BMI: 24.59
Weight: 171.7
COB: 51/49%
Wii Age: 36
Minutes: 34
Calories: 97
Walking Test
Woo! 100% balanced! (prev. 71%)
Dual Balance
(sigh) This one is still hard. I made it to Round 4, but not through.
Soccer Heading
264 - 211 - 289 - 279 - 368!!! Champion!
Gah! I didn't think I'd break 300 much less make a new high score and become a 4-star Champion! I think the problem today was really about focus. My mind is racing because of my upcoming trip. I'm really excited.
Table Tilt
94 - 6(-1) - 5(-1) - 98 - 83
Geez! What happened?! Ouch.
Tight Rope
56.36 - 1:02.15 - 54.50! Champion! - 55.95 - 56.06
Another Champion despite biting it on the Table Tilt. Good comeback.
Penguin Slide
86 - 96 - 65 - 65 - 62
(sigh) like my balance, my scores are all over the place today. Ah well. Steady gains. I'm sure I'm making progress!
My Weight Watchers weigh-in wasn't so hot today, and I knew it was coming because of the Wii Body Test. For some reason I increased a little over this last week and didn't come back down very much. I'm only down -.2. That's okay thought because it's still a minus. This week will be a hard one too because of the travel. Good thing I'm staying at Mom's because she'll help me stay on track!
It is blue sky with pure white puffy clouds. I'm going for another 3.3 mile walk today and drinking it all in!
Keep workin' it!
Amy :)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
January 30, 2010
BMI: 24.62
Weight: 172.0
COB: 50.2/49.8
Wii Age: 45
Minutes: 35
Calories: 74
Single Leg
This is so hard! Gah! Used my right leg again. 63% (prev 56%)
Prediction Test (the one with the walls)
Dang it! 15.45 (same)
I went back after my workout to practice on this one - and I did *much* better once I was warmed up. It'll come.
Ski Slalom
40.08 - 38.00 - 37.05 - 38.16 - 36.8!!
Squat to increase speed? Or tilt forward? Or both? Not sure. But I'm improving!
Ski Jump
151+152=303! - 143+146=289 - 152+160=312! - 150+148=298 - 140+189=329!!
Gotta crunch the right toes to stay in the 'gold' zone on acceleration, then lock tight after extend. Holding breath helps.
Balance Bubble
54.21 - 51.88 - 54.00 - 47.38 - 43.80!!
Woohoo! My new goal on this one is to get my score under 50. Amazing. I should pause and look back on my scores. I wonder how long ago it was that I couldn't even make it to the rainbow...
Penguin Slide
62 - 92 - 71 - 107! - 64
Feels like I can't be too forward on my feet, or too far to the left and right. Almost like there is this invisible balance zone that I have to stay within. "Mid-range"? I would be very interested to see the physiology on this one and how it works different muscles than the others. It's like I have to keep it tighter, but not as tight as the Table Tilt - and not as loose or crank as hard to the left/right as Soccer Heading. I tried this time to keep it more towards the middle of the iceberg instead of sliding too much back and forth. Tricky!
Lotus Focus
33 - 62 - 90 - 180!!!- 152
I made it to the end! This one actually has an end! LOL. I wasn't sure if I would just keep sitting forever or what. I think the 180 is in seconds, so that's 3 minutes of staying still. Ok. I'll buy that. I have a ways to go on this one. On my successful rep, I tried to keep my primary focus on my breathing - yoga style with the "ha-ha's" and working my diaphragm.
The lesson learned on this one is that I am easily distracted and reactive. There is a time for that, like going after the fishes on the Penguin Slide or the soccer balls, but even those need to be more controlled. It'll come. Three weeks of every day practice. I am very pleased with myself! Especially since in this last week I've upped my Wii minutes to 30 and do the exercises without holding the remote. I'm very excited to see how I progress over the next couple of months!
Wii Keep Going!
Amy :)
Weight: 172.0
COB: 50.2/49.8
Wii Age: 45
Minutes: 35
Calories: 74
Single Leg
This is so hard! Gah! Used my right leg again. 63% (prev 56%)
Prediction Test (the one with the walls)
Dang it! 15.45 (same)
I went back after my workout to practice on this one - and I did *much* better once I was warmed up. It'll come.
Ski Slalom
40.08 - 38.00 - 37.05 - 38.16 - 36.8!!
Squat to increase speed? Or tilt forward? Or both? Not sure. But I'm improving!
Ski Jump
151+152=303! - 143+146=289 - 152+160=312! - 150+148=298 - 140+189=329!!
Gotta crunch the right toes to stay in the 'gold' zone on acceleration, then lock tight after extend. Holding breath helps.
Balance Bubble
54.21 - 51.88 - 54.00 - 47.38 - 43.80!!
Woohoo! My new goal on this one is to get my score under 50. Amazing. I should pause and look back on my scores. I wonder how long ago it was that I couldn't even make it to the rainbow...
Penguin Slide
62 - 92 - 71 - 107! - 64
Feels like I can't be too forward on my feet, or too far to the left and right. Almost like there is this invisible balance zone that I have to stay within. "Mid-range"? I would be very interested to see the physiology on this one and how it works different muscles than the others. It's like I have to keep it tighter, but not as tight as the Table Tilt - and not as loose or crank as hard to the left/right as Soccer Heading. I tried this time to keep it more towards the middle of the iceberg instead of sliding too much back and forth. Tricky!
Lotus Focus
33 - 62 - 90 - 180!!!- 152
I made it to the end! This one actually has an end! LOL. I wasn't sure if I would just keep sitting forever or what. I think the 180 is in seconds, so that's 3 minutes of staying still. Ok. I'll buy that. I have a ways to go on this one. On my successful rep, I tried to keep my primary focus on my breathing - yoga style with the "ha-ha's" and working my diaphragm.
The lesson learned on this one is that I am easily distracted and reactive. There is a time for that, like going after the fishes on the Penguin Slide or the soccer balls, but even those need to be more controlled. It'll come. Three weeks of every day practice. I am very pleased with myself! Especially since in this last week I've upped my Wii minutes to 30 and do the exercises without holding the remote. I'm very excited to see how I progress over the next couple of months!
Wii Keep Going!
Amy :)
January 29, 2010
BMI: 24.59
Weight: 171.7
COB: 51.8/48.2
Wii Age: 36
Minutes: 30
Calories: 81
Stillness Test
55% Stability (prev 61%)
Peripheral Vision
21.49 (prev 21.00)
Not as smooth as the last time, but I get 'em all.
Soccer Heading
252 - 254 - 310 - 289 - 260
Good. My new goal is to consistently get 300 or higher. I'm greedy :D I still want to avoid all shoes and pandas. The ultimate would be to nail every ball and avoid every baddie. Is that possible within a year?
Table Tilt
98 - 91 - 8(-1) - 98 - 98
Can't screw around on Table 5 or you'll get burned! Must sacrifice the balls on that table. Unless there is some trick I have yet to discover.
Tight Rope
1:00.55 - 1:03.60 - 55.26! - 57.75 - 1:02.45
Keep workin' it! Get under that 1 minute mark!
Lotus Focus
32 - 76 - 79
Frack.
I've clocked 10 hours of Wii exercise minutes! My timer keeper has turned "bronze" - woohoo! Perhaps after another 10 hours it will turn silver? Keep them prizes coming. I like 'em!
Amy :)
Weight: 171.7
COB: 51.8/48.2
Wii Age: 36
Minutes: 30
Calories: 81
Stillness Test
55% Stability (prev 61%)
Peripheral Vision
21.49 (prev 21.00)
Not as smooth as the last time, but I get 'em all.
Soccer Heading
252 - 254 - 310 - 289 - 260
Good. My new goal is to consistently get 300 or higher. I'm greedy :D I still want to avoid all shoes and pandas. The ultimate would be to nail every ball and avoid every baddie. Is that possible within a year?
Table Tilt
98 - 91 - 8(-1) - 98 - 98
Can't screw around on Table 5 or you'll get burned! Must sacrifice the balls on that table. Unless there is some trick I have yet to discover.
Tight Rope
1:00.55 - 1:03.60 - 55.26! - 57.75 - 1:02.45
Keep workin' it! Get under that 1 minute mark!
Lotus Focus
32 - 76 - 79
Frack.
I've clocked 10 hours of Wii exercise minutes! My timer keeper has turned "bronze" - woohoo! Perhaps after another 10 hours it will turn silver? Keep them prizes coming. I like 'em!
Amy :)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
January 28, 2010
BMI: 24.62
Weight: 172
COB: 55.1/44.9
Wii Age: 29
Minutes: 31
Calories: 67
Basic Balance
Almost had it! I made it to Round 5 and just couldn't hold it steady. I tried thinking like Table Tilt and the fine motor control it requires this time.
Memory Test
Yah! Got em! 25 (prev 23)
Ski Slalom
38.53 - 37.15 - 37.86 - 37.23 - 35.63 (-7)=42.63
Tried to get slick on the last one ;) I wanted to 'thread' the end. Those last 4 sets of poles that you can zip right through if you angle it right. I'll nail that some day! I'm feeling more confident on this one. My legs feel stronger. Need to be more on the balls of my feet. Requires calves, thighs and lower back.
Ski Jump
130+138=268 - 138+115=253 - 151+175=326! - 156+170=326! - 147+150=297
Woo! Locked it in! I have to crunch forward on the right toes especially on acceleration, then clamp down on balance after the extend.
Bubble Balance
57.66 - 56.25 - 53.51 - 48.16! Pro! - 47.58!
Double Woo!!
Penguin Shuffle
70 - 82! - 55 - 53 - 56
Gotta get those red fish! Hop and pop!
Lotus Focus
32 - 32 - 87 - 89
(sigh) Someday, creepy guy, someday I'll outsmart you.
Keepin' on, keepin' on!
Amy
Weight: 172
COB: 55.1/44.9
Wii Age: 29
Minutes: 31
Calories: 67
Basic Balance
Almost had it! I made it to Round 5 and just couldn't hold it steady. I tried thinking like Table Tilt and the fine motor control it requires this time.
Memory Test
Yah! Got em! 25 (prev 23)
Ski Slalom
38.53 - 37.15 - 37.86 - 37.23 - 35.63 (-7)=42.63
Tried to get slick on the last one ;) I wanted to 'thread' the end. Those last 4 sets of poles that you can zip right through if you angle it right. I'll nail that some day! I'm feeling more confident on this one. My legs feel stronger. Need to be more on the balls of my feet. Requires calves, thighs and lower back.
Ski Jump
130+138=268 - 138+115=253 - 151+175=326! - 156+170=326! - 147+150=297
Woo! Locked it in! I have to crunch forward on the right toes especially on acceleration, then clamp down on balance after the extend.
Bubble Balance
57.66 - 56.25 - 53.51 - 48.16! Pro! - 47.58!
Double Woo!!
Penguin Shuffle
70 - 82! - 55 - 53 - 56
Gotta get those red fish! Hop and pop!
Lotus Focus
32 - 32 - 87 - 89
(sigh) Someday, creepy guy, someday I'll outsmart you.
Keepin' on, keepin' on!
Amy
January 27, 2010
BMI: 24.71
Weight: 172.6
COB: 55/45
Wii Age: 28
Minutes: 33
Calories: 84
BODY TEST
The Wii gave me some advice on how to improve my center of balance when my eyes are close - "imagine yourself gazing into the distance". Ok. I'll try that!
Agility
CRAP! I couldn't get to the moving boxes today. My balance dot was out of control. Score: 14 (prev 17)
Judgement
20/20, but balance is crazy.
Soccer Heading
205 - 205 - 257 - 249 - 369!! Champion!! WOO! 4 stars, baby!
My right side is harder to activate today. Not sure why, but I was able to pull it together by the end of this game!
Table Tilt
90! - 105! - 103 - 100 - 108!
Yay! Still scoring professional but I cleared all the boards today!
Tight Rope
58.13 - 1:12.03 - 1:05.68 - 1:02.41 - 1:06.00
(sigh) I rocked on the first one and then couldn't get it back together. Oh well. My goal on this one is to get it under 1 minute without any wobbles and with steady progress.
Lotus Focus
32 - 90 - 87 - 152!
If I can make it to the third creepy guy, it's good. It'll be quite the accomplishment to make it past him. And his F'ing mosquito.
Keep rockin' it on the Wii!
Amy
Weight: 172.6
COB: 55/45
Wii Age: 28
Minutes: 33
Calories: 84
BODY TEST
The Wii gave me some advice on how to improve my center of balance when my eyes are close - "imagine yourself gazing into the distance". Ok. I'll try that!
Agility
CRAP! I couldn't get to the moving boxes today. My balance dot was out of control. Score: 14 (prev 17)
Judgement
20/20, but balance is crazy.
Soccer Heading
205 - 205 - 257 - 249 - 369!! Champion!! WOO! 4 stars, baby!
My right side is harder to activate today. Not sure why, but I was able to pull it together by the end of this game!
Table Tilt
90! - 105! - 103 - 100 - 108!
Yay! Still scoring professional but I cleared all the boards today!
Tight Rope
58.13 - 1:12.03 - 1:05.68 - 1:02.41 - 1:06.00
(sigh) I rocked on the first one and then couldn't get it back together. Oh well. My goal on this one is to get it under 1 minute without any wobbles and with steady progress.
Lotus Focus
32 - 90 - 87 - 152!
If I can make it to the third creepy guy, it's good. It'll be quite the accomplishment to make it past him. And his F'ing mosquito.
Keep rockin' it on the Wii!
Amy
January 26, 2010
BMI: 24.74
Weight: 172.8
COB: 52.9/47.1
Wii Age: 36
Minutes: 30
Calories: 66
BODY TEST
Unprompted, the Wii suggested today a "healthy weight" for me of 153.7 with a BMI of 22. Sounds about right.
Single Leg
Used my Right this time = 56% balance (prev 67%)
Peripheral Vision
21 (prev 26.40) I think the score is supposed to go down? Not sure, but my notes have a "Yay!" on them - and to HOLD STILL
Ski Slalom
40.11 - 40.10 - 39.16 - 38.20 - 37.11!
This is where I started not holding the remote during the games. I think my scores improve. On this one, everything under 40 is rated Pro. I'm getting there!
Ski Jump
85+150=235 - 135+161=296 - 106+147=253 - 144+138=282 - 138+164=302!
Rah! Hold it steady. Tighten diaphragm after the extend.
Balance Bubble
55.86! - 55.83! - 54.86! - 51.63! - 52.66!
I didn't use a remote on any of these and all were under a minute. Excellent!
Lotus Focus
57 - 52 - 34 - 106 - 91
Grr...
Penguin Shuffle
31 - 47 - 48 - 69!
Argh!
Very excited about not using the remote anymore. Very curious. Interested in going back to holding the remote once my scores get higher and see what impact it has - by which hand.
Amy
Weight: 172.8
COB: 52.9/47.1
Wii Age: 36
Minutes: 30
Calories: 66
BODY TEST
Unprompted, the Wii suggested today a "healthy weight" for me of 153.7 with a BMI of 22. Sounds about right.
