It’s no secret that Nintendo has people jumping around, stretching, doing yoga and bowling – all in the comfort of their own home. Since the debut of the Nintendo Wii and its exercise focused component, the Wii Fit, the world of healthy gaming has forever been changed!

The Wii has impacted the lives of many who have plugged into its physically interactive way of playing video games and one important area has been affected: getting healthy. Here at healthGAMERS, we were fortunate to catch up with Julie Maloney of Momspective and WiiMommies to ask her questions on how the Nintendo Wii has changed her life. Julie created an e-guide on how the Wii Fit helped her lose 60 pounds and is up for review on both of those websites.

So without further ado, here is our interview with Julie!

HG: How did you first come to learn about the Nintendo Wii and eventually the Wii Fit – have you been a fan of gaming prior?

Julie: I learned about the Wii from my mother, who heard that the seniors in the senior center where she visits her father were playing the Wii Bowling and was amazed at how it got everyone up and moving about.  The Wii Fit was introduced to me before it was brought to the states by my husband, who read an article on it and asked if I’d like to have it.  Of course I said yes!

HG: Your site mentions you started the [WiiMommies] forum after losing 60 lbs using the Wii. Which Wii Fit games(s) did you find most effective?

Julie: The Wii Fit 10 minute hula hoop works wonders for a woman’s waistline.  I think everyone should make it a point to fit that in their daily workout, even if they can’t find time for any other game.

HG: How would you compare standard exercises, such as jogging on a track, to jogging on the Wii Fit?  What are the pros and cons?

Julie: I actually combined the two.  I didn’t feel comfortable running in place, so i ran on my treadmill with the remote in my pocket.  I’ll also involve my children by giving my son a remote and chasing him around the room.  We’re both getting exercise and having a great time bonding while we play!

HG: One of the features of the Wii Fit is weight and BMI tracking. Because of this, would you recommend kids using the Wii Fit?

Julie: I’d recommend everyone use it.  Even kids need to be aware of what a healthy BMI and target weight is.  Of course, this game was intended for adults and not children, so I believe kids should use their game under adult supervision only.

HG: Should users ever worry about safety?  For example, there is potential for bodily harm if yoga poses are done incorrectly.  Do you think Nintendo has done a good job in trying to decrease these kind of risks?

Julie: I think so.  Nintendo has a disclaimer on their website and even while using the Wii it tells you to pace yourself, remember to breathe and clear the space around you so you don’t accidentally hit anything. With any exercise regime, you have to remember safety.  The key is to not push yourself to hard.

HG: What do you think the future of gaming for health will be? Obviously the Nintendo Wii is leading the pack – do you see any other innovations or potential uses of exercise-gaming in the future?

Julie: A friend of mine has a child that requires physical therapy and she uses the Wii Fit to strengthen her core muscles and work on her balance.  She has so much fun, she doesn’t even realize how much it’s benefiting her.  I know more and more therapists and using it in their offices and encouraging people to play to improve their general fitness and as I mentioned earlier, I know it’s getting the seniors up and moving about as well!

HG: What is your favorite thing about Wii Fit?  Are there any other Wii games you recommend for those trying to get in shape using their Wii?Any parting words of advice for those out there trying to get in shape with the Wii?

Julie: My favorite thing about the Wii Fit is that it’s versatile.  You can have a traditional workout with yoga, strength training or step aerobics, or you can just kick back and have a good time playing the games.  Everything you play benefits you both mentally and physically.  I think it’s key for people to remember everything takes time.  The reason this worked for me is because i enjoyed it so much, I wanted to come back and play the next day.  I never find working out on the Nintendo Wii a chore.  Find what you love and stick to it.  If you remain dedicated, you’ll achieve your fitness goals.

HG: Excellent! Thanks so much for your time and insight Julie – you’re doing an awesome job inspiring moms and families everywhere to give the Wii a try

Julie: I appreciate you taking the time to contact me and please let me know if there’s anything else I can do!