Boosting Accuracy on Some Wii Fit Activities

How to Increase Balance Board and Wiimote Response on Exercises

May 29, 2009

Nintendo's Wii Fit is a great exercise supplement. But some activities record actions erratically, so knowing some tricks helps improve Wii Fit accuracy.

Wii Fit, with its revolutionary Balance Board, is one of the most sought-after game-accessories for the Nintendo Wii. Gamers and non-gamers alike can enjoy its balance games, aerobics, yoga, and calisthenics exercises.

However, Wii Fit's instruction manual doesn't go into detail about how to perform the exercises. Some require practice with the Balance Board and Wiimote, and others can be frustrating without knowing exactly how the board or remote measure progress.

One strength training exercise which the Wiimote can have difficulty registering is the triceps extension. If the Wiimote is held as shown on the screen, the program may not recognize users' arm movements properly. The Wiimote should be pointing up at the start of the movement, and then tilted horizontally as the arm bends.

Missing the mark isn't too detrimental, since triceps extension is one of the few exercises in which users don't get a percentage or star rating at the end. Users are encouraged to work up to using a weight instead of the Wiimote – a water bottle is suggested, but a dumbbell would also work. Wrist weights may be the best solution for those wishing to build strength while still getting Wiimote feedback.

The Wiimote can also measure progress erratically in running exercises, such as the Island Lap or Free Run. Wii Fit tells users to put the Wiimote in a pocket; those without pockets are instructed to hold the remote in one hand. However, many users have difficulties with these instructions, reporting inconsistent results, even when running at a steady pace.

The Wiimote measures runners' paces by up-and-down movements. If the Wiimote is shifting in a pocket, or swinging wildly with one's arms, Wii Fit accuracy drops off. Some find it helpful to put the Wiimote in a very tight pocket, so that it moves precisely with the leg. Those without pockets can have more consistent results if they hold the Wiimote vertically, and either shake or flick it in time with their steps.

Balance Board Trouble with Basic, Advanced, and Free Step

Although remarkably responsive, the Balance Board sometimes works mysteriously in activities such as Basic and Advanced Step. The key to high scores is coordinating steps with the rhythm – to get a "Perfect" rather than an "OK" step – which can be difficult for those unsure how the Balance Board registers their steps.

Stepping onto the board with the whole foot and putting one's weight on it evenly creates the best response. Some users find better results if they lift their feet high when doing these exercises. Others find it helpful to step off right on the beat, instead of timing it with stepping on the floor.

Another trick is to replace the Balance Board's batteries. There may be enough power to run the board in batteries that aren't fresh, but not enough for the board to report input from steps in real time.

Wii Fit is popular for its blend of fun and exercise, adding to the uniqueness of the Wii console, and has been supplemented with Wii Fit Plus. But even in the new version, having a better idea how the Wii Fit interface works with such tricky exercises as the triceps extension, running, and stepping will help users stick to their training program and get the best results.

The copyright of the article Boosting Accuracy on Some Wii Fit Activities in Sports Games is owned by Luke Arnott. Permission to republish Boosting Accuracy on Some Wii Fit Activities in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.