Single Leg
Used my Right this time = 56% balance (prev 67%)
Peripheral Vision
21 (prev 26.40) I think the score is supposed to go down? Not sure, but my notes have a "Yay!" on them - and to HOLD STILL
Ski Slalom
40.11 - 40.10 - 39.16 - 38.20 - 37.11!
This is where I started not holding the remote during the games. I think my scores improve. On this one, everything under 40 is rated Pro. I'm getting there!
Ski Jump
85+150=235 - 135+161=296 - 106+147=253 - 144+138=282 - 138+164=302!
Rah! Hold it steady. Tighten diaphragm after the extend.
Balance Bubble
55.86! - 55.83! - 54.86! - 51.63! - 52.66!
I didn't use a remote on any of these and all were under a minute. Excellent!
Lotus Focus
57 - 52 - 34 - 106 - 91
Grr...
Penguin Shuffle
31 - 47 - 48 - 69!
Argh!
Very excited about not using the remote anymore. Very curious. Interested in going back to holding the remote once my scores get higher and see what impact it has - by which hand.
Amy
January 25, 2010
BMI: 24.68
Weight: 172.4
COB: 54.9/45.1
Wii Age: 42
Minutes: 31
Calories: 71
BODY TEST
Basic Balance
I made it through Round 5! Score: 26.95. Adjust and clench abdomen to hold.
Dual Balance
Made it to Round 5 - not through, but getting better
Ski Slalom
41.63 - 41.46 - 39.01! - 38.36! - 36.88!
Woo! I thinking I'm beginning to GET IT. I'm using my core more to shift my balance.
Ski Jump
97+134=231 - 122+172=294 - 139+112=251 - 144+115=259 - 110+160=270
I'm trying to focus harder on what my body should feel like instead of the visual. But I'm finding it hard to lock in and stay steady.
Balance Bubble
1:03.75 - 1:02.18 - 1:04.50 - 1:06.91 - 1:08.13
Uff. The last two were a lot harder. My leader board is all Under the Rainbow scores now. Been awhile since I last popped - Yay!
Lotus Focus
32 - 64 - 33 - 84 - 33
ARGH!
Penguin Shuffle
38 - 55 - 62 - 53 - 58
Getting a little better on this one too.
Catching up on my blogging. I let it slide this week. But at least I've been taking my notes while working out!
Keep it going!
Amy :)
Weight: 172.4
COB: 54.9/45.1
Wii Age: 42
Minutes: 31
Calories: 71
BODY TEST
Basic Balance
I made it through Round 5! Score: 26.95. Adjust and clench abdomen to hold.
Dual Balance
Made it to Round 5 - not through, but getting better
Ski Slalom
41.63 - 41.46 - 39.01! - 38.36! - 36.88!
Woo! I thinking I'm beginning to GET IT. I'm using my core more to shift my balance.
Ski Jump
97+134=231 - 122+172=294 - 139+112=251 - 144+115=259 - 110+160=270
I'm trying to focus harder on what my body should feel like instead of the visual. But I'm finding it hard to lock in and stay steady.
Balance Bubble
1:03.75 - 1:02.18 - 1:04.50 - 1:06.91 - 1:08.13
Uff. The last two were a lot harder. My leader board is all Under the Rainbow scores now. Been awhile since I last popped - Yay!
Lotus Focus
32 - 64 - 33 - 84 - 33
ARGH!
Penguin Shuffle
38 - 55 - 62 - 53 - 58
Getting a little better on this one too.
Catching up on my blogging. I let it slide this week. But at least I've been taking my notes while working out!
Keep it going!
Amy :)
Sunday, January 24, 2010
January 24, 2010
BMI: 24.52
Weight: 171.3
Minutes: 30
Calories: 85
Wii Age: 52
Center of Balance: 51.1:48.9
I slept terribly last night. Many nightmares and woke up sweating at 3:15. Then I couldn't get back to sleep until 5:00, so I got up a little later. I did my BMI:Weight and then went to Weight Watchers. Returned to workout around 11:30. Not sure that's an optimal time for me. But I did it and that's what counts!
I am doing my rotation that I came up with yesterday. I want 1 each: L:R, stillness, fine motor control. Then one optional to get me to 30 minutes? Perhaps I'll keep hammering on Lotus Focus until I get it right.
BODY TEST
Basic Balance
This is the basic Left:Right one with the colored bars. Gotta keep it in the blue zones for 3 seconds. I made it to Round 5 on this one but the last blue zone is just a thin strip. It's still really hard for me to keep still!
Dual Balance
This is the Basic Balance with the addition of having to hold the remote sideways in the correct position. Double whammy today which is why my Wii Age is so high. I made it to Round 4 this time. It'll take more practice to get this down.
Soccer Heading
194 - 185 - 323 - 294 - 274
My right leg feels really stiff in the thigh area. From the long walk yesterday?
Table Tilt
Table(balls remaining): 7(-1) - 8(-1) - 8(-1) - 84! - 8(-2)
Dang! Not so hot today but I didn't totally suck, and I did make it all the way through once. My feet are ice cold.
Tight Rope
1:05.91 - 1:04.36 - 1:06.86 - 1:14.58 - 1:07.80
No cheating! :) Must lift feet but not too much. Sometimes I can 'cheat' by just lifting my heels, but it doesn't always work (see rep #4).
25 Wii minutes at this point (44 real minutes) Doing a little more to get me to 30 minutes.
Lotus Focus
91 - 152
Raaah! Next time, do 'triangle' position with hands on knees. Then remember to yoga breathe - "haahhaahh" - deep in chest, use diaphragm. Try to focus as much on breathing from deep in my core. Someday I'll make it past Creepy Guy #3 and his mosquito!
Weight: 171.3
Minutes: 30
Calories: 85
Wii Age: 52
Center of Balance: 51.1:48.9
I slept terribly last night. Many nightmares and woke up sweating at 3:15. Then I couldn't get back to sleep until 5:00, so I got up a little later. I did my BMI:Weight and then went to Weight Watchers. Returned to workout around 11:30. Not sure that's an optimal time for me. But I did it and that's what counts!
I am doing my rotation that I came up with yesterday. I want 1 each: L:R, stillness, fine motor control. Then one optional to get me to 30 minutes? Perhaps I'll keep hammering on Lotus Focus until I get it right.
BODY TEST
Basic Balance
This is the basic Left:Right one with the colored bars. Gotta keep it in the blue zones for 3 seconds. I made it to Round 5 on this one but the last blue zone is just a thin strip. It's still really hard for me to keep still!
Dual Balance
This is the Basic Balance with the addition of having to hold the remote sideways in the correct position.
Soccer Heading
194 - 185 - 323 - 294 - 274
My right leg feels really stiff in the thigh area. From the long walk yesterday?
Table Tilt
Table(balls remaining): 7(-1) - 8(-1) - 8(-1) - 84! - 8(-2)
Dang! Not so hot today but I didn't totally suck, and I did make it all the way through once. My feet are ice cold.
Tight Rope
1:05.91 - 1:04.36 - 1:06.86 - 1:14.58 - 1:07.80
No cheating! :) Must lift feet but not too much. Sometimes I can 'cheat' by just lifting my heels, but it doesn't always work (see rep #4).
25 Wii minutes at this point (44 real minutes) Doing a little more to get me to 30 minutes.
Lotus Focus
91 - 152
Raaah! Next time, do 'triangle' position with hands on knees. Then remember to yoga breathe - "haahhaahh" - deep in chest, use diaphragm. Try to focus as much on breathing from deep in my core. Someday I'll make it past Creepy Guy #3 and his mosquito!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
January 23, 2010
BMI: 24.68
Weight: 172.4
Minutes: 35
Calories: 96
Wii Age: 45
Center of Balance: 51.6:48.4
BODY TEST
My COB was back a little farther today too. The Wii also told me to eat sugar and protein after a workout, and that the protein would help build more muscle mass. I need to take a fresh look at my Weight Watchers eating habits. See if I can't set some new goals to eat more veggies and keep an eye on my protein intake.
Stillness Test
Closed my eyes this time and focused on keeping my weight lower. 615% (prev 52%)
I think my body 'awareness' or 'focus' tends to be up towards my head. Maybe that's why I'm so wobbly? I pretty much ignore my feet since they are so far down there. Perhaps this is a fat mentality - to ignore the body and focus on the mind and personality? I do feel a sense of glee when I discover things and especially when I feel like I am gaining more control. But I'm feeling a little cautious too. Don't know why.
Prediction Test
ARGH! I hate this one! This is the one with walls and I never seem to keep it smooth and then I crash. I tried so hard to think like I was on the Bubble Balance game - go smoothly Left:Right, but I was still wobbling all over. At least I didn't crash into the first wall like the last two times... (sigh) Score: 15.45
Soccer Heading
139 - 292 - 330! - 331! - 299
Great comeback! Woohoo!
Ski Jump
156+150=306 - 158+139=297 - 112+185=297 - 127+103=230 - 160+133=293
This one is all about locking it down. I have a really hard time staying still, much less still and centered. I'm gonna continue to fight for it though!
Bubble Balance
I love rainbows.
1:13.28 - 1:05.80 - 1:02.43 - 1:00.58 - 1:02.96
I'm closer to my 1 minute barrier! I'm still ranked as an Amateur and I'm hoping once I'm faster than a minute, I'll get the Professional ranking. I can tell I'm gaining strength and control and it's exciting. I love when it feels like I'm zooming along the river smoothly. I wonder how much of the smoothness is simply muscle memory of the path I have to take? Hmph. Oh well. I'll deal with that later. For now, I'm content to gain more control over my fine motor movement.
Lotus Focus
33 - 91 - 87
That damn creepy guy! Grrr! I'm gonna fight for this one too. I think this will have broad-ranging impact and be useful in other areas of my life.
I want to come up with a new rotation plan using all 9 Balance Games, so I tried out the remaining two games.
Penguin Slide
Yikes. Slide your PenguinMii left and right on a slippery iceberg. You'll fall down. You'll fall off. Catch the fish as they come flinging at you and past you. Sometimes you have to be standing up to get them. If you fall off the iceberg, you waste time jumping back on. I don't think you can catch fish while in the water, but you can sometimes snag them on the way off the iceberg. The blue fish are +1 point, greenies are +2, and the magic red ones are +10. You have to go to the edge and pop back to jump up and grab the red ones. Very tricky - very easy to fall off the iceberg. Less than 40 = unbalanced. This will take practice, but it's fun!
Scores: 38 - 41 - 51 - 32 - 50
Snowboard Slalom
You have to place the Wii Balance Board sideways. The trick to this one is that on screen you are going left and right, but you are moving your balance front and back. Front=right, Back=left. HARD. I find it really hard to stay centered and not think left:right. I'll be missing flags for a little while I think, but I'll keep working it. I'm very intrigued by the connection of mind and body on this one.
Scores: 1:23.71 - 1:02.86 - 1:02.36 - 1:01.81 - 54.13
ROTATION
Name = Motion
Soccer Heading = Left:Right
Ski Slalom = Left:Right
Ski Jump = Stillness+extension
Table Tilt = Fine control (all directions)
Tight Rope = Stillness+extension+core COB
Bubble Balance = Fine control (all directions)
Penguin Slide = Left:Right
Snowboard Slalom = Front:Back
Lotus Focus = Stillness+core
Hmm... I think I should also be trying for 30 minutes a day now too? Do more than 5 reps? Do two sets of 5 reps?
One per day - L:R, stillness, fine control?
Soccer + Table + Rope
Slalom + Jump + Bubble
Penguin + Board + Lotus
I love my Wii.
Amii ;)
Weight: 172.4
Minutes: 35
Calories: 96
Wii Age: 45
Center of Balance: 51.6:48.4
BODY TEST
My COB was back a little farther today too. The Wii also told me to eat sugar and protein after a workout, and that the protein would help build more muscle mass. I need to take a fresh look at my Weight Watchers eating habits. See if I can't set some new goals to eat more veggies and keep an eye on my protein intake.
Stillness Test
Closed my eyes this time and focused on keeping my weight lower. 615% (prev 52%)
I think my body 'awareness' or 'focus' tends to be up towards my head. Maybe that's why I'm so wobbly? I pretty much ignore my feet since they are so far down there. Perhaps this is a fat mentality - to ignore the body and focus on the mind and personality? I do feel a sense of glee when I discover things and especially when I feel like I am gaining more control. But I'm feeling a little cautious too. Don't know why.
Prediction Test
ARGH! I hate this one! This is the one with walls and I never seem to keep it smooth and then I crash. I tried so hard to think like I was on the Bubble Balance game - go smoothly Left:Right, but I was still wobbling all over. At least I didn't crash into the first wall like the last two times... (sigh) Score: 15.45
Soccer Heading
139 - 292 - 330! - 331! - 299
Great comeback! Woohoo!
Ski Jump
156+150=306 - 158+139=297 - 112+185=297 - 127+103=230 - 160+133=293
This one is all about locking it down. I have a really hard time staying still, much less still and centered. I'm gonna continue to fight for it though!
Bubble Balance
I love rainbows.
1:13.28 - 1:05.80 - 1:02.43 - 1:00.58 - 1:02.96
I'm closer to my 1 minute barrier! I'm still ranked as an Amateur and I'm hoping once I'm faster than a minute, I'll get the Professional ranking. I can tell I'm gaining strength and control and it's exciting. I love when it feels like I'm zooming along the river smoothly. I wonder how much of the smoothness is simply muscle memory of the path I have to take? Hmph. Oh well. I'll deal with that later. For now, I'm content to gain more control over my fine motor movement.
Lotus Focus
33 - 91 - 87
That damn creepy guy! Grrr! I'm gonna fight for this one too. I think this will have broad-ranging impact and be useful in other areas of my life.
I want to come up with a new rotation plan using all 9 Balance Games, so I tried out the remaining two games.
Penguin Slide
Yikes. Slide your PenguinMii left and right on a slippery iceberg. You'll fall down. You'll fall off. Catch the fish as they come flinging at you and past you. Sometimes you have to be standing up to get them. If you fall off the iceberg, you waste time jumping back on. I don't think you can catch fish while in the water, but you can sometimes snag them on the way off the iceberg. The blue fish are +1 point, greenies are +2, and the magic red ones are +10. You have to go to the edge and pop back to jump up and grab the red ones. Very tricky - very easy to fall off the iceberg. Less than 40 = unbalanced. This will take practice, but it's fun!
Scores: 38 - 41 - 51 - 32 - 50
Snowboard Slalom
You have to place the Wii Balance Board sideways. The trick to this one is that on screen you are going left and right, but you are moving your balance front and back. Front=right, Back=left. HARD. I find it really hard to stay centered and not think left:right. I'll be missing flags for a little while I think, but I'll keep working it. I'm very intrigued by the connection of mind and body on this one.
