Amazing!

I decided that I wanted a Wii Fit (for my Wii... is that obvious?). But apparently everyone else had the same idea and none of the stores have one. So I saw this on the shelf at the store - My Fitness Coach - and got it, thinking it might be similar.

It is so awesome!
It's like an interactive workout video, that is totally catered to you specifically and goes at the right pace and works towards goals specifically based on your body type and personal goals.

I am really excited about it, and I hope I can explain why. The first thing you do is put in all sorts of embarrassing personal information. Weight, height, age, measurements (have that measuring tape handy), and how many push-ups, crunches, and squats you can do... etc. Then the "trainer"... Maya, gives you a goal that she thinks you should work towards (my suggested goal is weight-loss, right on). But you don't have to do what she says. But I totally will.

Anyway, then she recommends a workout schedule for you. She recommended 5 days of 15-minute workouts for me each week, but again, you can change your workout schedule to whatever you want. For my husband, she recommended two days of 45 minute workouts, and one 60 minute workout each week.

So then you start a workout. I got to pick from three beautiful workout environments (I chose a garden... ahhh, it's not even like exercise at all when you're in a garden, right?), but there are several more environments that you can "unlock" as you do more workouts. Total motivation. (really). Also, you can choose what workout music you want to listen to... I chose the 80's, and again there are more music selections that you can unlock as you go along.

Then she starts the workout by asking you how you're feeling. I chose, "You're lucky I'm here." Maya says, "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that, but there's nothing like a workout to get you up and going for the day!" So true, Maya. You're also asked if you have certain workout equipment, like steps or hand weights or the stability ball, and they'll incorporate that into the workout for you (I have none, but that's no problem). Each workout is also tailored for your goals and body type.

The workout starts, shows you how much time you have left, how far along each particular exercise you are, and meanwhile Maya is giving great tips and encouragement... I love this thing!! The workouts also vary, too. You can do several kinds, cardio, upper-body strength, even yoga. When I ended the workout, Maya said, "Great, see you again on Friday!"... she even knows when I'm due back. Love the thoughtfulness.

Basically, I think this is a really cool product, and at about $30 it was a third of the cost of a Wii Fit (about $90, not including the multitude of accessories you can get). It also keeps track of your body stats and goals, though the Wii Fit may do a better job of that, with that board thing keeping track of you all the time. I'm sure the Wii Fit is a good product, too, but I'm pretty thrilled with this little find today. If I didn't have a Wii, I'd want to get one just for this cool, personalized workout.