Zelda and the Mario Brothers.
There was a time when those entities were the only ones synonymous to the Nintendo gaming console.
But not anymore.
Wii Fit is finally becoming a popular work-out experience for young and old alike, which is a refreshing angle as opposed to 'Video games turn your child into a psycho killer.'
Its software uses a platform peripheral called the 'balance board,' allowing the game to calculate body mass index when told the user's height. It offers about 50 different activities such as push ups, aerobics, or other exercises.
And Marshalltown's Arlene McAtee is hooked on yoga.
As executive director of Mid-Iowa Community Action, her title requires hours of sitting and minutes of movement.
"My job is all about lots of meetings," she said. "Add the computer and I become pretty chair-bound during the day."
Time can be a stretched commodity, therefore setting some aside for exercise can be difficult.
"I'm not one of these people who go out to classes - I need to go at my own pace and that's where the Wii is just perfect," she said. "I'm here at home and with it sitting right in front of me, excuses evaporate."
Include sensible eating and she has already lost six pounds in just over a month.
"I may do two or three repetitions in order to get a pose right and that can double my work out," she said.
A 1-Up for her.
Many medical facilities are currently utilizing the game as 'Wii-hab' for aiding patients with mobility.
"Right now, they are piloting Wii Fit at a couple of our locations," said Amy Pohlman, physical therapy manager at the McFarland Clinic. "So if it goes well there, and I really think that it will, we may likely use it here."
While the gaming system cannot replace physical recovery for serious needs, the Wii Fit is an affordable version of expensive equipment used in therapy, Pohlman said.
And anything one can do toward achieving better health is a plus.
"I have one, and if you're playing a sports game like boxing, it will get your heart rate up more," she said. "It gets people up and moving which is better than not."
Senior facilities around the country are also catching on to its use for keeping visitors limber and active.
"A lot of nursing homes are using them for games like bowling and that's something pretty much anybody can do," Pohlman said. "My grandparents are in their eighties and they've played mine, and had a great time with it."
McAtee said she is already feeling new muscle and strength, with plans to add aerobics to burn even more calories.
"I'm not a big video game person, but I do enjoy this," she said.
Always check with a physician prior to the start of any exercise regimen.
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Contact Tammy R. Lawson at 641-753-6611 or tlawson@timesrepublican.com