Scores: 1:23.71 - 1:02.86 - 1:02.36 - 1:01.81 - 54.13
ROTATION
Name = Motion
Soccer Heading = Left:Right
Ski Slalom = Left:Right
Ski Jump = Stillness+extension
Table Tilt = Fine control (all directions)
Tight Rope = Stillness+extension+core COB
Bubble Balance = Fine control (all directions)
Penguin Slide = Left:Right
Snowboard Slalom = Front:Back
Lotus Focus = Stillness+core
Hmm... I think I should also be trying for 30 minutes a day now too? Do more than 5 reps? Do two sets of 5 reps?
One per day - L:R, stillness, fine control?
Soccer + Table + Rope
Slalom + Jump + Bubble
Penguin + Board + Lotus
I love my Wii.
Amii ;)
Friday, January 22, 2010
January 22, 2010
BMI: 24.62
Weight: 172.0
Minutes: 20
Calories: 60
Wii Age: 29
Big accomplishment - two weeks straight of practicing every day! Yay!
BODY TEST
Center of Balance: 50.2L:49.8R - and that's with my eyes closed!
Agility Test
Hit boxes with balance dot. I decided to treat it like the soccer game. Scored 17, same as last time, but felt in more control.
Memory Test
Squish if the # in the center is greater than the one to the right. I got so excited on doing the fast squish, that I wasn't as focused on memorizing the numbers so I missed a couple - 23 (prev 25/25)
Soccer Heading
209 - 202 - 158 - 173 - 210
Crap. A little off my game today. Am I over-thinking? I am definitely affected when I screw up and tend to screw up more - which says something. Not something nice I think, so I'm going to have to work on that.
Ski Jump
61+113=174 - 137+167=304 - 140+162=302 - 141+171=311 - 144+120=264
All pretty darned good! Need to squat a little more and lean forward to be on the balls of feet and on toes when accelerating. Holding steady is important. Feel your core!
Tight Rope
59.21! - 1:07.10 - 1:05.88 - 57.90! - 57.41!
I've started holding the remote more on my left to compensate for my right-handedness. I've also tried to be more mindful of carrying things on that side. Now I'm starting to score better by holding the remote on that side. Very interesting. I definitely rely on visual cues on this game. I need to figure out the body part of it. Should I be stick straight? Tighten my gut?
Lotus Focus
32 - 34 - 152!
Oooh! That creepy bastard got me right away twice. I thought I was doing really slick on #3 until I heard the mosquito. Being from Minnesota, that immediately got a reaction from me. Then the third time the creepy guy came around he had a mosquito friend - that pairing was my undoing. I think the message on this one is that I'm rather reactive - to both visual and auditory cues (ahem) as well as other things... Also not something nice, and something to work on.
I also experimented with where to place my hands. The last time I put the remote straight forward where my legs cross and my hands on my knees. I'll try that again.
Keep it focused!
Amy :)
Weight: 172.0
Minutes: 20
Calories: 60
Wii Age: 29
Big accomplishment - two weeks straight of practicing every day! Yay!
BODY TEST
Center of Balance: 50.2L:49.8R - and that's with my eyes closed!
Agility Test
Hit boxes with balance dot. I decided to treat it like the soccer game. Scored 17, same as last time, but felt in more control.
Memory Test
Squish if the # in the center is greater than the one to the right. I got so excited on doing the fast squish, that I wasn't as focused on memorizing the numbers so I missed a couple - 23 (prev 25/25)
Soccer Heading
209 - 202 - 158 - 173 - 210
Crap. A little off my game today. Am I over-thinking? I am definitely affected when I screw up and tend to screw up more - which says something. Not something nice I think, so I'm going to have to work on that.
Ski Jump
61+113=174 - 137+167=304 - 140+162=302 - 141+171=311 - 144+120=264
All pretty darned good! Need to squat a little more and lean forward to be on the balls of feet and on toes when accelerating. Holding steady is important. Feel your core!
Tight Rope
59.21! - 1:07.10 - 1:05.88 - 57.90! - 57.41!
I've started holding the remote more on my left to compensate for my right-handedness. I've also tried to be more mindful of carrying things on that side. Now I'm starting to score better by holding the remote on that side. Very interesting. I definitely rely on visual cues on this game. I need to figure out the body part of it. Should I be stick straight? Tighten my gut?
Lotus Focus
32 - 34 - 152!
Oooh! That creepy bastard got me right away twice. I thought I was doing really slick on #3 until I heard the mosquito. Being from Minnesota, that immediately got a reaction from me. Then the third time the creepy guy came around he had a mosquito friend - that pairing was my undoing. I think the message on this one is that I'm rather reactive - to both visual and auditory cues (ahem) as well as other things... Also not something nice, and something to work on.
I also experimented with where to place my hands. The last time I put the remote straight forward where my legs cross and my hands on my knees. I'll try that again.
Keep it focused!
Amy :)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
January 21, 2010
BMI: 24.65
Weight: 172.2
Minutes: 22
Calories: 57
BODY TEST
Center of Balance: 49.9L:50.1R
Hey! That was interesting! I could feel that a little more.
Walking Test
53.2L:46.8R - 71% balanced (prev 57%) I could feel this more too. I wonder what it looks like to walk more balanced? Do you look like you have a stick up your butt or do you look more smooth?
Judgement Test
When the # is greater than 6, use the balance dot to smash it. I got 20/20 (prev 19), although I was pretty wobbly.
Soccer Heading
266 - 214 - 311 - 229 - 236
Good. None under 200 and at least one over 300. I'm workin' it!
Ski Slalom
40.03 - 42.30 - 41.46 - 41.46 - 40.81
I find this one pretty hard. It's a struggle to keep my focus and try to be smooth and controlled. I need to not be concerned about decreasing my time until I get my form down.
Table Tilt
7 (-1) - 96! - 96!
Great! Hopefully I've got this one fairly locked in. I'll keep working it though, until I'm consistently clearing all 8 boards.
Lotus Focus
32 - 29 - 60
Ahh... my new friend. That creepy guy snuck up on me and got me twice. Who knew sitting on your butt would be so difficult!
I'm truly happy with the Wii. I'm happy that I have something to look forward to starting my day.
Amy
Weight: 172.2
Minutes: 22
Calories: 57
BODY TEST
Center of Balance: 49.9L:50.1R
Hey! That was interesting! I could feel that a little more.
Walking Test
53.2L:46.8R - 71% balanced (prev 57%) I could feel this more too. I wonder what it looks like to walk more balanced? Do you look like you have a stick up your butt or do you look more smooth?
Judgement Test
When the # is greater than 6, use the balance dot to smash it. I got 20/20 (prev 19), although I was pretty wobbly.
Soccer Heading
266 - 214 - 311 - 229 - 236
Good. None under 200 and at least one over 300. I'm workin' it!
Ski Slalom
40.03 - 42.30 - 41.46 - 41.46 - 40.81
I find this one pretty hard. It's a struggle to keep my focus and try to be smooth and controlled. I need to not be concerned about decreasing my time until I get my form down.
Table Tilt
7 (-1) - 96! - 96!
Great! Hopefully I've got this one fairly locked in. I'll keep working it though, until I'm consistently clearing all 8 boards.
Lotus Focus
32 - 29 - 60
Ahh... my new friend. That creepy guy snuck up on me and got me twice. Who knew sitting on your butt would be so difficult!
I'm truly happy with the Wii. I'm happy that I have something to look forward to starting my day.
Amy
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
January 20, 2010
BMI: 24.65
Weight: 172.2
Minutes: 21
Calories: 56
BODY TEST
Center of Balance: 48.6L:51.4R
! That's interesting! First time I've been over on the right.
Walking Test
20 steps at my regular pace. And I'm all over the place. Huh. 55.2L:44.8R - 57% (prev 60%). I tried to be mindful when I was walking around today and I definitely have a 'wobble'.
Memory Test
This is the one with numbers that move left/right in a line. You have to squat quickly to squish the number in the middle if it is larger than the one to its right. Ha! This time I remembered the trick of squatting fast and was able to get 25/25 (prev 21).
Soccer Heading
227 - 223 - 249 - 318! - 198
Good job. I'm still feeling it on the edges of my feet. My right ankle was twingy this morning and still kind of is. Same thing with my right hip socket.
Tight Rope
1:09.36 - 1:12.78 - 1:02.66 - 1:22.93 - 1:13.53
(sigh) I thought I had this one all figured out and under control. Breaking one minute seems hard now, but I'll keep trying.
Balance Bubble
R1:26.25 - R1:12.76 - R1:10.53 - R1:05.91 - R1:05.01
Yay! Made it through the rainbow every time! And my time is decreasing! I can't wait until I'm able to really whip down the river!
Lotus Focus
So I decided to try a new one. Not sure what is going on with the tallying of minutes, but it seems like I'm not earning as much as I used to. On this game, you sit on the balance board with your legs folded in front of you. Keeping your back straight, you try not to move. There is a lit candle on the screen and if you move it will flicker and go out. The rest of the screen is dark. After a little bit, it sounds like someone is in the dark room with you and it 'sneaks' up on you and tries to unnerve you.
I scored 28 seconds my first two times, and 91 on my third. The trick I used on the third was to keep my eyes closed and to focus on having a straight back, heavy butt, and breathing regularly. Seemed to work. I'm definitely affected by visual and audio effects. Interesting game though! I look forward to playing it again.
Keep it centered!
Amy
Weight: 172.2
Minutes: 21
Calories: 56
BODY TEST
Center of Balance: 48.6L:51.4R
! That's interesting! First time I've been over on the right.
Walking Test
20 steps at my regular pace. And I'm all over the place. Huh. 55.2L:44.8R - 57% (prev 60%). I tried to be mindful when I was walking around today and I definitely have a 'wobble'.
Memory Test
This is the one with numbers that move left/right in a line. You have to squat quickly to squish the number in the middle if it is larger than the one to its right. Ha! This time I remembered the trick of squatting fast and was able to get 25/25 (prev 21).
Soccer Heading
227 - 223 - 249 - 318! - 198
Good job. I'm still feeling it on the edges of my feet. My right ankle was twingy this morning and still kind of is. Same thing with my right hip socket.
Tight Rope
1:09.36 - 1:12.78 - 1:02.66 - 1:22.93 - 1:13.53
(sigh) I thought I had this one all figured out and under control. Breaking one minute seems hard now, but I'll keep trying.
Balance Bubble
R1:26.25 - R1:12.76 - R1:10.53 - R1:05.91 - R1:05.01
Yay! Made it through the rainbow every time! And my time is decreasing! I can't wait until I'm able to really whip down the river!
Lotus Focus
So I decided to try a new one. Not sure what is going on with the tallying of minutes, but it seems like I'm not earning as much as I used to. On this game, you sit on the balance board with your legs folded in front of you. Keeping your back straight, you try not to move. There is a lit candle on the screen and if you move it will flicker and go out. The rest of the screen is dark. After a little bit, it sounds like someone is in the dark room with you and it 'sneaks' up on you and tries to unnerve you.
I scored 28 seconds my first two times, and 91 on my third. The trick I used on the third was to keep my eyes closed and to focus on having a straight back, heavy butt, and breathing regularly. Seemed to work. I'm definitely affected by visual and audio effects. Interesting game though! I look forward to playing it again.
Keep it centered!
Amy
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
January 19, 2010
BMI: 24.71
Weight: 172.6
Minutes: 20
Calories: 49
BODY TEST
Center of Balance: 52.1L:47.9R
Agility Test
Hit blue boxes with balance dot. Got a few more this time! Score = 17 (prev 15)
Dual Balance
Argh! This one is freakin' hard. You hold the remote horizontally while adjusting your L/R balance. I didn't make it through Round 4. (sigh) Someday.
Soccer Heading
208 - 197 - 166 - 267 - 275
Not bad! I'm still feeling it in the sides of my feet. I'm trying to keep lined up and square. I'm also trying to have more control of regaining my Center of Balance.
Tight Rope
1:25.26 - 1:25.43 - Wobbly - Ow! - 1:28.38 - Ow! - 1:11.93
Don't screw around! LOL. Gotta keep my head up and take little steps. When I wobble, I need to correct by stepping up with that side - which forces the weight to the other side.
Bubble Balance
1:26.83 - 1:19.93 - 1.25.35 = All through the Rainbow!
And guess what? I saw a rainbow out my office window today! Rainbows are good things.
Got to work again before 8:00 today. Felt good. But also worked through lunch two days in a row. My eye twitches. I need to turn on a light in my office because it is pitch black in here except for the computer - and it's putting me to sleep.
Looking for more Mii time tomorrow morning,
Amy :)
Weight: 172.6
Minutes: 20
Calories: 49
BODY TEST
Center of Balance: 52.1L:47.9R
Agility Test
Hit blue boxes with balance dot. Got a few more this time! Score = 17 (prev 15)
Dual Balance
Argh! This one is freakin' hard. You hold the remote horizontally while adjusting your L/R balance. I didn't make it through Round 4. (sigh) Someday.
Soccer Heading
208 - 197 - 166 - 267 - 275
Not bad! I'm still feeling it in the sides of my feet. I'm trying to keep lined up and square. I'm also trying to have more control of regaining my Center of Balance.
Tight Rope
1:25.26 - 1:25.43 - Wobbly - Ow! - 1:28.38 - Ow! - 1:11.93
Don't screw around! LOL. Gotta keep my head up and take little steps. When I wobble, I need to correct by stepping up with that side - which forces the weight to the other side.
Bubble Balance
1:26.83 - 1:19.93 - 1.25.35 = All through the Rainbow!
And guess what? I saw a rainbow out my office window today! Rainbows are good things.
Got to work again before 8:00 today. Felt good. But also worked through lunch two days in a row. My eye twitches. I need to turn on a light in my office because it is pitch black in here except for the computer - and it's putting me to sleep.
Looking for more Mii time tomorrow morning,
Amy :)
January 18, 2010
BMI: 24.87
Weight: 173.7
Minutes: 20
Calories: 66
BODY TEST
Center of Balance: 49.4L:50.6R
Not bad!
Single Leg
Left, of course - 67% (74% prev)
Peripheral Vision
This is the one where you stand really still and try to select the #'s with the remote. The key is to HOLD my center of balance in the very middle. Then use my arms/hands to point the remote at the numbers. Why did it take me so long to figure this one out? Score = 26.40.
Wii Age: 34
Soccer Heading
192 - 111 - 286! - 189 - 142 - 148
No baddies on the first rep! I'm struggling with where to put the weight in my feet - balls or heels? Some of the soccer balls are way over to the left or right. I'm trying to crunch down at the knee to get to them. I'm really feeling it on the edges of my feet below my pinky toes. I'm also practicing using the remote in my left hand.
Table Tilt
Level (-balls remaining): 5 (-2) - 8(-3) - 8(-1) - 8(-1) - YAY! 83!
I made it through all 8 levels on my last rep! Plus, I noticed that you get 3 exercise points if you hang in there long enough on this game.
Only two games today, but 20 exercise minutes! I slept like hell without Sudafed.
I had an 8:00 meeting with a health coach put on through work's health insurance. I get -$260 off my health insurance. This means I actually earn $260 because I'm on the really basic no-pay plan. All I have to do is attend 4 coaching sessions. I'm curious anyways. It's a new program from last year. They have online materials - and I get 'homework' every week. Since I already am showing success with Weight Watchers and Wii, I'm more optimistic about trying the sessions out. I'm curious what I'll learn. If anything, I'm curious about their online training format.
