One of my recent posts was about Wii Fit, and how good it is as a trainer. This time, as the title probably tells you, I'm going to go over the sequel, or rather the improved version, of the best-selling exercising game.
Along with all of the activities from the original (plus your cute trainer, the Wii Balance Board), Wii Fit Plus adds 21-that's right, 21- more activities: three new Yoga exercises, three new Strength Training exercises, and 15 completely original balance and aerobics games put into one section, Training Plus. As well as this, Wii Fit Plus has a new section called My Wii Fit Plus. Here, there are many things to do: view the games you play the most and the least, check the food equivalent closest to the number of calories you have burned and set a food goal for every day, check the time and more.
However, probably the best things you will come across here are two options: Do a set activity routine based on what you're aiming for, or make your own routines, however long you want (that is doable). This is where the first con comes in, though. The only activities you can do for making your own routines are Yoga and Strength Training exercises, severely limiting your choices. Oh, almost forgot: You may notice things called METs located in the description of the activities. As the Balance Board will explain, this stands for Metabolic Equivalent of Task, and represents the intensity level of what you're doing: 1.0 is equivalent to, say, watching T.V, and 4.0 would be akin to a light walk.
But we've heard enough about what the new features are. How useful are they in general? Well, one of the problems I stated in my other post was the inability to create your own routines in Wii Fit. As you can clearly see, this problem has been addressed very well. You can work out the parts of your body that you want to without having to go back to the menu after an activity, looking for another activity, and repeating the process. It's just much easier. The Calorie Check option is by far one of the best upgrades to the game. As said before, it lets you check the food equivalent to the calories that you have burned (you can check the amount of calories burned in one activity at the end, when the Fit Bank is counting the amount of minutes).
And then the new activities: The 6 Strength Training and Yoga activities are for advanced users, so even I do not know how they are. On the other hand, I have tried all the new Training Plus activities. Out of them, some of the most notable are Island Cycling, a game where you step on the Balance Board to pedal, tilt the Wii Remote to steer and try to get all the checkpoints, Segway Circuit, where you drive your Segway to pop all of the beach balls, Big Top Juggling, where you juggle multiple balls on a beach ball and try to keep off the edge of your stage, and Kung Fu Rhythm, where you follow the Kung Fu moves shown by your fellow Miis. Along with this, three activities from the original (Balance Bubble, Table Tilt and Basic Run) have been revamped for this version, with a "Plus" at the end of their name indicating the upgrade. Many of these activities can really help you and be a lot of fun at the same time, so you'd better check these out.
We can't forget about our dear Body Tests, though. Coming from the original, these have you step on the Balance Board and stand still so it can measure your weight and center of balance using BMI. It is essentially the same, except that 5 new Body Test activities have been added that not only test your balance, but also your mindpower. Also, a new feature has been added called "Simple Test", which allows you to take a body test in less time; the screen where your center of balance is shown is added onto the screen where your BMI is calculated, and you don't have to do the activities. Also related are tests for pets and babies, where you have to hold either one, and the Balance Board deducts their weight. Obviously, babies and pets aren't able to take Training activities.
So, what's the consensus? Wii Fit Plus has definitely improved on its predecessor. You get a calorie check, your own routines, fun new activities. If you've bought the original Wii Fit, you can buy Plus for $20. If not, try the bundle, complete with the Balance Board, for $99. Trust me- you'll love it.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Good Places to Run
If you can't find the right spot for you to run, never to fear: Good spots are in places around you. Here are some notable areas:
The Gym: Although it sometimes can be costly and tight in space, some gyms are very good spots to have a run, and with the advantage of just the right temperature. Plus, some gyms even have indoor tracks.
The Track: Found generally around high schools, tracks have a wide enough path and are good for when you want to measure your distance. However, running in circles may soon become a bore.
Trails: Like noted in earlier blog posts, trails have the advantage of beautiful scenery, a pleasure easily noticed while running. Basically the only disadvantage here is the weather, which also happens on a track.
The Block: Sometimes you may want to run right in your own neighborhood. An advantage over trails here is that you most likely know this area by heart, and so there's no way to get lost. Also, you can check how much you've run by cruising around the block with your car.
Hopefully one of these areas suits you and your running style. Good luck!
