Is Playing Wii the Same as Exercising?

So, as you all probably know, there is a video game system called the Nintendo Wii. It doesn't have the graphics of an Xbox 360 or the online gameplay of a PS3. Then you may be asking yourself, why play the Wii? Well, because what makes the Wii system unique is the fact that it reads your motions, making you actually do the motions to different activities, rather than just moving a joystick on a controller.

This brings a very interesting question to mind. Is playing Wii the same as exercising? Well this is very interesting. I feel it isn't however. Even though you are doing motions, they are mostly moving your arms and don't take a lot of effort. As long as you don't go over the top when playing Wii, trust me I know people who do, the Wii isn't very much exercise. Take the game Wii fit for example. Now there is a running game that can be very equivalent to actual running if done right. But, it is very easy to cheat and just move one arm by itself like my brother does. I think this is because when there is an easy way to do something, sometimes people take the easy way out because they don't feel like putting forth effort. Sure my brother doesn't do this in every game, but the simple fact that he can and does just helps back my point.

Some may argue that when playing tennis on the Wii it is very similar to regular tennis and can tire you. This is bologna. Unless you are extremely out of shape, the tennis is not very tiresome, I mean you don't even have to move you legs!

Now I have nothing against the Wii, as I am an avid Wii player myself, but playing the Wii cannot replace the actual activity as exercise, for now at least. I would be more than happy to change my mind in the future if Wii became more defined and more active, as that would be awesome and would be much more convenient than having to go outside to you backyard or to a park. You could just go to you basement and play video games. What a great thing that would be. But for now nothing can beat the actual activity of exercising in the crisp, fresh, open air.

"Left: Wii video game console, http://www.wiijournal.com"

Vikes Back on the Winning Side

After their disappointing loss last week to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Vikings turned it around and beat the Green Bay Packers 38-26 this afternoon improving their record to 7-1 heading into the bye week and on top of the NFC North division (standings) after sweeping the season series against their rival, the Green Bay Packers.

The Vikes showed just how explosive they can be with AP going over 100 yards with a touchdown, Percy Harvin with three great kick returns and not to shabby of a receiving game either, and my man, Brett Favre throwing for 4 touchdowns and helped propel a Vikings victory. It was an emotional day for Favre, as was well documented this week, and Favre handled his emotions well, and gave the Vikings their seventh win of the year! They have a bye week next week which will help them get healthy and ready to go when Week 10 rolls around. But, the Vikings couldn't be in a better position right now. They are two and a half games up in the division and are done playing the Packers this season. They are looking good, and Brett's arm has looked great after his off-season surgery.

On the opposite end of the spectrum in the NFC North, the Lions lost. Now this is nothing new to the Lions but they may have just hit rock bottom. The team they lost to was the previously winless St. Louis Rams! Sure the Lions are improving, by a measly game albeit so far, but they are far from contending in the division. Even though there is a lot of football to be played this year, things couldn't look better for the Vikes after this pivotal divisional matchup today ended in success for the Minnesota Vikings.

The one bad thing about the game today was the fact that again the Vikes tried to give the game away. The Vikings completely controlled the first half and were up 24-3. Then, a little into the second half the Pack score ten straight in part to Robison's stupid fumble on the kickoff return. C'mon man, just go down! Leave the run backs to non-defensive ends. But the Vikes kept scoring and prevented a late-game collapse, in large part to Brett Favre's great play back at Lambeau Field for the first time as a visitor. What a great game with a great outcome! GO VIKES!!!

"Above: Brett Favre after game, http://www.espn.com"

Hawks Not Pretty But Effective

The Hawks win again! On Saturday they defeated the Indiana Hoosiers 42-24 and improve to 9-0 on the year. This score is very misleading, however.

The Hawks were down 24-14 entering the fourth quarter. The previous quarter, Iowa quarterback, Ricky Stanzi, threw 5 interceptions! 5 in one quarter! I was feeling the urge to cause bodily harm to Mr. Stanzi. Hopes of an undefeated season and a berth in the national title game were fading as the Hawkeyes looked terrible and didn't seem like they could play any worse. But all was good, when the Hawks outscored the Hoosiers 28-0 in the fourth quarter, and kept the undefeated season alive thanks in part to a crazy pinball interception by Iowa safety, Tyler Sash that bounced off of four people before he snatched it out of the air, and returned it for an Iowa touchdown.

It seems like every week the Hawks play as good as their opponent, good or bad. Now this can be good against good teams, but is bad when playing bad teams. But it doesn't matter how the Hawks win. It just matters that they win. If they can win their last three games, the perfect season will be complete. Then all they would need is for Texas to lose a game. As all college football fans know, the Hawks still have one big test ahead of them. They have to play the Ohio State Buckeyes in Ohio. This will be a tough game, but an exciting game none-the-less. If they win they will be 11-0 assuming they take care of business against Northwestern, and will be one win away from an undefeated season. They will have gained respect around the nation and make their pleas for a national title bid more relevant.

As for the people who said USC should jump ahead of Iowa, look what happened this weekend. The Trojans have lost two games and just got demolished by Oregon, while the Iowa Hawkeyes are still unbeaten, albeit not very prettily but, as I said before, it only matters if you win or lose. As for the Hawkeyes not being talented like Lou Holtz said after this weekend's game, you can't be untalented and be undefeated Lou. C'mon! And another thing, the Hawks would not get demolished by Florida, Alabama, or Texas. Their defense is tough and their offense showed they can be explosive putting up 28 fourth quarter points against Indiana and 42 for the game.

Let's go Hawks and keep the undefeated season alive next week in Iowa City against Northwestern!