Get on your Wii!
Amy :)
Weight: 173.7
Minutes: 20
Calories: 66
BODY TEST
Center of Balance: 49.4L:50.6R
Not bad!
Single Leg
Left, of course - 67% (74% prev)
Peripheral Vision
This is the one where you stand really still and try to select the #'s with the remote. The key is to HOLD my center of balance in the very middle. Then use my arms/hands to point the remote at the numbers. Why did it take me so long to figure this one out? Score = 26.40.
Wii Age: 34
Soccer Heading
192 - 111 - 286! - 189 - 142 - 148
No baddies on the first rep! I'm struggling with where to put the weight in my feet - balls or heels? Some of the soccer balls are way over to the left or right. I'm trying to crunch down at the knee to get to them. I'm really feeling it on the edges of my feet below my pinky toes. I'm also practicing using the remote in my left hand.
Table Tilt
Level (-balls remaining): 5 (-2) - 8(-3) - 8(-1) - 8(-1) - YAY! 83!
I made it through all 8 levels on my last rep! Plus, I noticed that you get 3 exercise points if you hang in there long enough on this game.
Only two games today, but 20 exercise minutes! I slept like hell without Sudafed.
I had an 8:00 meeting with a health coach put on through work's health insurance. I get -$260 off my health insurance. This means I actually earn $260 because I'm on the really basic no-pay plan. All I have to do is attend 4 coaching sessions. I'm curious anyways. It's a new program from last year. They have online materials - and I get 'homework' every week. Since I already am showing success with Weight Watchers and Wii, I'm more optimistic about trying the sessions out. I'm curious what I'll learn. If anything, I'm curious about their online training format.
Get on your Wii!
Amy :)
Sunday, January 17, 2010
January 17, 2010
BMI: 24.87
Weight: 173.7
Minutes: 20
Calories: 55
At my Weight Watchers weigh-in, my weight was 175.8 - so it looks like I'm wearing about 2 extra pounds worth of clothes. (nod) that seems about right. I'm always amazed at how heavy clothing can be. We talked about Exercise/Activity in WW this morning. For me, the most important thing is being mindful of my body. I don't want to mindlessly eat. Well neither should I mindlessly workout. Right?!
BODY TEST
Center of Balance: 52.0L:48.0R
Stillness Test:
Stability = 52% (previous 42%)
(sigh) keeping totally still and centered is really hard.
Judgement Test:
This is the one that you have to adjust your balance dot to slam into numbers less than 6 (or whatever the Wii picks for you - I think it was 4 last time). My dot was carooming all over the place today. Score = 19/20
Wii Age: 31
I still don't understand how it calculates the age. I'm very skeptical about it, and yet I can't help being curious every time.
Soccer Heading:
Scores: 194 - 180 - 191 - 198 - 202
Not bad for being tired and waking up from a bad dream. I'm happy to have the same feeling as yesterday - where I'm starting to feel like I 'get it'. My goal on this one is to get over 200 and avoid as many shoes and pandas as possible.
Ski Jump
Scores: 79/* (79) - 119/173 (292) - 133/150 (293) - 152/137 (289) - 133/128 (261)
Snowballed on the first one because I thought I might be able to 'cheat' by not squatting so much. (laugh) I'm trying to feel my feet more on this one. Staying steady is really hard for me. I still feel like I'm gripping too much with my toes.
Bubble Balance
Scores: 1192 - 1253 - RAINBOW! 1:20.78 - R 1:16.08 - R 1:18.45
I made the Rainbow! WooHOOOOO! LOL! I find it hilarious how fantastic it felt to finally make it under that damned rainbow. And not only once, but three times! I really sweated the first one. It feels really tremendous to have this better understanding of how to work my body to get to the rainbow. I could cry over the realization of being able to control that motor movement and balance. Not that I have much control, mind you. I'm still rating as Amateur by getting under the rainbow. But I don't care. I made it past Unbalanced. I persisted and did not give up which is a big accomplishment in itself. And I'm going to keep pushing it.
Notes:
I feel incredibly happy thinking about my success on the Bubble Balance. I'm looking forward to feeling that way about all the other games too - especially the hard ones like Soccer Heading.
But I'm having a hard time shaking off my work stress. My left eye has been twitching since I went back to work after vacation. The nightmare I woke up to this morning was work-related. I need to meditate today and really try to re-center emotionally. I also need to plan a day off - either this Friday or the next.
Went to Portland yesterday and got the extra modular level for my tv stand. Installed it last night and got everything ready for this morning's workout. I like it :) Did I also mention that I'm using a stool for my note-taking stand? That works slick too. Today, I've got chicken, mushrooms and barley in the crockpot, and am going for a one-hour 3-mile walk next.
Happy Wii-ness to you!
Amy :)
Weight: 173.7
Minutes: 20
Calories: 55
At my Weight Watchers weigh-in, my weight was 175.8 - so it looks like I'm wearing about 2 extra pounds worth of clothes. (nod) that seems about right. I'm always amazed at how heavy clothing can be. We talked about Exercise/Activity in WW this morning. For me, the most important thing is being mindful of my body. I don't want to mindlessly eat. Well neither should I mindlessly workout. Right?!
BODY TEST
Center of Balance: 52.0L:48.0R
Stillness Test:
Stability = 52% (previous 42%)
(sigh) keeping totally still and centered is really hard.
Judgement Test:
This is the one that you have to adjust your balance dot to slam into numbers less than 6 (or whatever the Wii picks for you - I think it was 4 last time). My dot was carooming all over the place today. Score = 19/20
Wii Age: 31
I still don't understand how it calculates the age. I'm very skeptical about it, and yet I can't help being curious every time.
Soccer Heading:
Scores: 194 - 180 - 191 - 198 - 202
Not bad for being tired and waking up from a bad dream. I'm happy to have the same feeling as yesterday - where I'm starting to feel like I 'get it'. My goal on this one is to get over 200 and avoid as many shoes and pandas as possible.
Ski Jump
Scores: 79/* (79) - 119/173 (292) - 133/150 (293) - 152/137 (289) - 133/128 (261)
Snowballed on the first one because I thought I might be able to 'cheat' by not squatting so much. (laugh) I'm trying to feel my feet more on this one. Staying steady is really hard for me. I still feel like I'm gripping too much with my toes.
Bubble Balance
Scores: 1192 - 1253 - RAINBOW! 1:20.78 - R 1:16.08 - R 1:18.45
I made the Rainbow! WooHOOOOO! LOL! I find it hilarious how fantastic it felt to finally make it under that damned rainbow. And not only once, but three times! I really sweated the first one. It feels really tremendous to have this better understanding of how to work my body to get to the rainbow. I could cry over the realization of being able to control that motor movement and balance. Not that I have much control, mind you. I'm still rating as Amateur by getting under the rainbow. But I don't care. I made it past Unbalanced. I persisted and did not give up which is a big accomplishment in itself. And I'm going to keep pushing it.
Notes:
I feel incredibly happy thinking about my success on the Bubble Balance. I'm looking forward to feeling that way about all the other games too - especially the hard ones like Soccer Heading.
But I'm having a hard time shaking off my work stress. My left eye has been twitching since I went back to work after vacation. The nightmare I woke up to this morning was work-related. I need to meditate today and really try to re-center emotionally. I also need to plan a day off - either this Friday or the next.
Went to Portland yesterday and got the extra modular level for my tv stand. Installed it last night and got everything ready for this morning's workout. I like it :) Did I also mention that I'm using a stool for my note-taking stand? That works slick too. Today, I've got chicken, mushrooms and barley in the crockpot, and am going for a one-hour 3-mile walk next.
Happy Wii-ness to you!
Amy :)
Saturday, January 16, 2010
January 16, 2010
BMI: 24.87
Weight: 173.6
Minutes: 23
Calories: 56
Check out that BMI and Weight!! I made it into the "normal" range! WOW - did I really lose 1.8 pounds in one day? Hmph. Helps to pee, poo, and not drink anything while wearing really light clothes ;)
BODY TEST
Center of Balance - 52.1L:47.9R
(sigh) I thought I had done better. Oh well - it'll come!
Basic Balance
Couldn't get through Round 4 - I need to keep working towards getting through all 5.
Prediction Test
This is the one I bombed the other day. Slammed right into the second wall I saw. Did the SAME thing today! Argh! I think I may need some kind of warm up because my balance really sucks when I start in the morning. Jumping jacks? Jog? I'll have to figure something out.
Wii Age: 59
Yeah, yeah. We could have Predicted that.
Soccer Heading
Scores: 102 - 190 - 166 - !278! - 191
I told myself "focus on the balls of your feet". Wow! I could feel it coming more naturally! Where I didn't have to think so much to move left and right, and my body was automatically moving to avoid the baddies and to connect with the goodies. That 278 blew me away. I *loved* the way it felt when my body was doing the right thing. I can't wait until this is my normal mode!
Tight Rope
Scores: 1:13.26 - 1:05.85 - !56.71! - 1:12.70 - Ouch! - (phone call) - 1:17.41
I broke the 1 minute barrier! Woohoo! And on that rep, I decided to hold the remote in my Left hand... Hmmm??! I've been doing that more now - carrying things on the left. After that rep, I got greedy and tried moving faster. I discovered that when you are unbalanced before a jump over The Biter, you will jump right off the rope. Makes sense. (laugh) Then I kept screwing around trying to go faster to break that 1 minute again and bombed another two times. Greedy, greedy.
Had to take a phone call with Apple for my iMac, and wound up on the phone for an hour and a half. That's another story - ask if you're curious. I tried moving around and doing things while on the phone. When I sit at my desk, I find my lower legs get ice cold and then they are really hard to warm up. I'll have to go soak my feet in hot water. I'm guessing that's not good for the balance games either and I tried jumping around and scrubbing them back and forth on the carpet to warm them up. Bad circulation? I'll have to keep an eye on that too. Don't want to become like Judie with ice water in my veins. I'll wind up in Florida too.
Anyways, I get back into it after the call. Focused on keeping my head on straight and my COB firmly in place for my last rep.
Bubble Balance
Scores: 1096 - 1167 - 1000 (ouch!) - 1176 - 1183
Ahhh... the rainbow... so close... My new mantra = "Feel Feet!" I could also feel it in my upper thighs and core. There is a smoothness of movement that I'm striving for. I didn't see the rainbow this time, but I know it's there now :) and I'm determined to grab it!
I also definitely feel a surge of happiness right after working out. It evaporates after sitting on my butt and blogging for 20 minutes. I'm curious about that and how to get more and sustain it. I'm sure there is something Freudian about that but try not to go there you perverts! I also don't want to become addicted to it and turn into an exercise junkie. But it is something to understand and pursue - endorphins, right?
(sigh) happiness. Love my Wii. Love Mii. Love you too - happy Wii-ness to all :)
Amy
Weight: 173.6
Minutes: 23
Calories: 56
Check out that BMI and Weight!! I made it into the "normal" range! WOW - did I really lose 1.8 pounds in one day? Hmph. Helps to pee, poo, and not drink anything while wearing really light clothes ;)
BODY TEST
Center of Balance - 52.1L:47.9R
(sigh) I thought I had done better. Oh well - it'll come!
Basic Balance
Couldn't get through Round 4 - I need to keep working towards getting through all 5.
Prediction Test
This is the one I bombed the other day. Slammed right into the second wall I saw. Did the SAME thing today! Argh! I think I may need some kind of warm up because my balance really sucks when I start in the morning. Jumping jacks? Jog? I'll have to figure something out.
Wii Age: 59
Yeah, yeah. We could have Predicted that.
Soccer Heading
Scores: 102 - 190 - 166 - !278! - 191
I told myself "focus on the balls of your feet". Wow! I could feel it coming more naturally! Where I didn't have to think so much to move left and right, and my body was automatically moving to avoid the baddies and to connect with the goodies. That 278 blew me away. I *loved* the way it felt when my body was doing the right thing. I can't wait until this is my normal mode!
Tight Rope
Scores: 1:13.26 - 1:05.85 - !56.71! - 1:12.70 - Ouch! - (phone call) - 1:17.41
I broke the 1 minute barrier! Woohoo! And on that rep, I decided to hold the remote in my Left hand... Hmmm??! I've been doing that more now - carrying things on the left. After that rep, I got greedy and tried moving faster. I discovered that when you are unbalanced before a jump over The Biter, you will jump right off the rope. Makes sense. (laugh) Then I kept screwing around trying to go faster to break that 1 minute again and bombed another two times. Greedy, greedy.
Had to take a phone call with Apple for my iMac, and wound up on the phone for an hour and a half. That's another story - ask if you're curious. I tried moving around and doing things while on the phone. When I sit at my desk, I find my lower legs get ice cold and then they are really hard to warm up. I'll have to go soak my feet in hot water. I'm guessing that's not good for the balance games either and I tried jumping around and scrubbing them back and forth on the carpet to warm them up. Bad circulation? I'll have to keep an eye on that too. Don't want to become like Judie with ice water in my veins. I'll wind up in Florida too.
Anyways, I get back into it after the call. Focused on keeping my head on straight and my COB firmly in place for my last rep.
Bubble Balance
Scores: 1096 - 1167 - 1000 (ouch!) - 1176 - 1183
Ahhh... the rainbow... so close... My new mantra = "Feel Feet!" I could also feel it in my upper thighs and core. There is a smoothness of movement that I'm striving for. I didn't see the rainbow this time, but I know it's there now :) and I'm determined to grab it!
I also definitely feel a surge of happiness right after working out. It evaporates after sitting on my butt and blogging for 20 minutes. I'm curious about that and how to get more and sustain it. I'm sure there is something Freudian about that but try not to go there you perverts! I also don't want to become addicted to it and turn into an exercise junkie. But it is something to understand and pursue - endorphins, right?
(sigh) happiness. Love my Wii. Love Mii. Love you too - happy Wii-ness to all :)
Amy
Friday, January 15, 2010
January 15, 2010
BMI: 25.12
Weight: 175.5
Minutes: 23
Calories: 68
I've done 7 days straight! Woohoo! Now the Wii will let me do waist measurements and # of steps walked. I think I'll do a Body Test instead.
BODY TEST
Center of Balance - 54.6L: 45.4R
Agility Test
This is the one where you hit boxes with your balance dot. I did better - 15 (prev 13), but my little dot was all over the place and hard to control. I got to the level with moving target boxes before running out of time.
Dual Balance Test
This was one of the hard ones I couldn't figure out. The one where you hold the remote in both hands. My coworker Martha told me to hold it sideways. The test is adjusting my balance left:right while matching the horizontal angle of the remote to the visual on the screen. Kinda tricky. I thought I did much better than my previous flop, but it scored me the same. This one has 5 levels and I think I'm supposed to make it through all of them. I look forward to trying it again.
Wii Age: 40!
Soccer Heading
113 - 119 - 106 - 136 - 135
I can definitely feel that I need to become more controlled and agile in shifting my core. I kept feeling it in my feet because I was driving with my legs. Hard. Some day I'll get it.