The Gym: Although it sometimes can be costly and tight in space, some gyms are very good spots to have a run, and with the advantage of just the right temperature. Plus, some gyms even have indoor tracks.
The Track: Found generally around high schools, tracks have a wide enough path and are good for when you want to measure your distance. However, running in circles may soon become a bore.
Trails: Like noted in earlier blog posts, trails have the advantage of beautiful scenery, a pleasure easily noticed while running. Basically the only disadvantage here is the weather, which also happens on a track.
The Block: Sometimes you may want to run right in your own neighborhood. An advantage over trails here is that you most likely know this area by heart, and so there's no way to get lost. Also, you can check how much you've run by cruising around the block with your car.
Hopefully one of these areas suits you and your running style. Good luck!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
How good is Wii Fit as a trainer?
Last year in December, I bought Wii Fit as something fun to do while keeping, well, fit. As you probably know, the activities in Wii Fit are divided into four categories: Balance Games, Aerobics, Yoga, and Strength Training. Balance games are designed to help you with your overall balance, Aerobics are to make you fitter, Yoga is to help you with your posture, and Strength Training builds your muscles. Also, with the help of a special Wii accessory, you can find out your BMI (Body Mass Index) based on how much you weigh on the accessory, the Balance Board. So, how do I rate this fitness game?
Wii Fit makes daunting exercises a little less daunting. For example, when I was doing the jog/run activity in the Aerobics category (there is one), even doing the 20-minute one, I did not feel like stopping at all. However, this is where the cons come in. Even when you may feel like going to the max, you may end up cheating to make things easier for you, as Wii Fit is only a virtual simulation, and not a real running spot. The other negative is that you cannot enter your own list of exercise procedures (something that is included in Wii Fit Plus, the follow-up).
Other than this, though, all in all Wii Fit is a fun experience that you must try out. It'll help you with your balance (which has a big effect on your weight), your muscle strength, if you're going to try that out vigorously, and sometimes even your weight.
Wii Fit makes daunting exercises a little less daunting. For example, when I was doing the jog/run activity in the Aerobics category (there is one), even doing the 20-minute one, I did not feel like stopping at all. However, this is where the cons come in. Even when you may feel like going to the max, you may end up cheating to make things easier for you, as Wii Fit is only a virtual simulation, and not a real running spot. The other negative is that you cannot enter your own list of exercise procedures (something that is included in Wii Fit Plus, the follow-up).
Other than this, though, all in all Wii Fit is a fun experience that you must try out. It'll help you with your balance (which has a big effect on your weight), your muscle strength, if you're going to try that out vigorously, and sometimes even your weight.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Running Trails, Part Two
Yesterday, my dad and I went to the trails again (read part one below). This time, the experience was a bit different. Instead of being the majestic nature hotspot it was last week, the weather had changed considerably (it was actually nicer, though), and as so, many of the leaves had fallen.
In the meantime, I had much less stamina than last week; Then, I was able to run ten minutes effortlessly. Now, I could only run maybe five. I had to stop a bit more often. I don't know why: there could be many reasons. I had a relatively good breakfast, with not too many calories. Maybe it was a possible lack of sleep? Or the weather? It could even be that the trail wasn't as appealing.
Either way, I am definitely coming back next week to see what will happen. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, I had much less stamina than last week; Then, I was able to run ten minutes effortlessly. Now, I could only run maybe five. I had to stop a bit more often. I don't know why: there could be many reasons. I had a relatively good breakfast, with not too many calories. Maybe it was a possible lack of sleep? Or the weather? It could even be that the trail wasn't as appealing.
Either way, I am definitely coming back next week to see what will happen. Stay tuned.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Factoids of the NYC Marathon
With my last post being about the New York City Marathon, I thought it was only appropriate that I would give something extra and post some facts. Most of these are based around 2009, unless stated otherwise.
