Wow! That's all I can say.

This amazing piece of technology was recommended by a martial arts expert as I can't use loose weights or gym equipment due to the combination of RA and Meniere's. Last time I used a walking machine I fell flat on my face I was worried about being so sedentary, particularly as my dad has just been told he needs a heart valve replacement.

I managed to get a second hand console and brand-new balance board with Wii Fit Plus (the game/software) for under £150 which was a bargain. The balance board is incredible - it weighs you, works out your BMI, helps you set goals for weight loss, training programmes and fitness but best of all it makes exercise fun!

It aids your balance too so anyone with balance problems like me will find it invaluable. You can do yoga, jogging, aerobics and cardio exercises like step dancing, virtual hula hooping, boxing, skateboarding, skiing, slalom, kung fu - the list is fairly long. Somehow the balance board figures out your movements from your weight distribution as you move and helps you correct/perfect your position. You can do as much or as little as you want and pick and choose which exercises you want to do.

It wouldn't be much good for anyone with foot or ankle problems unfortunately but already I've lost a few pounds and have firmed up a few muscles. I feel better, healthier and have improved my posture and balance. Probably the best early Christmas present I've ever had!

Oh, I love my Wii too. I am currently using an 'Active' game, which is fun. I can do a lot of it, but can't stand to do the walking and jogging. I am so glad I do it alone, as when those activities come up, I have to sit on the sofa, lean back so my feet are off the ground, then pretend to air cycle!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I think it is hysterical, and laughing is good for us!

Hi

I have wii fit plus which i think is great, but i have to be honest and say i haven't been on it for ages! I've made the mistake of thinking that because i have RA i shouldn't do any exercise! Think I've been a bit too protective, i worrying that i will really ache afterwards.

But I really want to get healthy and fit now, so I might start using the wii again and I was thinking of going swimming once a week.

The balance games are fun.

Lou x

Hello Lou,

I too have one of these Wii Balance Boards they are amazing, but the novelty does wear off. Why don't we start a post to post our scores each day, it may spur many of us who forget about it too often, to join in. Would certainly inspire many of us. I love the marble one, the tight rope, the jogging, skiing, and the river one is my favourite.

Enjoy,

Lorna

Hi, Do you not think the people look so like the people they are meant to be, we have the likeness really good. My kids love playing on it.

Hope you get the boiler sorted out, there is nothing worse at the moment. The cold will not do the joints much good.

Take care Lorna x

Just found this post and am wondering whether to treat myself for Christmas! I'm usually pretty good at sticking with stuff but am wondering whether I might be expecting too much of myself with current health problems (knee issues, fatigue etc.), I don't want to overdo things but nor do I won't to remain like a couch potato as I feel I am doing at present (fed up resting!!)!

Found a really good deal so seriously considering but would welcome any additional thoughts

Thank you

Lyn x

I'll go out in the drizzly rain for a walk but it has been terrible weather recently up here in aberdeen, really windy and cold and feeling so frustrated decided to get the package for a bit of indoor activity. It is early days, only been at it yesterday and today, but I have been laughing as much as helen mirren doing the hula hooping! First thoughts. I was a bit worried that the balance board has to be used bare or sock-footed and certainly without my insoles (can you put them in your socks?)my feet did ache a little. You can wear your trainers for some of it, but not when you are exercising on the balance board. As far as I can tell so far that seems to be exercises that get you to train to get your centre of gravity spot on, more about the positioning of your body. There are quite a lot of other exercises that involve stepping on and off the thing and with bare feet this may not be suitable for everybody, but you will find things that you can do and as everybody has said it is good fun. If your console comes with the sports package as well these are all done without the balance board and you can wear shoes. I had a go at the tennis, golf and boxing. Again I was a bit worried that perhaps the movements might be a bit too flicky for my wrists but it was fine. .....eve x