Ski Slalom
40.88(+7 for error) - 41.33 - 41.55 - 42.26 - 40.93
Focus! I got a little antsy about going faster and missed a set of flags. Tsk tsk. The goal must be to get through the flags smoothly and under control. The last four sets are arranged such that a person could do a really smooth tight zip right through them and I'm still carooming around.
Table Tilt
[Table(-remaining balls] 5(-1) - 7(-1) - 5(-1) - **8** - 8(-2)
On the fourth rep, I made it through all 8 levels! Yippee! It gave me 80 points plus 4 for having 4 seconds remaining. And I scored professional, and it unlocked the Advanced level. Gee thanks. I think I'll stay at the Beginner level for now. (laugh)
I'm pretty happy with this morning's workout. In fact, I'm finding I'm pretty happy with every morning's workout! I am looking forward to mastering all of these games and learning so much more about my body. What will I be feeling and thinking after one month of this? Will I remember how hard it was to do even the small things? What about six months from now?
I'm already noticing that it is easier for me to go up stairs. I'm not breathing as hard afterwards. I know part of that is because I'm not carrying around an extra 35 pounds. When I think of that in terms of an object, like a big bag of dog food, I am amazed. I can't imaging lugging that around all the time. Huh. In productive terms, that'd be equivalent to lugging a backpack... I'm blown away with just the concept of not lugging around the fat. Now I'm blown away again by the concept of being strong enough to hoist a backpack and hike mountains with little effort.
(thoughtful)
Amy
Weight: 175.5
Minutes: 23
Calories: 68
I've done 7 days straight! Woohoo! Now the Wii will let me do waist measurements and # of steps walked. I think I'll do a Body Test instead.
BODY TEST
Center of Balance - 54.6L: 45.4R
Agility Test
This is the one where you hit boxes with your balance dot. I did better - 15 (prev 13), but my little dot was all over the place and hard to control. I got to the level with moving target boxes before running out of time.
Dual Balance Test
This was one of the hard ones I couldn't figure out. The one where you hold the remote in both hands. My coworker Martha told me to hold it sideways. The test is adjusting my balance left:right while matching the horizontal angle of the remote to the visual on the screen. Kinda tricky. I thought I did much better than my previous flop, but it scored me the same. This one has 5 levels and I think I'm supposed to make it through all of them. I look forward to trying it again.
Wii Age: 40!
Soccer Heading
113 - 119 - 106 - 136 - 135
I can definitely feel that I need to become more controlled and agile in shifting my core. I kept feeling it in my feet because I was driving with my legs. Hard. Some day I'll get it.
Ski Slalom
40.88(+7 for error) - 41.33 - 41.55 - 42.26 - 40.93
Focus! I got a little antsy about going faster and missed a set of flags. Tsk tsk. The goal must be to get through the flags smoothly and under control. The last four sets are arranged such that a person could do a really smooth tight zip right through them and I'm still carooming around.
Table Tilt
[Table(-remaining balls] 5(-1) - 7(-1) - 5(-1) - **8** - 8(-2)
On the fourth rep, I made it through all 8 levels! Yippee! It gave me 80 points plus 4 for having 4 seconds remaining. And I scored professional, and it unlocked the Advanced level. Gee thanks. I think I'll stay at the Beginner level for now. (laugh)
I'm pretty happy with this morning's workout. In fact, I'm finding I'm pretty happy with every morning's workout! I am looking forward to mastering all of these games and learning so much more about my body. What will I be feeling and thinking after one month of this? Will I remember how hard it was to do even the small things? What about six months from now?
I'm already noticing that it is easier for me to go up stairs. I'm not breathing as hard afterwards. I know part of that is because I'm not carrying around an extra 35 pounds. When I think of that in terms of an object, like a big bag of dog food, I am amazed. I can't imaging lugging that around all the time. Huh. In productive terms, that'd be equivalent to lugging a backpack... I'm blown away with just the concept of not lugging around the fat. Now I'm blown away again by the concept of being strong enough to hoist a backpack and hike mountains with little effort.
(thoughtful)
Amy
Thursday, January 14, 2010
January 14, 2010
BMI: 25.12
Weight: 175.5
Minutes: 20
Calories: 55
BODY TEST
Center of Balance = 55.5L:44.5R
Walking Test
How hard can it be? Walk in place for 20 steps. My balance score was 60% or 54.9L:45.1R. I looked down and lo and behold my right foot was towards the middle of the board. What the heck?!
Prediction Test
On this one you shift left-right to avoid walls and obstacles. I totally get the concept. I smashed into a wall almost right away. I guess that's what I pay for not doing some kind of warm-up before the Body Test!
Then the Wii asks me, "Do you often try to block out things in your environment?" Hmm... I guess... I tend to get distracted by thinking of other things and I'm not present in the moment. Then it told me to try the Obstacle Course to improve my quick-thinking skills and reaction time. Yeah. Soccer Heading will work on that too!
Wii Age = 52
Soccer Heading
Scores: 133 - 134 - 158 - 146 - 200!
I was really struggling to use my core to shift balance. And struggling to avoid getting smashed in the face. But I held it together and got a 200! Woohoo! That's my new goal :)
Ski Jump
Scores: 252 - 307 (#1!) - 270 - 282 - 276
I love how exuberant the Mii gets on good scores! My new goal on this one is to score in the 300's - as well as to have solid control, no gripping of toes, and keeping rock steady after the extend.
Balance Bubble
Scores: 1026 - 1113 - 1214 - 1269 - 1304!
My goal on this one is not to pop and to focus on my feet and core. It is really hard! OMG! I could see the end! There was a rainbow! I ALMOST made it under the rainbow before I ran out of time on my last rep! I was trying so hard I started to shake! LOL
Seriously. MUST GET TO RAINBOW.
Amy
Weight: 175.5
Minutes: 20
Calories: 55
BODY TEST
Center of Balance = 55.5L:44.5R
Walking Test
How hard can it be? Walk in place for 20 steps. My balance score was 60% or 54.9L:45.1R. I looked down and lo and behold my right foot was towards the middle of the board. What the heck?!
Prediction Test
Then the Wii asks me, "Do you often try to block out things in your environment?" Hmm... I guess... I tend to get distracted by thinking of other things and I'm not present in the moment. Then it told me to try the Obstacle Course to improve my quick-thinking skills and reaction time. Yeah. Soccer Heading will work on that too!
Wii Age = 52
Soccer Heading
Scores: 133 - 134 - 158 - 146 - 200!
I was really struggling to use my core to shift balance. And struggling to avoid getting smashed in the face. But I held it together and got a 200! Woohoo! That's my new goal :)
Ski Jump
Scores: 252 - 307 (#1!) - 270 - 282 - 276
I love how exuberant the Mii gets on good scores! My new goal on this one is to score in the 300's - as well as to have solid control, no gripping of toes, and keeping rock steady after the extend.
Balance Bubble
Scores: 1026 - 1113 - 1214 - 1269 - 1304!
My goal on this one is not to pop and to focus on my feet and core. It is really hard! OMG! I could see the end! There was a rainbow! I ALMOST made it under the rainbow before I ran out of time on my last rep! I was trying so hard I started to shake! LOL
Seriously. MUST GET TO RAINBOW.
Amy
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
January 13, 2010
BMI: 25.22
Weight: 176.1
Minutes: 29
Calories: 83
Body Test:
Center of Balance = 50.9L: 49.1R
I was a little forward today!
The Wii told me that the core muscles are more active when you have a good center of balance, which can raise your base metabolism and help burn fat more efficiently. Ok - I can get with that!
Basic Balance Test:
This is the one where you lean Left/Right and try to keep the red bar in the blue area for 3 seconds. The blue area gets smaller and shifts up and down, so you have to switch your balance. My time was 4.92 (previous 4.38, 6.09, 9.85). I think I can improve on this!
Peripheral Vision:
I still did not do this correctly the second time around, but I think I may have finally figured it out. I should go turn it on right now and try again. This one you have to select the numbers in order by hovering over the #, click the A button, then go onto the next. I don't think you're supposed to touch the other numbers. And my notes say something about keeping my COB (center of balance). Hmm... Does that mean return to the middle after each number?
Because I bombed the Peripheral test, my Wii Age was 61!
Soccer Heading:
Scores: 132 - 76 - 108 - 146 - 130
I'm still struggling with rapid shifts left and right. But I'm still trying!
I'm also considering tracking my scores on my reps to see if there is a pattern. I think I usually bomb my second rep because I get over-confident about pushing my limits.
Ski Slalom:
Scores: 42.41 - 42.33 - 39.98 - 40.18 - 40.20
Getting below 40 gets me into the Pro category! Something to strive for! Also, I made it through all the sets of poles on all reps!
I'm not accruing many Wii minutes on this game or the Soccer one. Hmph.
Tightrope:
Scores: 1.21.86 - 1.14.53 - 1.04.40 - 1.02.43 - 1.05.63
I'm determined to break the one minute barrier on this one! I am current ranking as a Pro. I want to know what it is for 4 out of 4 stars! The key is no wobbling and keeping going at a steady pace.
Penguin Slide:
New game - requires rapid Left/Right to tilt iceberg to feed penguins. Rapid L/Rs? Umm. No. Don't think I'm ready for that! Maybe after I get better at Soccer Heading!
Table Tilt:
I made it to the 8th table on my second game! That 5th table is a stinker, but I'm getting it down. I'm discovering that the orientation of the table matters a lot. If the hole is on the right and back, I really struggle.
I have to say I really enjoy the Wii! I look forward to using it every morning, although it doesn't magically motivate me out of bed yet. Plus, I find myself humming the Wii music during the day.
Get on your Wii!
Amy
Weight: 176.1
Minutes: 29
Calories: 83
Body Test:
Center of Balance = 50.9L: 49.1R
I was a little forward today!
The Wii told me that the core muscles are more active when you have a good center of balance, which can raise your base metabolism and help burn fat more efficiently. Ok - I can get with that!
Basic Balance Test:
This is the one where you lean Left/Right and try to keep the red bar in the blue area for 3 seconds. The blue area gets smaller and shifts up and down, so you have to switch your balance. My time was 4.92 (previous 4.38, 6.09, 9.85). I think I can improve on this!
Peripheral Vision:
I still did not do this correctly the second time around, but I think I may have finally figured it out. I should go turn it on right now and try again. This one you have to select the numbers in order by hovering over the #, click the A button, then go onto the next. I don't think you're supposed to touch the other numbers. And my notes say something about keeping my COB (center of balance). Hmm... Does that mean return to the middle after each number?
Because I bombed the Peripheral test, my Wii Age was 61!
Soccer Heading:
Scores: 132 - 76 - 108 - 146 - 130
I'm still struggling with rapid shifts left and right. But I'm still trying!
I'm also considering tracking my scores on my reps to see if there is a pattern. I think I usually bomb my second rep because I get over-confident about pushing my limits.
Ski Slalom:
Scores: 42.41 - 42.33 - 39.98 - 40.18 - 40.20
Getting below 40 gets me into the Pro category! Something to strive for! Also, I made it through all the sets of poles on all reps!
I'm not accruing many Wii minutes on this game or the Soccer one. Hmph.
Tightrope:
Scores: 1.21.86 - 1.14.53 - 1.04.40 - 1.02.43 - 1.05.63
I'm determined to break the one minute barrier on this one! I am current ranking as a Pro. I want to know what it is for 4 out of 4 stars! The key is no wobbling and keeping going at a steady pace.
Penguin Slide:
New game - requires rapid Left/Right to tilt iceberg to feed penguins. Rapid L/Rs? Umm. No. Don't think I'm ready for that! Maybe after I get better at Soccer Heading!
Table Tilt:
I made it to the 8th table on my second game! That 5th table is a stinker, but I'm getting it down. I'm discovering that the orientation of the table matters a lot. If the hole is on the right and back, I really struggle.
I have to say I really enjoy the Wii! I look forward to using it every morning, although it doesn't magically motivate me out of bed yet. Plus, I find myself humming the Wii music during the day.
Get on your Wii!
Amy
January 12, 2010
BMI: 25.19
Weight: 175.9
Minutes: 20
Calories: 55
Body Test:
53.6L:46.4R
Had to do the basic balance test with my eyes closed! I could definitely feel it more in my heels, so I knew I was back further, but I didn't realize I was also more to the left.
Stillness Test:
42% (prev 59%). Yikes. The Wii told me to work on not depending on visual cues. Sounds like good advice, but I'm kinda hoping I get a little stronger first before trying stuff with my eyes closed again.
Judgement Test:
I got 20/20 on this one. You move to hit numbers less than 4, otherwise stay still and re-centered. Kinda hard.
Because of the higher score on the second test, I got a low Wii Age: 32
I'm definitely feeling it in my knees today.
Soccer Heading (2.0 METs):
I had a harder time with this one today. Felt like more of a struggle to have consistent control over my movement. Plus, my eyes got dry. I guess that's because I'm still waking up. I scored ok. 84-142, but I bombed on the last one - 52. It'll come.
Ski Jump (2.0 METs):
163 - 246, with one snowball. Definitely not doing so hot today. It's one thing to understand what to do, another thing to have the strength and body control to get it done!
Balance Bubble (1.5 METs):
986-552-947-545-1021 (2nd highest score). On the first run, I was careful, but ran out of time. Second one, got nervous about the bee and was going too fast. Third one, I just focused on my feet and not popping. Fourth one, the bee got me! Fifth one, I felt I did really well.
I'm still scoring Unbalanced and I haven't made it to the end yet, but I like this one and I'm keen to keep trying. I realize I need to be aware of my feet on this one - to feel the balls of my feet, my toes, and even the side of the bottom of my foot. I find myself sometimes using my legs to 'drive' or shift my balance over to the other side. That's not right. I need to use my torso to shift my balance.
It's so interesting becoming more and more aware of my body and how it all works!
I needed 2 more exercise minutes so I went back to the Bubble and scored a 1016 which is pretty good for me!
I am also thinking I need to keep a good center of balance after accepting to start a game. Seems like it might being doing a little test?
Try to get yourself 20 minutes of Mii time a day!
Amy :)
Weight: 175.9
Minutes: 20
Calories: 55
Body Test:
53.6L:46.4R
Had to do the basic balance test with my eyes closed! I could definitely feel it more in my heels, so I knew I was back further, but I didn't realize I was also more to the left.
Stillness Test:
42% (prev 59%). Yikes. The Wii told me to work on not depending on visual cues. Sounds like good advice, but I'm kinda hoping I get a little stronger first before trying stuff with my eyes closed again.
Judgement Test:
I got 20/20 on this one. You move to hit numbers less than 4, otherwise stay still and re-centered. Kinda hard.
Because of the higher score on the second test, I got a low Wii Age: 32
I'm definitely feeling it in my knees today.
Soccer Heading (2.0 METs):
I had a harder time with this one today. Felt like more of a struggle to have consistent control over my movement. Plus, my eyes got dry. I guess that's because I'm still waking up. I scored ok. 84-142, but I bombed on the last one - 52. It'll come.