- Day held in 2009: November 1
- Sponsor: ING
- Established: 1970
- Starting time for 2009: 8:20
- Starting point: Central Park
- Exact distance: 42.195 km
- Male winner of 2009: Meb Keflezighi
- His time: 2:09:15
- Female Winner of 2009: Derartu Tulu
- Her time: 2:28:52
- Marathon Record (Men):2:07:43 by Tesfaye Jifar in 2001
- Marathon Record (Women): 2:22:31 by Margaret Okayo in 2003
- Greatest no. of marathon victories by nationality: USA with 24 victories
- EXTRA FACT : In 1977, Wesley Paul ran the NYC Marathon in almost exactly 3 hours. Oh, did I mention he was eight years old?*
* For those of you who are going to complain, don't, as runners now must be at least 18 years of age to participate.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
What Was It Like To Run the NYC Marathon?
As many of you have probably heard, one of the world's biggest marathons for runners, the New York City Marathon, was held on November 1st. It is probably one of the most intense marathons, as there were 42,000+ runners. Now, my uncle, my family's inspiration for running, runs not 5K like I do, but instead full marathons-including the NYC Marathon. I interviewed him, and here's what he had to say:
Q: What did you do to prepare?
A: I trained throughout the summer to get ready for my fall marathons. I ran the Toronto Marathon* (That was the longest no. of miles I ran (without walking)before running the NYC Marathon). I am trying to run one marathon a month. This will go up until March 2010. The longest number of miles I ran in the NYC Marathon was 15 miles. I did not want to run more than that. It was very important that I lined up to the NYC marathon. So, I was very conservative with my training. I only had 5 weeks to train between the Toronto and NYC marathons.
* Full name: Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Q: What was your pace?
A: I finished in 4 hrs. and 27 mins. This was 30 mins. slower than in the Toronto Marathon. I was running a good pace halfway through the marathon, then I realized that these types of moments do not come often in life. I had to enjoy it. I slowed down a lot after mile 16-17. There was no point for me to rush through the marathon. I enjoyed it a lot. Not worried about my time, I had so much fun that I did not want to get off the course.
Q: What was the race like?
A: This is one of those races you as a runner must run. The people, the crowd... everything was great. I had my name in front of my shirt, people were calling my name ("Suman") everywhere. I felt very special. I had the support of people who I never met. They helped me to move on throughout the course. I high fived as many people as possible, especially the kids. They were out there.... The city itself was great... I will run this marathon again within 5 years.
Q: How did you feel when you finished?
A: The feeling of finishing 4th marathons in one year is just great. I am pushing my body to the limit. A year ago, I was worried about how I would do my first marathon. Now, after a year, I was able to finish 4. I was happy that the marathon was finished, but I was sad in the meantime. This is one of the moments in my life... when I was happy and sad at the same time. This was my first charity run as well, so I was so proud that was able to help children around the world with my running. It is not every day that I get to run for a great cause. A part of the fund goes to Polio Plus; children from my home country, Nepal, still suffer from polio.
Q: What do you recommend to runners doing 5Ks, half-marathons and marathons?
A: Keep on running. People think that we as runners run all the time, but that is not a true statement. I actually trained only 3 days a week. I have a simple routine: 5 miles on Tuesday, 5 miles on Thursday and 10+ miles on a weekend. I increased my miles as needed. We all have family obligations, work and other things we have to do. We cannot run all the time. It is also very important that we do cross training as a part of our running schedule. I have tried yoga, but I have not able to successfully implement it.
The more you run, the more you will get to find out about your body's limit. The body is such a wonderful thing we have. We just have to learn to use it to the max without over doing it.
If you are only training for short distances like 5k, I recommend that you run 2 30 minute sessions during weekdays and one 45 min session during the weekend. That is not too much to ask. If you are training for a marathon, you have to dedicate a little bit longer time.
Food, water and rest are an important part of any runner.
"Everyone has an obstacle in life, only people who cross the finish line are those who keep on pushing themselves 'till the end" - Suman
Q: What did you do to prepare?
A: I trained throughout the summer to get ready for my fall marathons. I ran the Toronto Marathon* (That was the longest no. of miles I ran (without walking)before running the NYC Marathon). I am trying to run one marathon a month. This will go up until March 2010. The longest number of miles I ran in the NYC Marathon was 15 miles. I did not want to run more than that. It was very important that I lined up to the NYC marathon. So, I was very conservative with my training. I only had 5 weeks to train between the Toronto and NYC marathons.
* Full name: Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Q: What was your pace?
