Your Shape (Wii, 2009)

I purchased this game a few weeks ago as my first fitness game for the Nintendo Wii system. I have not tried out any other fitness games yet, so this is my impression of this game not comparing it to others.

The camera that comes in the box works great! The instructions have a few tips for making sure the camera sees you well - things like making sure you don't wear the same colour clothes as the background in your room, and have good lighting. We found it worked even better when wearing a contrast to the background: I have a dark couch, so I wore white pants and it recognized me fine.

My whole family tried this out, and we've been having a great time. My teenager likes to make fun of the program while he works out, but the feedback on the screen shows that he is still getting a good workout. Even my 6 year old tried it for fun, and had a good time. I told him that he needs to do a 15 minute workout before he plays sitting down video games.

The camera lets you see your own form on the screen, next to the figure that is being your personal instructor. You match your action to hers for correct form, and the voice guides you. I really like the feedback - it lets me know if I need to move my arms more, or motivates me with encouraging phrases. Things you normally hear the personal trainer telling you at the gym.

I liked that I can make a custom program with a calendar, and plan my workouts. I also like that I can choose special challenges, or just generalized workouts with goals like weight loss, toning up, or my favourite one the new mom workout where it helps you get used to working out again. That's the one I'm doing. During a workout, you have the option to click on the tutorial link to learn more about how to do certain moves. That was very helpful.

After a workout, the display shows you how many calories you've burned, and an equivalent to how far you've moved and how much you've lifted. It keeps track of your progress, and adjusts the workouts for your level and progress automatically.

Bottom line: I think this program is awesome, and I'm glad I got it! A great beginner fitness program to ease your way back into shape!

Before buying this game, as a stay at home mom with a newborn, I thought this would be the perfect thing for when my kid is napping. I love that no equipment is needed, but you can add what you already own if you like (step, weights, yoga ball). You can also schedule your workouts on the calendar, then once you have completed the workout it is registered online.

After playing for 2 weeks, here is what I think:
The workouts are extremely repetitive. Even when I add weights and a step, the moves don't change. My least favorite part about incorporating equipment is it comes and goes so quickly. For example, you may use the step for one set and then it's gone for the next but you need it again for the next set. This wouldn't be annoying except for the fact that Jenny waits for you to get it and put it away, so you're standing around (or jumping in my case to get a workout). The pace is steady, but not challenging. I like to work out for 60 minutes, but this is best geared for 15 or 30 minutes, since the repetition gets so boring. It's best for short workouts, great for those with little time.

The best part is seeing your own image so you can work on perfect form-almost like being in front of a mirror in the gym.

There is a section for extra challenges where you can enter codes. So far I haven't found any information about it, even when signing up with Ubisoft.

This video is fantastic. It monitors your level of fitness and you have the option to go with a suggested workout, or customize your own. I am challenged every time I use it. The results are weight loss, more energy and inches lost!
The ubisoft cam is easy to install and use and makes all the difference in the workout. The game also keeps track of your progress so you can really see how much you're doing. I've recommended the product to all my friends.

What a super program. A personal trainer right in my own home. And I can target the parts of my body I choose, when ever I choose and do it in my pjs. This is a really good exercise program for those fit enough to keep up. But if you can't keep up at first who would ever know. No one will be pointing fingers at you or chuckling behind you back. Just start out with the least amount of time and keep trying until you can do the whole routine without taking breaks in between.It doesn't take very long till you can keep up. Then increase the time and pretty soon you will be amazed at how good you look. This is a really great program and when used along with Wii Fit Plus is sure to do the job and help anyone lose those unwanted inches and pounds. I highly recommend it.

This is a user friendly program that can be tailored to the needs of any fitness level. The camera can be left connected all the time and only comes on when needed. The personal trainer encourages and critiques your moves as you see yourself side by side and the program adjusts your workout according to your progress. The routine constantly changes and keeps your personal chart progress. Love it, highly recommend it !!