Ski Jump (2.0 METs):
163 - 246, with one snowball. Definitely not doing so hot today. It's one thing to understand what to do, another thing to have the strength and body control to get it done!
Balance Bubble (1.5 METs):
986-552-947-545-1021 (2nd highest score). On the first run, I was careful, but ran out of time. Second one, got nervous about the bee and was going too fast. Third one, I just focused on my feet and not popping. Fourth one, the bee got me! Fifth one, I felt I did really well.
I'm still scoring Unbalanced and I haven't made it to the end yet, but I like this one and I'm keen to keep trying. I realize I need to be aware of my feet on this one - to feel the balls of my feet, my toes, and even the side of the bottom of my foot. I find myself sometimes using my legs to 'drive' or shift my balance over to the other side. That's not right. I need to use my torso to shift my balance.
It's so interesting becoming more and more aware of my body and how it all works!
I needed 2 more exercise minutes so I went back to the Bubble and scored a 1016 which is pretty good for me!
I am also thinking I need to keep a good center of balance after accepting to start a game. Seems like it might being doing a little test?
Try to get yourself 20 minutes of Mii time a day!
Amy :)
Monday, January 11, 2010
January 11, 2010
BMI: 25.22
Weight: 176.1
Minutes: 23
Calories: 76
I got up early enough today! Put my bedroom lamp on a timer and that definitely helped. Took me awhile to peel out of bed, but it'll become easier in time. I hope.
BODY TEST
The Wii told me today that by doing the Body Tests regularly eventually I will get a new option called Simple Test. It doesn't calculate your Wii Age. When I was talking with a coworker later, she said it really wasn't that much shorter. Besides, it's kinda nice to score low Wii Ages :)
Basic Balance = 51.1L: 48.9R
The Wii told me to try to put pressure on my whole foot - heel, big toe and little toe. I'll try.
Single Leg Test
Naturally, with this test, I chose my left leg to stand on. (sigh) I have 74% stability - previous score 66%. I found it rather hard. You stand as still as you can for 20 seconds while the channel narrows.
Memory Test
This one has the sliding line dots with numbers. You have to assess whether the one in the middle is a higher number than the one on the right. If it is, you squat quick to squish the dot. It's very sensitive. You have to squat really fast and not too low or else it will squish the next dot too, which may not be correct. Then it starts to cover up the dots so you have to memorize them as you go. And it doesn't just slide in one direction! It is also timed. I got 21/25 - previous score 16. I think I'll improve on this one.
Wii Age: 32
BALANCE GAMES
Soccer Heading
I'm still ranking as an amateur, but I scored 3 new high scores! My new goal is to maintain over 100. Or maybe 90? LOL. The trick is to score as many in a row as possible at the beginning while the Wii is taking it easy on you. The points increase with consecutive success. Once it starts throwing things at you, watch out - the shoes are -1 and the pandas are -3. Avoid the pandas!
At the end of my reps, I accidentally hit Retry instead of Quit. I think I was giddy from my last score of 148. Once in and with a game starting, I couldn't figure out how to cancel. I hit the Home button on the Wii remote and wound up all the way back at the main Wii menu. But once I got back to the Balance Games, I saw that it saved my minutes from before - that's nice.
Ski Jump (2.0 METs)
I'm doing okay on this one too. Still ranking Amateur, but I scored one Professional with a new high score of 272! I understand the basics of what I need to do, but suspect there are some subtle nuances yet to be discovered. For example, when accelerating, the more you lean forward the faster you go, which is indicated by the balance visual having a yellow band at top (and lots of wind noise). Is that good or bad? Can a person go too fast? And there are lines in the snow at the bottom of the slope - do I get a super high score if I can make it to them? I hope to make it there someday to find out!
Table Tilt (2.0 METs)
Ok, earlier I was thinking that Table 5 had some special evil force like gravity keeping me away from the holes. Now I am noticing these little hills in the way. The trick is to back off the hills and then 'zoom' at them to get over. Not too much though or you'll go off the table. Rocking can sometimes help too. If you just coast up to the hill, no amount of pushing will get you over without completely knocking all the balls off the table.
So I finally made it past Table 5 - not once but three times! I made it up to Table 8! I'm still an Amateur but I don't care!
You'll notice that I only did three exercises today, and I earned more Minutes than the four I did yesterday. Must be the METs calculation? I did it in about the same amount of time too.
Happiness. I really, really like the idea of starting out my day with something I enjoy that gives me a sense of accomplishment. This is a new concept for me. I look forward to getting up early again tomorrow!
Amy
Weight: 176.1
Minutes: 23
Calories: 76
I got up early enough today! Put my bedroom lamp on a timer and that definitely helped. Took me awhile to peel out of bed, but it'll become easier in time. I hope.
BODY TEST
The Wii told me today that by doing the Body Tests regularly eventually I will get a new option called Simple Test. It doesn't calculate your Wii Age. When I was talking with a coworker later, she said it really wasn't that much shorter. Besides, it's kinda nice to score low Wii Ages :)
Basic Balance = 51.1L: 48.9R
The Wii told me to try to put pressure on my whole foot - heel, big toe and little toe. I'll try.
Single Leg Test
Naturally, with this test, I chose my left leg to stand on. (sigh) I have 74% stability - previous score 66%. I found it rather hard. You stand as still as you can for 20 seconds while the channel narrows.
Memory Test
This one has the sliding line dots with numbers. You have to assess whether the one in the middle is a higher number than the one on the right. If it is, you squat quick to squish the dot. It's very sensitive. You have to squat really fast and not too low or else it will squish the next dot too, which may not be correct. Then it starts to cover up the dots so you have to memorize them as you go. And it doesn't just slide in one direction! It is also timed. I got 21/25 - previous score 16. I think I'll improve on this one.
Wii Age: 32
BALANCE GAMES
Soccer Heading
I'm still ranking as an amateur, but I scored 3 new high scores! My new goal is to maintain over 100. Or maybe 90? LOL. The trick is to score as many in a row as possible at the beginning while the Wii is taking it easy on you. The points increase with consecutive success. Once it starts throwing things at you, watch out - the shoes are -1 and the pandas are -3. Avoid the pandas!
At the end of my reps, I accidentally hit Retry instead of Quit. I think I was giddy from my last score of 148. Once in and with a game starting, I couldn't figure out how to cancel. I hit the Home button on the Wii remote and wound up all the way back at the main Wii menu. But once I got back to the Balance Games, I saw that it saved my minutes from before - that's nice.
Ski Jump (2.0 METs)
I'm doing okay on this one too. Still ranking Amateur, but I scored one Professional with a new high score of 272! I understand the basics of what I need to do, but suspect there are some subtle nuances yet to be discovered. For example, when accelerating, the more you lean forward the faster you go, which is indicated by the balance visual having a yellow band at top (and lots of wind noise). Is that good or bad? Can a person go too fast? And there are lines in the snow at the bottom of the slope - do I get a super high score if I can make it to them? I hope to make it there someday to find out!
Table Tilt (2.0 METs)
Ok, earlier I was thinking that Table 5 had some special evil force like gravity keeping me away from the holes. Now I am noticing these little hills in the way. The trick is to back off the hills and then 'zoom' at them to get over. Not too much though or you'll go off the table. Rocking can sometimes help too. If you just coast up to the hill, no amount of pushing will get you over without completely knocking all the balls off the table.
So I finally made it past Table 5 - not once but three times! I made it up to Table 8! I'm still an Amateur but I don't care!
You'll notice that I only did three exercises today, and I earned more Minutes than the four I did yesterday. Must be the METs calculation? I did it in about the same amount of time too.
Happiness. I really, really like the idea of starting out my day with something I enjoy that gives me a sense of accomplishment. This is a new concept for me. I look forward to getting up early again tomorrow!
Amy
Sunday, January 10, 2010
January 10, 2010
BMI: 25.34
Weight: 177
Minutes: 21
Calories: 55
Real time to do Body Test + Balance games + scribbling notes: 45 minutes
BODY TEST
Wow! My balance was 50L:50R today! But I sure am feeling it! My calves are hurting and my right ankle is a little sore. I'm curious how long this will take to self-correct.
Walking Test
This one you walk in place for 20 steps and it checks your balance while you are walking. Interesting!
51.5L:48.5R = 85% balance
That's more like my usual L:R scores.
Dual Balance
Another mystery one. You hold the Wii remote in both hands. Then you are to shift your balance to keep it in the blue area for 3 seconds. I didn't quite understand the visual. I tried shifting left and right, I tried moving the remote. It told me it wasn't my forte. (laugh)
Wii Age: 49
The Body Test takes about 8 minutes to complete. At least for me. I suppose a person could move through it a lot faster if they were more balanced and a fast clicker.
BALANCE GAMES
Soccer Heading (? METs)
I'm getting there! Still ranking amateur, but the moves are making more and more sense to me, and I'm slowly gaining more control. I scored 71, 69, 75, 98, 97 on my reps. Feels like a success to me!
Balance Bubble (1.5 METs)
Dang it! I thought I had this one figured out! It's pretty tricky. My 1st rep was my best. I almost made it around the rock island. Then I got "smart" and tried going faster (leaning forward) which resulted in less control. It's like it takes smooth control within a small circle range on the balls of your feet. I find myself gripping with my toes and letting my left foot "drive" by pushing up to go to the right. Instead, I should be focusing on bearing down on my right - shouldn't I be moving my torso more to the right?
Tightrope Walk (2.0 METs)
YAY! Nothing like scoring in the Professional range on all 5 reps to rebuild the ol' self-confidence. I scored #1 twice too. 1:19.66 minutes to 1.01.81. I think there are a couple of secrets to this one.
- Taking little steps - not lifting your feet up too high
- Staying focused on the rope ahead instead of at the Mii's feet
- Feeling centered in the torso
- When I wobble to the left, I lift up my left foot to take a step and that forces my balance to the right which helps adjust the wobble. Then the trick is not to go too heavy on the other foot so you over-correct.
- Keep your cool on the first part and stay centered for the Jaw Biter. Slow down to crouch and be ready to extend. Then hold still until your Mii comes down on the rope and you can see it is balanced.
I definitely feel more confident on this one.
Ski Slalom (2.0 METs)
I ranked Amateur throughout and am still a little slow BUT I didn't miss a set of flags - not even the hard one. I also definitely felt like shifting balance was beginning to make sense on this one.
Wish me luck getting up early tomorrow. I'm going to shoot for an hour earlier because I know I'll be moving more slowly.
Keep trying! I am!
Amy
Weight: 177
Minutes: 21
Calories: 55
Real time to do Body Test + Balance games + scribbling notes: 45 minutes
BODY TEST
Wow! My balance was 50L:50R today! But I sure am feeling it! My calves are hurting and my right ankle is a little sore. I'm curious how long this will take to self-correct.
Walking Test
This one you walk in place for 20 steps and it checks your balance while you are walking. Interesting!
51.5L:48.5R = 85% balance
That's more like my usual L:R scores.
Dual Balance
Another mystery one. You hold the Wii remote in both hands. Then you are to shift your balance to keep it in the blue area for 3 seconds. I didn't quite understand the visual. I tried shifting left and right, I tried moving the remote. It told me it wasn't my forte. (laugh)
Wii Age: 49
The Body Test takes about 8 minutes to complete. At least for me. I suppose a person could move through it a lot faster if they were more balanced and a fast clicker.
BALANCE GAMES
Soccer Heading (? METs)
I'm getting there! Still ranking amateur, but the moves are making more and more sense to me, and I'm slowly gaining more control. I scored 71, 69, 75, 98, 97 on my reps. Feels like a success to me!
Balance Bubble (1.5 METs)
Dang it! I thought I had this one figured out! It's pretty tricky. My 1st rep was my best. I almost made it around the rock island. Then I got "smart" and tried going faster (leaning forward) which resulted in less control. It's like it takes smooth control within a small circle range on the balls of your feet. I find myself gripping with my toes and letting my left foot "drive" by pushing up to go to the right. Instead, I should be focusing on bearing down on my right - shouldn't I be moving my torso more to the right?
Tightrope Walk (2.0 METs)
YAY! Nothing like scoring in the Professional range on all 5 reps to rebuild the ol' self-confidence. I scored #1 twice too. 1:19.66 minutes to 1.01.81. I think there are a couple of secrets to this one.
- Taking little steps - not lifting your feet up too high
- Staying focused on the rope ahead instead of at the Mii's feet
- Feeling centered in the torso
- When I wobble to the left, I lift up my left foot to take a step and that forces my balance to the right which helps adjust the wobble. Then the trick is not to go too heavy on the other foot so you over-correct.
- Keep your cool on the first part and stay centered for the Jaw Biter. Slow down to crouch and be ready to extend. Then hold still until your Mii comes down on the rope and you can see it is balanced.
I definitely feel more confident on this one.
Ski Slalom (2.0 METs)
I ranked Amateur throughout and am still a little slow BUT I didn't miss a set of flags - not even the hard one. I also definitely felt like shifting balance was beginning to make sense on this one.
Wish me luck getting up early tomorrow. I'm going to shoot for an hour earlier because I know I'll be moving more slowly.
Keep trying! I am!
Amy
Saturday, January 9, 2010
January 9, 2010 - AM workout
Correction:
To give yourself credit for non-Wii activity: Go to the Graph, then Fit Credits (along top), then Activity Log (grey button to the right which turns green on rollover). See bottom of post for more info.
BMI: 25.19
Weight: 175.9
Min:26 - Cal: 82
The Wii knows how long it's been since you last used it. With the electrical outage, it's good to know that you can unplug it and it won't lose your data. But, it knows how long it's been since you last used it!
Body Test:
The BMI:Weight measurement in the Body Test does not display the actual weight. It shows a dial scale - so I could see that I was a smidge under 176, but not the exact amount. I had to go to the Graph, then choose Weight (along top), and then hover over today's dot on the graph.
I've been thinking about my earlier weight gain. I'm wondering if it was because I had been cooking with wine? I'll try going a week or two without that and see if it makes a difference. Or it might have been my weird period... I'll keep an eye on that too.
My Center of Balance is still towards the left, but this time I was forward more. So I looked down at my feet and low and behold, I turn my right foot out a little! The Balance board has rectangular areas for your feet, so it was easier for me to notice that my feet where not both squared up. Interesting. I'll be watching that.
Balance test = Hit Blue Tiles With Dot (yes, that's what it was called)
I only got 13. It was hard! You have to quick move your balance around to smash the blue tiles with your balance dot. It starts out with one tile, then two, then three. And they are all over the place. This will come with time. My poor balance dot was all over the place.
Prediction Test
You have to shift left and right to avoid walls and moving obstacles. My time was 27.05. At first, it wasn't bad. But then a green bar would come up to obstruct your vision of the upcoming obstacle. You get a glimpse of the obstacle and have to remember and prepare to time your move. I bombed out on a moving obstacle that would have required a quick balance shift.
Wii Age:
41! That's more like it!
So you know I had to go right back to my nemesis: Soccer Heading.
4 out of 5 scored in the 50's. And then, (drum roll please) my last rep was 101! Woohoo!