A: I finished in 4 hrs. and 27 mins. This was 30 mins. slower than in the Toronto Marathon. I was running a good pace halfway through the marathon, then I realized that these types of moments do not come often in life. I had to enjoy it. I slowed down a lot after mile 16-17. There was no point for me to rush through the marathon. I enjoyed it a lot. Not worried about my time, I had so much fun that I did not want to get off the course.
Q: What was the race like?
A: This is one of those races you as a runner must run. The people, the crowd... everything was great. I had my name in front of my shirt, people were calling my name ("Suman") everywhere. I felt very special. I had the support of people who I never met. They helped me to move on throughout the course. I high fived as many people as possible, especially the kids. They were out there.... The city itself was great... I will run this marathon again within 5 years.
Q: How did you feel when you finished?
A: The feeling of finishing 4th marathons in one year is just great. I am pushing my body to the limit. A year ago, I was worried about how I would do my first marathon. Now, after a year, I was able to finish 4. I was happy that the marathon was finished, but I was sad in the meantime. This is one of the moments in my life... when I was happy and sad at the same time. This was my first charity run as well, so I was so proud that was able to help children around the world with my running. It is not every day that I get to run for a great cause. A part of the fund goes to Polio Plus; children from my home country, Nepal, still suffer from polio.
Q: What do you recommend to runners doing 5Ks, half-marathons and marathons?
A: Keep on running. People think that we as runners run all the time, but that is not a true statement. I actually trained only 3 days a week. I have a simple routine: 5 miles on Tuesday, 5 miles on Thursday and 10+ miles on a weekend. I increased my miles as needed. We all have family obligations, work and other things we have to do. We cannot run all the time. It is also very important that we do cross training as a part of our running schedule. I have tried yoga, but I have not able to successfully implement it.
The more you run, the more you will get to find out about your body's limit. The body is such a wonderful thing we have. We just have to learn to use it to the max without over doing it.
If you are only training for short distances like 5k, I recommend that you run 2 30 minute sessions during weekdays and one 45 min session during the weekend. That is not too much to ask. If you are training for a marathon, you have to dedicate a little bit longer time.
Food, water and rest are an important part of any runner.
"Everyone has an obstacle in life, only people who cross the finish line are those who keep on pushing themselves 'till the end" - Suman
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Ninety Eight And Still Running
Fauja Singh is a very interesting man. When he was 89, ran his first marathon. That’s right. 89. After this, you would expect this to be the maximum age for running, right? Wrong. Since that day, Fauja Singh has ran several more marathons and way more half marathons. Today he’s 98, and still going strong. His accomplishments are so great he has been featured in an Adidas campaign alongside greats such as David Beckham and Zinédine Zidane.
Lately, at the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon Expo, I met him when he was doing a speech to a crowd about how he does what he does. And what did he say? One quote that’s sure to last is “I like all sports, because they all require discipline”. Which made me realize that since running is a sport, you have to have discipline to run. Also, after the marathon was finished and done, I saw him again. This time, I saw something like a twinkle in his eyes, and it came to me that it was truly amazing how he was able to run an entire marathon at an age where other people would have been settled down for quite a few years, or else wouldn’t be able to reach the age. Maybe that’s the real reason running is important: Don’t you all want to live at the great old age of Fauja Singh and be able to run like him? I know I do. Like the title of his campaign, I guess “Nothing is Impossible”, and “Impossible is Nothing”.
Lately, at the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon Expo, I met him when he was doing a speech to a crowd about how he does what he does. And what did he say? One quote that’s sure to last is “I like all sports, because they all require discipline”. Which made me realize that since running is a sport, you have to have discipline to run. Also, after the marathon was finished and done, I saw him again. This time, I saw something like a twinkle in his eyes, and it came to me that it was truly amazing how he was able to run an entire marathon at an age where other people would have been settled down for quite a few years, or else wouldn’t be able to reach the age. Maybe that’s the real reason running is important: Don’t you all want to live at the great old age of Fauja Singh and be able to run like him? I know I do. Like the title of his campaign, I guess “Nothing is Impossible”, and “Impossible is Nothing”.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Running Trails
I live in Brampton, where there are many trails. Recently, my dad and I went to one of these trails to run.
And boy, was it spectacular.
