Your Shape for the Wii Review

I recently was sent a copy of the Your Shape for the Wii to use as part of a 12 week challenge I was chosen for through Collective Bias.  I have been using it now for about 8 weeks (minus 2 weeks in the middle when I was traveling) and I would like to share with you my thoughts on the game.

About the game

“Your Shape, is an interactive fitness product for the Nintendo Wii. Developed in collaboration with fitness experts, Your Shape creates a fitness program personalized to help you meet your fitness goals. Featuring an exclusive camera (the first for Wii!), the game detects your movements so that Jenny McCarthy, your in-game workout buddy and guide, can correct your form as you exercise. We know how hard it is to stick to a fitness routine — that’s why Jenny will be by your side to encourage, motivate, and entertain you as you workout. Fitness has never been this effective or fun!” ~ taken from YourShapeGame.com

What I like about the game

1. The camera ~ I like the idea of the camera because it frees you from having to use a Wiimote while exercising.  I am also excited to see what other games UbiSoft comes out with that use the camera.  Seeing myself on the screen was not as bad as I though it would be and it has helped me pay closer attention to my form while exercising.
2. You pick what you want to work on ~ The game allows you to pick the area of your body you want to work on and then chooses the appropriate exercises to get the most out of your workout
3. The variety ~ While doing your workout Jenny only focuses on one exercise for about a minute so if there is something that you have trouble with you don’t get frustrated because she is asking you to do it for a long period of time.
4. The convenience ~ I love that I can work out when I want in the comfort of my living room in my pajamas!  I also like that you can get in a good workout in only 15 – 30 minutes a day.
5. The cost ~ considering how much it would cost to join a gym and get a trainer, this game is an incredible value that not only I can use but the whole family can benefit from as well.
6. Ability to use added exercise equipment ~ To add to the variety the game gives you the option to use a step, a yoga ball or weights to further expand the choices of exercises.

What I don’t like about the game

1. The camera ~ I know I mentioned this in the things I like about the game so you wouldn’t expect to see it here as well but it fits in both categories.  The whole basis of the game is the camera.  It is designed to detect your movements while exercising and correct you if you do not have the right form.  If you are working out in a room that is darker (carpet, furniture etc.) the camera does not detect your movements like it should.  I have been having trouble with this the entire time.  I have moved the camera around, I have put a white blanket on my floor and I have tried different lighting in the room.  While some of these adjustments have helped the game still does not record the movement of my legs as well as I feel it should be doing.  I think (and this is just my opinion) that because of this the game is not progressing for me because it thinks I am failing to do the exercises properly.  The other downfall of the camera is other activity in the room.  With 4 kids and 3 dogs, it is impossible to exercise when no one else is around unless I want to do it in the middle of the night.  The added activity around me is also effecting how the game recognizes and analyzes my movements.
2. Feels too much like exercise ~ When I am exercising I don’t like to feel like I am, kinda like a kid who doesn’t like to learn but when you make it fun they don’t even realize they are learning Math.  I wish the game had some “game” activity type options as well so it wasn’t just all exercise all of the time.

My overall opinion of the game

I am pleased with the results I have seen while using this game.  Although I have not lost as much weight as I had hoped (which has more to do with my eating than the game) I definitely see and feel a difference in my body.  I am ”feeling the burn” as Jenny would say so it must be doing something!  My arm strength has increased, my stamina has increased and getting my blood pumping has helped with my winter blues. It also gives my kids a good laugh to watch me do it.  Anything to amuse the kids right?

I wish I could get the camera working properly so I could get the full experience out of the game, but I know I am doing the exercises even if the game doesn’t realize it and thats what matters to me.  I would be great to know that the calorie count and scoring were correct but again I know I am exercising so a “score” isn’t as important to me as results.

This game is perfect for busy people like me who what to get healthier and be more active but don’t have the time or the money to join a gym.  I would definitely recommend it to my friends and family and I am recommending to to you all as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclosure ~ I was given a copy of the game as well as other perks for participating in the Your Shape Challenge. My opinion and review of the game was no way influenced by the perks I received.