I'm focusing on hitting as many balls as I can while avoiding the baddies. The scoring increases the more you can do in a row. I'm still ranked Amateur but I don't care. I'm moving in the right direction!
Ski Slalom
4 out of 5 scored at/near 44, which is Amateur.
I'm still having a hard time doing this one set of poles that is way over to the right, but I'm fighting for it. I try to slow down on the previous set and then try to do a big shift to my right. Then it's a big wobble to the left for the next set and a struggle to maintain my control. Over-adjusting on these two can make the rest of my run wobbly.
Ski Jump
My 1st run was unbalanced, and then I remembered how to hold steady at the right moments - while accelerating down the ramp, and then after extension. My next 2 reps were Amateur. Then my 4 rep was Professional! But my last rep was a snowball :( LOL
Table Tilt
I finally made it past Level 5!!
It took me until my 5th rep to figure it out. I'm getting better at my small range of motion control. Level 5 requires the ability to make a larger, sharper "push" and then control your over-correction to get past the "gravity" protecting the holes. You must be willing to sacrifice too to dump a ball into a hole while the others go shooting off the table. It's all really about doing those bigger balance shifts which I struggle with. I made it up to Table 7, but didn't pass so my new high score is 60. Fun stuff!
Exercise Minutes
Some games give more minutes. Not sure of the math.
Activity Log
Non-Wii activities are calculated with Activity Types in METs.
- Light (~2 METs) Cooking, doing laundry, eating, dressing, stretching, playing guitar
- Normal (~3 METs) Dog walking, Cleaning, Baby sitting, fishing, golf practice, bowling
- Hard (~5 METs) Dancing, tennis, baseball, skiing, aerobics, cycling
Adds to the calendar for today. Not sure if you can back-date them. Looks to be just a generic calculation with no space to indicate your activity. I think I'll take a pass on using this. I'll look into the METs again though at some point.
I have also decided that I need a stand for note taking and keeping track of my reps. Something tall and skinny to have at my right hand. Scribbling notes for my blog can be fairly time consuming so I want to try to reduce that. Perhaps I need a Macbook... so I could blog in the moment...
To give yourself credit for non-Wii activity: Go to the Graph, then Fit Credits (along top), then Activity Log (grey button to the right which turns green on rollover). See bottom of post for more info.
BMI: 25.19
Weight: 175.9
Min:26 - Cal: 82
The Wii knows how long it's been since you last used it. With the electrical outage, it's good to know that you can unplug it and it won't lose your data. But, it knows how long it's been since you last used it!
Body Test:
The BMI:Weight measurement in the Body Test does not display the actual weight. It shows a dial scale - so I could see that I was a smidge under 176, but not the exact amount. I had to go to the Graph, then choose Weight (along top), and then hover over today's dot on the graph.
I've been thinking about my earlier weight gain. I'm wondering if it was because I had been cooking with wine? I'll try going a week or two without that and see if it makes a difference. Or it might have been my weird period... I'll keep an eye on that too.
My Center of Balance is still towards the left, but this time I was forward more. So I looked down at my feet and low and behold, I turn my right foot out a little! The Balance board has rectangular areas for your feet, so it was easier for me to notice that my feet where not both squared up. Interesting. I'll be watching that.
Balance test = Hit Blue Tiles With Dot (yes, that's what it was called)
I only got 13. It was hard! You have to quick move your balance around to smash the blue tiles with your balance dot. It starts out with one tile, then two, then three. And they are all over the place. This will come with time. My poor balance dot was all over the place.
Prediction Test
You have to shift left and right to avoid walls and moving obstacles. My time was 27.05. At first, it wasn't bad. But then a green bar would come up to obstruct your vision of the upcoming obstacle. You get a glimpse of the obstacle and have to remember and prepare to time your move. I bombed out on a moving obstacle that would have required a quick balance shift.
Wii Age:
41! That's more like it!
So you know I had to go right back to my nemesis: Soccer Heading.
4 out of 5 scored in the 50's. And then, (drum roll please) my last rep was 101! Woohoo!
I'm focusing on hitting as many balls as I can while avoiding the baddies. The scoring increases the more you can do in a row. I'm still ranked Amateur but I don't care. I'm moving in the right direction!
Ski Slalom
4 out of 5 scored at/near 44, which is Amateur.
I'm still having a hard time doing this one set of poles that is way over to the right, but I'm fighting for it. I try to slow down on the previous set and then try to do a big shift to my right. Then it's a big wobble to the left for the next set and a struggle to maintain my control. Over-adjusting on these two can make the rest of my run wobbly.
Ski Jump
My 1st run was unbalanced, and then I remembered how to hold steady at the right moments - while accelerating down the ramp, and then after extension. My next 2 reps were Amateur. Then my 4 rep was Professional! But my last rep was a snowball :( LOL
Table Tilt
I finally made it past Level 5!!
It took me until my 5th rep to figure it out. I'm getting better at my small range of motion control. Level 5 requires the ability to make a larger, sharper "push" and then control your over-correction to get past the "gravity" protecting the holes. You must be willing to sacrifice too to dump a ball into a hole while the others go shooting off the table. It's all really about doing those bigger balance shifts which I struggle with. I made it up to Table 7, but didn't pass so my new high score is 60. Fun stuff!
Exercise Minutes
Some games give more minutes. Not sure of the math.
Activity Log
Non-Wii activities are calculated with Activity Types in METs.
- Light (~2 METs) Cooking, doing laundry, eating, dressing, stretching, playing guitar
- Normal (~3 METs) Dog walking, Cleaning, Baby sitting, fishing, golf practice, bowling
- Hard (~5 METs) Dancing, tennis, baseball, skiing, aerobics, cycling
Adds to the calendar for today. Not sure if you can back-date them. Looks to be just a generic calculation with no space to indicate your activity. I think I'll take a pass on using this. I'll look into the METs again though at some point.
I have also decided that I need a stand for note taking and keeping track of my reps. Something tall and skinny to have at my right hand. Scribbling notes for my blog can be fairly time consuming so I want to try to reduce that. Perhaps I need a Macbook... so I could blog in the moment...
January 9, 2010 - Update
Update:
What an exciting week! My power went on the fritz at 3:30 am on Tuesday. I had to race around unplugging all my electronics. Turned out the line between my duplex and the main line in the street was bad (broken neutral?). The neighbors had a more exciting experience with arcing, flames and billowing smoke coming out of surge protectors. Took a couple days for the repair. We had temporary power on Wednesday and Thursday.
So obviously I didn't use my Wii on Tuesday morning. And after all that excitement and a day of solid, intense meetings, I found it really hard to get up early on Wednesday.
I did claw my way out of bed on Thursday, but not early enough. Turns out that 1/2 hour does not equate into that many minutes of exercise on the Wii.
And no, I did not find my way out of bed on Friday. It's okay. I'm new to this and after 1 1/2 weeks off, to go back to work for a full week and have all that excitement both at home and at work - by Friday I was zonked. Slept 10 hours last night.
I think the important part is that I'm determined to keep trying even when I slip up. Obviously, I need to change up my morning routine. I usually have a lamp on a timer help me wake up in the winter time. That got unplugged during vacation, so it'll need to get plugged back in. And I need to time how long 20+ minutes of exercise really takes on the Wii.
Notes from My Thursday Workout:
Weight: 177
BMI: 25.34
05 min: 20 cal
The Body Test started with a Stillness Test - how long I could stay still. At first it had a crosshairs on the screen so I could try to keep the red dot centered. Then it started moving the screen around to throw me off balance. And then the crosshairs disappeared! The Wii told me that I rely on my eyes too much. I think that's true - but it's good to understand and try to become more aware of my body.
The second test was a Judgement Test. I had to adjust my balance quickly and move left, right, forward, back to pop numbered dots - but only the ones less than 4 - AND - return to a stable center of balance. It was kinda tricky but I did well.
Result? My Wii Age was 30! Woohoo!
I found the Activity Log for tracking other activity like walking. The location is mentioned at the end of the Body Test.
- Main Wii Fit Menu
- Graph
- Fit Credits
It looks like a label, but it is actually a big green button. Helps to really explore all the Wii screens with your remote pointer. Roll over everything - you'll be surprised at the hidden goodies.
Since I knew at this point I was crunched for time, I decided that I needed to try my hardest Balance game = Soccer Heading.
And I did extremely well! My first 4 games were 60's and higher! My last game was 33, but still, overall I think that's an improvement. I made it to amateur by connecting to more balls and avoiding a lot more shoes and pandas.
I'm going to try again this morning. Wish me luck ;)
Amy
What an exciting week! My power went on the fritz at 3:30 am on Tuesday. I had to race around unplugging all my electronics. Turned out the line between my duplex and the main line in the street was bad (broken neutral?). The neighbors had a more exciting experience with arcing, flames and billowing smoke coming out of surge protectors. Took a couple days for the repair. We had temporary power on Wednesday and Thursday.
So obviously I didn't use my Wii on Tuesday morning. And after all that excitement and a day of solid, intense meetings, I found it really hard to get up early on Wednesday.
I did claw my way out of bed on Thursday, but not early enough. Turns out that 1/2 hour does not equate into that many minutes of exercise on the Wii.
And no, I did not find my way out of bed on Friday.
I think the important part is that I'm determined to keep trying even when I slip up. Obviously, I need to change up my morning routine. I usually have a lamp on a timer help me wake up in the winter time. That got unplugged during vacation, so it'll need to get plugged back in. And I need to time how long 20+ minutes of exercise really takes on the Wii.
Notes from My Thursday Workout:
Weight: 177
BMI: 25.34
05 min: 20 cal
The Body Test started with a Stillness Test - how long I could stay still. At first it had a crosshairs on the screen so I could try to keep the red dot centered. Then it started moving the screen around to throw me off balance. And then the crosshairs disappeared! The Wii told me that I rely on my eyes too much. I think that's true - but it's good to understand and try to become more aware of my body.
The second test was a Judgement Test. I had to adjust my balance quickly and move left, right, forward, back to pop numbered dots - but only the ones less than 4 - AND - return to a stable center of balance. It was kinda tricky but I did well.
Result? My Wii Age was 30! Woohoo!
I found the Activity Log for tracking other activity like walking. The location is mentioned at the end of the Body Test.
- Main Wii Fit Menu
- Graph
- Fit Credits
It looks like a label, but it is actually a big green button. Helps to really explore all the Wii screens with your remote pointer. Roll over everything - you'll be surprised at the hidden goodies.
Since I knew at this point I was crunched for time, I decided that I needed to try my hardest Balance game = Soccer Heading.
And I did extremely well! My first 4 games were 60's and higher! My last game was 33, but still, overall I think that's an improvement. I made it to amateur by connecting to more balls and avoiding a lot more shoes and pandas.
I'm going to try again this morning. Wish me luck ;)
Amy
Sunday, January 3, 2010
January 3, 2010
Sunday, January 03, 2010
23 min: 55 cal
:( For the first time in four months, I did not lose at weigh-in. Last week, my points got reduced and I did good job of sticking to my daily points. Hardly touched my weekly points. Maybe shorting the points is not a good idea? Something I ate? My overall level of activity was too low for the week?
I did my Wii workout again in the evening. Roughly about when I'd normally get home from work.
The Wii thinks I gained 2 pounds from yesterday! Not sure if it is the clothes I had on, or the time of day or what. My balance is also beginning to show consistently to the left and back - both on the initial assessment and when I do the Balance games.
The Body Test was new again. This time it had me do a Single Leg Balance. You keep one foot in the middle of the board and try to balance within a decreasing channel of space without wobbling into the blue zones. I made it to 30 seconds.
Then it offered me a Peripheral Vision Test. I couldn't seem to figure it out. While staying balanced, it told me to point the remote at numbered dots in order. I tried pointing and clicking, but nothing happened. Not sure what I was doing wrong, and it wouldn't let me try again. Oh well.
Then... My GOD - not only am I heavier but I'm OLDER! My Wii age today is 55!
Balance Games tonight: Soccer Header, Tight Rope, Ski Slalom, and Balance Bubble.
My Mii spends so much time on her knees pounding the ground because she sucks at Soccer, that she should have grass stains on her knees. Sad. I'm still "Unbalanced" but my scores are getting better.
I tried the Tight Rope again next. I had only tried it 2 times yesterday, so I gave it a full rep of 5 today. I fell of twice, but the other 3 reps I got "Professional"! That's 3 out of 4 stars. Woohoo!
With the Tight Rope, you have to remain fairly upright and take small steps. If your Mii wobbles, you just center and adjust slightly with your balance the other direction. This feels comfortable for me to do. Then there is a black mechanical chomping thing you have to squat and then "jump" over. The Wii does NOT like being jumped on, so any 'jumping' is actually just going from a squat to a stand - or 'extending' as the Wii says. I accidentally jumped once and got scolded/warned and the game reset on me. Not completely reset, but I had to start that tight rope walk over.
I tried the Ski Slalom next and found I kept missing a set of flags in particular - the blue ones that are way over to the right. I'm having a hard time slowing down and then quickly adjusting my weight to the right to get through them. I think fast transitions are going to take me awhile to get down. Plus, my calves are feeling it.
I decided to try another new game tonight - Balance Bubble. In this game, your Mii floats down a river in a bubble. You shift left, right, forward and back to navigate. Avoid the bees - those stingers will pop your bubble! And so will the river banks. I scored unbalanced all 5 times and never made it to the end of the course. There is a rock island towards the end with turbulence off of it and I found it really hard to get around. I struggle at keeping steady and timing my shifts of weight. I tend to overcorrect. I'm 'Unbalanced' but I still find it interesting and look forward to trying it again!
The Wii Fit also has an Activity Log for non-Wii activities. I'd seen it yesterday but couldn't find it again today which kinda bummed me out. I had walked 3 miles in an hour and wanted to get 'credit' for it. Oh well.
I did discover two things. Hover over each Balance Game to see how many times you've played it. Also, go into Wii Fit Plus, and click on the balance board character wiggling around - there are those Body Tests to retake!
I'm going to take a pass on tomorrow, so I can try switching to a morning workout on Tuesday. I've keep finding myself eating at 7:00 or so, and I think that's too late. Plus, perhaps a morning workout will help boost my morning energy?
Cheers!
Amy
23 min: 55 cal
:( For the first time in four months, I did not lose at weigh-in. Last week, my points got reduced and I did good job of sticking to my daily points. Hardly touched my weekly points. Maybe shorting the points is not a good idea? Something I ate? My overall level of activity was too low for the week?
I did my Wii workout again in the evening. Roughly about when I'd normally get home from work.
The Wii thinks I gained 2 pounds from yesterday! Not sure if it is the clothes I had on, or the time of day or what. My balance is also beginning to show consistently to the left and back - both on the initial assessment and when I do the Balance games.
The Body Test was new again. This time it had me do a Single Leg Balance. You keep one foot in the middle of the board and try to balance within a decreasing channel of space without wobbling into the blue zones. I made it to 30 seconds.
