Wii Fitness for Dummies, available from booksellers everywhere, as well as online discounters like Amazon.com, focuses on three of the top Wii fitness programs, Wii Fit Plus, EA Sports Active: Personal Trainer, and Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010, as well as provides additional coverage of the entire Wii fitness phenomena and general exercise theory. As is always the case when writing a book, there is inevitably content that doesn't fit either due to subject matter, cost, or space constraints, which is where this regularly published bonus tips and content comes in. Each week, for an indeterminate number of weeks, Christina and I will be posting items that will both add to your enjoyment of the book and provide good fitness information in general.

This week, we're running the first in an eight part series of Classic Body Weight Exercises You Can Perform When You're Away From Your Wii* (*also great for warming up or cooling down, as discussed in book Chapter 1):

The start and finish position for the Squat, which primarily works the top part of your upper thighs (quadriceps), and buttocks, with additional secondary effect on the rest of your legs and entire neuromuscular system. Your torso should remain upright, stomach tight and feet shoulder width apart as you keep your eyes focused on a point in front of you, chin up. For a variation that will also really make your lower leg (calf) muscles work hard, slowly raise and lower your body on the balls of your feet once for every time you enter the start or finish position.

The bottom portion for the Squat, showing a stop point at parallel, otherwise known as the three-quarters position. Depending upon your flexibility, you may be able to go below parallel or only just above it. Regardless of how low you go, always remember to keep your knees traveling forward and out over – but not past – your toes as you sink downward, keeping your feet flat on the floor. Pause briefly at the bottom position and then slowly reverse the motion without bouncing to return to the starting position. Repeat. For a more intense variation known as the Jump Squat, as you reach the halfway point back up to the starting position, you can accelerate your upward momentum and spring into the air as high as you can, bending your legs slightly to absorb the shock as you land. This will also really work your calf muscles.

Reminder:
Before starting any workout regime, it is always wise to consult with your physician. This is especially important if you are pregnant, have cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure, or suffer from an orthopedic condition. Further, should you start to experience any fatigue, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, or any other discomfort, pain, or unusual symptoms while working out with Wii Fit Plus or any other fitness program, stop activity immediately and consult with your physician.