Even though the trail was right in a residential area, it felt as if we were in a world of nature, far, far away from the problems of the world. As we went by, we saw so many paths, so many streams, so many trees. You can't fathom how I felt unless you went to a trail like that before. If you live near trails where you feel you can run at, I highly recommend you run regularly there, because believe me, it will add another dimension to your running.
And boy, was it spectacular.
Even though the trail was right in a residential area, it felt as if we were in a world of nature, far, far away from the problems of the world. As we went by, we saw so many paths, so many streams, so many trees. You can't fathom how I felt unless you went to a trail like that before. If you live near trails where you feel you can run at, I highly recommend you run regularly there, because believe me, it will add another dimension to your running.
Family Running
I believe that running with your family can boost your running endurance by a long shot. Sure, you don't see many people training for 5K with a child now, but I think it really matters. This is because, first and foremost, you have somebody to talk to while you're giving your heart out. This will keep your mind off of the aching and moaning and groaning your body is feeling, and make your run go by quickly.
Secondly, if that doesn't work, your family will always be there to motivate you when you feel like you can't do it, or when you just don't think it's worth it.To me, motivation has made me feel like I can do it, whatever "it" may be, or however hard it looks.
A third reason why I believe running with your family can help is because this time can be bonding time to you and your spouse/kid. That's right; even trying to get fit also has family benefits-if you have your family with you, of course. Finally, to top it all off, you're never lonely: Even if your family is too focused to talk, motivate or bond with you, at least you always know that you're never alone in your run.
So there you have it. My experiences with running with my parents are great ones, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Secondly, if that doesn't work, your family will always be there to motivate you when you feel like you can't do it, or when you just don't think it's worth it.To me, motivation has made me feel like I can do it, whatever "it" may be, or however hard it looks.
A third reason why I believe running with your family can help is because this time can be bonding time to you and your spouse/kid. That's right; even trying to get fit also has family benefits-if you have your family with you, of course. Finally, to top it all off, you're never lonely: Even if your family is too focused to talk, motivate or bond with you, at least you always know that you're never alone in your run.
So there you have it. My experiences with running with my parents are great ones, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
How I Started Running
My running career started in early June. Me, my dad and my mom signed up to do the “Toronto Challenge 5k” for running and walking: My dad running, my mom and I walking. It wasn’t hard; I discovered that if I walked even 5 kilometers, I wouldn’t feel tired. I thought about doing this every once in a while. It wasn’t a bad idea.
Fast forward to a month later. After a few days talking about it and practicing, I was finally ready to do my second race, and the first one where I’d run: The Beaches “Jazz Tune-up Run” made for practicing for the major “Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon”. I’ll admit, being my first true run, there were many points where I had to stop and walk, or where I wanted to give up. However, I pulled through, and that is what truly ignited my talent for running.
Just very recently, I trained for yet another race: the Goodlife Fitness Toronto Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5K. I had really started to get to enjoy running now. My running began to get more and more intense, until I finally achieved a great goal: I had finally ran five kilometers, non-stop. At that point, I knew that if I could run 5K like that, I could do it again.
And I did.
I've come a long way from that slightly-lazy kid with academics, but no progress in athletics. Now, as I train, I am trying to come up with new strategies for running. What should I do? Try to run nonstop? Run for 10 minutes, and then walk one? Or maybe run and take only one long break? Should I see what my running area looks like? Well, you know what they say: Only time will tell.
Fast forward to a month later. After a few days talking about it and practicing, I was finally ready to do my second race, and the first one where I’d run: The Beaches “Jazz Tune-up Run” made for practicing for the major “Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon”. I’ll admit, being my first true run, there were many points where I had to stop and walk, or where I wanted to give up. However, I pulled through, and that is what truly ignited my talent for running.
Just very recently, I trained for yet another race: the Goodlife Fitness Toronto Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5K. I had really started to get to enjoy running now. My running began to get more and more intense, until I finally achieved a great goal: I had finally ran five kilometers, non-stop. At that point, I knew that if I could run 5K like that, I could do it again.
And I did.
I've come a long way from that slightly-lazy kid with academics, but no progress in athletics. Now, as I train, I am trying to come up with new strategies for running. What should I do? Try to run nonstop? Run for 10 minutes, and then walk one? Or maybe run and take only one long break? Should I see what my running area looks like? Well, you know what they say: Only time will tell.
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