Then it offered me a Peripheral Vision Test. I couldn't seem to figure it out. While staying balanced, it told me to point the remote at numbered dots in order. I tried pointing and clicking, but nothing happened. Not sure what I was doing wrong, and it wouldn't let me try again. Oh well.
Then... My GOD - not only am I heavier but I'm OLDER! My Wii age today is 55!
Balance Games tonight: Soccer Header, Tight Rope, Ski Slalom, and Balance Bubble.
My Mii spends so much time on her knees pounding the ground because she sucks at Soccer, that she should have grass stains on her knees. Sad. I'm still "Unbalanced" but my scores are getting better.
I tried the Tight Rope again next. I had only tried it 2 times yesterday, so I gave it a full rep of 5 today. I fell of twice, but the other 3 reps I got "Professional"! That's 3 out of 4 stars. Woohoo!
With the Tight Rope, you have to remain fairly upright and take small steps. If your Mii wobbles, you just center and adjust slightly with your balance the other direction. This feels comfortable for me to do. Then there is a black mechanical chomping thing you have to squat and then "jump" over. The Wii does NOT like being jumped on, so any 'jumping' is actually just going from a squat to a stand - or 'extending' as the Wii says. I accidentally jumped once and got scolded/warned and the game reset on me. Not completely reset, but I had to start that tight rope walk over.
I tried the Ski Slalom next and found I kept missing a set of flags in particular - the blue ones that are way over to the right. I'm having a hard time slowing down and then quickly adjusting my weight to the right to get through them. I think fast transitions are going to take me awhile to get down. Plus, my calves are feeling it.
I decided to try another new game tonight - Balance Bubble. In this game, your Mii floats down a river in a bubble. You shift left, right, forward and back to navigate. Avoid the bees - those stingers will pop your bubble! And so will the river banks. I scored unbalanced all 5 times and never made it to the end of the course. There is a rock island towards the end with turbulence off of it and I found it really hard to get around. I struggle at keeping steady and timing my shifts of weight. I tend to overcorrect. I'm 'Unbalanced' but I still find it interesting and look forward to trying it again!
The Wii Fit also has an Activity Log for non-Wii activities. I'd seen it yesterday but couldn't find it again today which kinda bummed me out. I had walked 3 miles in an hour and wanted to get 'credit' for it. Oh well.
I did discover two things. Hover over each Balance Game to see how many times you've played it. Also, go into Wii Fit Plus, and click on the balance board character wiggling around - there are those Body Tests to retake!
I'm going to take a pass on tomorrow, so I can try switching to a morning workout on Tuesday. I've keep finding myself eating at 7:00 or so, and I think that's too late. Plus, perhaps a morning workout will help boost my morning energy?
Cheers!
Amy
Saturday, January 2, 2010
January 2, 2010
Day Two
Minutes: 28
Calories: 86
For some reason I weigh 2 pounds more than yesterday. I'm not sure I should do the Body Test every day. I guess I'll try it for a week out of curiosity. Usually with Weight Watchers, I only step on the scale at a WW meeting once a week. I wear the same thing to the meetings and do the same morning routine before weighing in. I'll have to build a Wii routine too.
I raised the tv. I find that I prefer it to be at eye height, so I'm going to have to do a more permanent solution. The current stand is a piece of modular office furniture from IKEA, so all I need to do is get an additional level for it. Portland here I come! Maybe next weekend. My back hurts less with it raised.
This time the Body Test included a memory game. I did okay, but it gets a little frustrating when the rules aren't spelled out immediately. Perhaps that's good though - flunking something once might be a healthy thing. I'm hoping it shows up again tomorrow so I get another shot at figuring it out and acing it.
I did all the same Balance exercises as yesterday: Soccer Heading, Ski Slalom, Ski Jump and Table Tilt.
I still suck at Soccer Heading. I think it'll take me awhile to get past that instinctual reaction to getting hit in the face. Yeah, that's the reason... Actually, I think I don't have that hot of a reaction time. I find myself moving left and right after the ball. I'm not fast enough to shift. I wonder how long until I get it down?
Ski Slalom, Ski Jump and Table Tilt all make sense to me. I know what I have to do. Each is challenging in its own way.
With Ski Slalom, I'm getting better at moving left and right which is strange because I can't seem to do it correctly on the Soccer Heading game. But I can make it through the sets of flags alright. Now the trick is to be able to accelerate and decelerate (leaning forward or backwards) at the right time and improve my timing.
Ski Jump has the very helpful dot to get me started plus the visual cue of when to extend (stand up). I'm amazed that it is just a few seconds of keeping still - totally still - but yet I waver so much! I'm very curious now about posture and balance and smoothness of motion. The secret is in these games.
I'm very fond of Table Tilt, having had a wooden table game with the same concept. I can't seem to get past level 5. But I'm getting close. There are three balls on an S or 5 shaped table. It's a struggle to get one ball in with out losing one or both of the others off the edge. I'm not sure if I have to sacrifice a ball to get it to reset and try again. Perhaps this one tests my ability to both go slow and go fast (make a quick shift in balance) to either smoothly, slowly move the ball or give it a nudge. I'm curious about this one too. Do the other balls positions influence the speed of the third ball? Is there a tilt or gravity to the table that I haven't figured out yet? I also find myself holding my breath on this game and almost gripping the balance board with my big toes. I can't wait to figure Level 5 out!
With all the above games, I made sure to do 5 sets of each. This was tricky because the Wii remembers previous players, and the scoring is additive. If I score a 40 multiple times, it only shows that I've achieve the score of 40 - not the number of times I got it. That's okay. I grabbed five rocks and put them next to the balance board. I use them to help keep track of my sets. I guess it's another form of Memory Test. You'd think I could remember how many times I do something! But I'll cut myself some slack - I'm really focused on figuring this out and what the heck is going on with my body.
Wii in the News:
I found this article off the BBC site on French retirees using the Wii
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8437444.stm
My Weight Watchers weigh-in is tomorrow. I'm looking forward to going!
Amy
Minutes: 28
Calories: 86
For some reason I weigh 2 pounds more than yesterday.
I raised the tv. I find that I prefer it to be at eye height, so I'm going to have to do a more permanent solution. The current stand is a piece of modular office furniture from IKEA, so all I need to do is get an additional level for it. Portland here I come! Maybe next weekend. My back hurts less with it raised.
This time the Body Test included a memory game. I did okay, but it gets a little frustrating when the rules aren't spelled out immediately. Perhaps that's good though - flunking something once might be a healthy thing. I'm hoping it shows up again tomorrow so I get another shot at figuring it out and acing it.
I did all the same Balance exercises as yesterday: Soccer Heading, Ski Slalom, Ski Jump and Table Tilt.
I still suck at Soccer Heading. I think it'll take me awhile to get past that instinctual reaction to getting hit in the face.
Ski Slalom, Ski Jump and Table Tilt all make sense to me. I know what I have to do. Each is challenging in its own way.
With Ski Slalom, I'm getting better at moving left and right which is strange because I can't seem to do it correctly on the Soccer Heading game. But I can make it through the sets of flags alright. Now the trick is to be able to accelerate and decelerate (leaning forward or backwards) at the right time and improve my timing.
Ski Jump has the very helpful dot to get me started plus the visual cue of when to extend (stand up). I'm amazed that it is just a few seconds of keeping still - totally still - but yet I waver so much! I'm very curious now about posture and balance and smoothness of motion. The secret is in these games.
I'm very fond of Table Tilt, having had a wooden table game with the same concept. I can't seem to get past level 5. But I'm getting close. There are three balls on an S or 5 shaped table. It's a struggle to get one ball in with out losing one or both of the others off the edge. I'm not sure if I have to sacrifice a ball to get it to reset and try again. Perhaps this one tests my ability to both go slow and go fast (make a quick shift in balance) to either smoothly, slowly move the ball or give it a nudge. I'm curious about this one too. Do the other balls positions influence the speed of the third ball? Is there a tilt or gravity to the table that I haven't figured out yet? I also find myself holding my breath on this game and almost gripping the balance board with my big toes. I can't wait to figure Level 5 out!
With all the above games, I made sure to do 5 sets of each. This was tricky because the Wii remembers previous players, and the scoring is additive. If I score a 40 multiple times, it only shows that I've achieve the score of 40 - not the number of times I got it. That's okay. I grabbed five rocks and put them next to the balance board. I use them to help keep track of my sets. I guess it's another form of Memory Test.
Wii in the News:
I found this article off the BBC site on French retirees using the Wii
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8437444.stm
My Weight Watchers weigh-in is tomorrow. I'm looking forward to going!
Amy
Friday, January 1, 2010
January 1, 2010 (later)
Ok, so I did it. I pushed myself to do 5 attempts per Wii activity AND I made it to 26 minutes. Time flies when your Mii is falling down.
I made it through 3 more activities - Ski Slalom, Ski Jump and Table Tilt.
Ski Slalom involves shifting your balance right and left to steer yourself through sets of flags, and shifting forward to accelerate. I bombed the first time just figuring it out, but I did get one 3 star run.
Ski Jump is about maintaining control over your balance left and right. You have to maintain your balance throughout to get the high scores. Fortunately, Wii gives you a visual target where you can see the correct balance dot and your dot wobbling around. If you match them, you do well. Again, you shift forward to accelerate. The trick this time is about bending at the knees when going down the ramp, then popping up to a standing position at the correct time. If you are too late, you'll turn into a snowball. I got to a 2 star (Average) a couple times, so I'm feeling a little more confident.
Table Tilt is about fine motor balance. The goal is to shift your balance left, right, front, back to tilt the table so a ball goes through a hole. If you move too quickly the ball goes shooting off the edge. You have a limited amount of time to get the ball in the hole. Once done, your timer gets a boost of seconds and you move onto another table with more balls. The tables get more complex as you progress. I did alright on this one too.
I think I need to raise my tv. I don't like looking down the whole time.
I also think that after a week of this, I will feel A LOT more confident even if I'm still scoring low. The interface is fairly easy to understand. There is a surprising lack of "instruction". If you are a visual learner, you will probably figure it out without being aware that you have. I think it's a good exercise for your eyeballs. I can't wait to notice more hints and details.
I'm excited! I will be recommending the Wii at my weekly Weight Watchers meeting.
Amy
I made it through 3 more activities - Ski Slalom, Ski Jump and Table Tilt.
Ski Slalom involves shifting your balance right and left to steer yourself through sets of flags, and shifting forward to accelerate. I bombed the first time just figuring it out, but I did get one 3 star run.
Ski Jump is about maintaining control over your balance left and right. You have to maintain your balance throughout to get the high scores. Fortunately, Wii gives you a visual target where you can see the correct balance dot and your dot wobbling around. If you match them, you do well. Again, you shift forward to accelerate. The trick this time is about bending at the knees when going down the ramp, then popping up to a standing position at the correct time. If you are too late, you'll turn into a snowball. I got to a 2 star (Average) a couple times, so I'm feeling a little more confident.
Table Tilt is about fine motor balance. The goal is to shift your balance left, right, front, back to tilt the table so a ball goes through a hole. If you move too quickly the ball goes shooting off the edge. You have a limited amount of time to get the ball in the hole. Once done, your timer gets a boost of seconds and you move onto another table with more balls. The tables get more complex as you progress. I did alright on this one too.
I think I need to raise my tv. I don't like looking down the whole time.
I also think that after a week of this, I will feel A LOT more confident even if I'm still scoring low. The interface is fairly easy to understand. There is a surprising lack of "instruction". If you are a visual learner, you will probably figure it out without being aware that you have. I think it's a good exercise for your eyeballs
I'm excited! I will be recommending the Wii at my weekly Weight Watchers meeting.
Amy
January 1, 2010
This blog is for Wii Beginners and people like me who are new at exercise.
I finally finished setting up my brand-new Wii. In an effort to find some type of exercise in this cold, wet Oregon winter, I bought myself a Wii with the Wii Fit package that comes with a balance board.
I tried the balance board once 2 years ago at a friend's house, but since there were children there, I didn't get too much play time. I thought, "hey, no problem". My first real use was the Boxing game (Sport disk) two weeks ago. I attempted to beat my friend's 10-year old. I figured that I knew how to throw a good punch. No. The next two days, my back between my shoulder blades hurt like hell.
So... for those of you that have never used a Wii before, I'm going to attempt to describe what it's like.
First, please note that the Balance Board is only good up to 330 pounds.
Second, please understand that the Wii "sense of humor" may not be for everyone. The Wii can be merciless. When you do not do well at things, it will make your Mii character look pitiful. Some may find this feels like ridicule. I'm not thrilled with it, but I'm going to ignore the snottiness or try to laugh it off.
My Statistics:
First time on WW
Joined: 09/01/09
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 178-ish
Current BMI: 25
Goal BMI: 22
Goal Weight: 155
Goal Time: 3 months (to April)
Real Age: 40
Wii Age: 51
The Wii Fit allowed me to create a Fitness Goal, and recommended a BMI of 22, which would put me around 155-153 pounds. Sounds fine to me!
It also let me chose the time frame in which to complete this goal. It allows you to make what look like aggressively unhealthy options - like losing 22 pounds in two weeks. At least it capped my weight loss at 22 (I'm not sure of the math behind that).
I selected 3 months for losing 22 pounds putting me at -3.4 pounds every two weeks. This is in line with my current weight loss rate. Somehow I've been able to really clamp down on my food intake, so I've had a fairly steady loss. I'm fully aware that a plateau is in my future! But I've also been on WW for 4 months now and have not been able to modify my activity level on my own.
I'm a bit dismayed that the Wii give me a"Wii Age" of 51!
My goal is to become proficient at all of the Fit activities and Sports games that come with the Wii. I don't know why I'm surprised to suck so bad at the first one I tried! I started with Balance because that seems to be a lightweight activity right?
Balance Games
- Soccer Heading
- Ski Slalom
- Ski Jump
- Table Tilt
- Tight Rope Walk
- Balance Bubble
- Penguin Slide
- Snowboard Slalom
- Lotus Focus
I started with the first one, because that's logical, right? Soccer Heading is about shifting your balance to the left and right. Your Mii character is supposed to 'head' the soccer balls coming at it. So you move left and right to intercept the ball with your head. Since I'm used to avoiding getting hit in the head, this is a difficult concept for me, but okay, I'll do it.
I got hit repeatedly in the face by shoes and stuffed pandas. After my first round, I was declared "Unbalanced" (1/5 stars). I think I was able to head only 20 out of 80 balls. My Mii character hung her head in shame, dropped to her knees and pounded her fists on the ground. Nice. LOL.
I tried it four more times. Still Unbalanced. Oh well - the only direction is up!
I have to say I am intimidated by the number of selections. I have eight more Balance games to try. What if I suck at all of them?! And there are other exercise categories too!
My first goal will be to try it for at least 10 minute increments. I need to get to 20 minutes of exercise activity a day. I think I will also need to make at least 5 attempts per game. I can't allow myself to try it, suck, and then quit. That should be 2-3 balance games at 5 tries a piece for 10 minutes. Seems do-able...
Going to go try some more.
Feel free to comment on my blog! Please try to be positive and open-minded about different fitness levels.
Amy
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