soo... My parents have always been Nazi on their 'no video games in our house' policy.
I sent them this about the Wii.
"While I was at Johns the other night, his brother left with the Xbox 360 and all we had was the Wii. I thought it would SUCK but it was actually really fun. I started looking into it last night, and I think it would be a good way for the family to come together and get exercise while having fun all at the same time. I know your guys' strict No Video Games policy, but we tried this "Get up and Move" kind of video game a few Christmas' ago with a dance pad thingy (which turned out to be cheap and cheesy), but this is actually decent and has great reviews and ratings.
I actually broke a sweat at Johns (and I was surprised too, haha) while I was playing tennis and it was a BLAST.
During these winter months we can't get out much, since it's so freggin cold, but this would be a good alternative.
I did a little research to see it's actual calorie burning potential, and I was surprised- This information is from the same person who did the "Super Size Me" video.
With bowling, he burned an average of 77 calories in 15 minutes.
With tennis, he burned an average of 92 calories in 15 minutes.
And with boxing, he burned an average of 125 calories in 15 minutes!
So if I boxed for an hour (not hard to get lost in) that would burn 500 calories! A whole meal practically! And just a side note, playing football or jogging only burn between 130 and 140 calories in the same time.
In his month and a half experiment, he lost 9 pounds, and his BMI went down 2%! I could easily match that I bet, all while having fun.
(
Wii Sports Experiment, Results! | WiiNintendo)
It's not high impact or anything so it should not mess with my back.
And also, at least two nights a week I'm stuck at home with the girls. This would give us something to do together which you always nudge me about... It would wear them out and then they would be ready for bed when you/mom get home.
I sincerely think this could be a way for our family to come together for some entertainment other than watching reruns of Hannah Montana and a way for me to lose weight.
Please look that link over and see all the information presented by the author, then let me know your viewpoint on this idea of mine.
Matt"
And here's what I got back from my dad, the extremely strict one.
"It sounds like a lot of fun. It is probably expensive so we would have to save for it.
I would like to see more information on the system before I commit to budgeting for it.
We will talk about it when I get home.
Dad"
So yeah. Pretty excited. lol.
And it sounds like they want to pitch in on it...which is cool.