Wii Fit blog: Mii Motivation!

I've always been keen to stay fit and healthy but have struggled to find an exercise regime that keeps me interested.

I find the gym slightly intimidating at times and, frankly, rather boring. I used to like aerobics but struggled to find a decent class.

I wouldn't feel totally safe running on my own and while I do enjoy swimming, the whole 'getting undressed, getting wet, getting dressed again' kerfuffle often puts me off.

So, onto my first Wii Fit session...

First of all, I go through the various balance exercises, enter my height and weight and wait for my 'Wii Fit age' to appear on the screen.

This provides me with my first dose of motivation as the number 36 flashes up on the screen - a whopping three years older than my actual age!

The next step is setting some goals. Despite the chastening experience of learning my Wii Fit age, I remain realistic in my target, and aim to lose 2lb per month before my wedding (July 11).

Then I'm straight into the action: after opting for a male on-screen trainer (my other half needn't find out), I embark on a hula hooping workout. Do I look silly? Yes. Is it fun? Oh yes.

Next up, I go for a jog - trotting behind my trainer who helpfully turns to urge me on at regular intervals - and then try a spot of step aerobics (on stage with a team of highly motivated Miis).

And therein lies the genius of Wii Fit. Firstly, I feel far more engaged with my workout. If my centre of gravity or technique is slightly off, I'm helpfully guided in the right direction. This is great as I'm sure in the past I've not done things totally by the book when I've watched exercise DVDs.

Secondly - and this is the real eye-opener - I sheepishly call it a day after working up a bit of a sweat (feeling like a bit of a wimp), to discover I've actually been working out for 50 minutes - quite a good stint for a first attempt, me thinks!