The Sweetney Weight Loss Challenge 2008

So the folks at Nintendo sent me a Wii Fit, which, you know, cool. It's always nice to get free stuff, and I certainly looked forward to trying it out, which I did this afternoon when it finally arrived on my doorstep. (If you're wondering what the hell I'm talking about, you can check out this Wii Fit trailer on YouTube, which should help explain the babbling that follows.)

People, I am in love. Technology GOOOOOOD.

Not to gush -- and perhaps this great first impression will fade over time -- but the Wii Fit actually appears to somehow, by witchcraft or spirit-conjuring or just superior Japanese technology too advanced for our western understanding, make exercise FUN. Oh brave new world that has such awesome in it!

So after toying around with the thing for most of the afternoon, I had an idear. Here's what I'm thinking. We all know I've long punished myself over my weight gain of the past few years (and if you didn't know it now you do. There, I said it, and I'm not sorry). I could use to lose a few pounds. Or, umm, 20(ish). So why not put this new-fangled technology to a real-world test, with an actual human trying to lose actual poundage (that would be me)? Mah Guinea PIgness: Let Me Show You It.

Here's what I plan to do, beginning tomorrow, Wednesday 5/14:

1) Cut my measurable caloric intake to a 1400 calorie-per-day low fat diet (yes, I will actually record everything I eat to make certain I stay on track. I'm choosing the 1400 number because it is the caloric intake I've been regularly told I should shoot for to lose weight healthfully, even without exercising)

2) Walk a minimum of 30 minutes, 5x per week (I've already started doing this, but I haven't been tracking my caloric intake, and so I've noticed no changes in my weight as a result of this exercise)

3) Use the Wii Fit a minimum of 30 minutes, 5x per week (I'll attempt to vary my use of the various training programs included on Wii Fit, dividing the time spent exercising as equally as possible between Strength, Balance, Yoga, and Aerobic Training)

I'll follow this program for at least 8 weeks -- longer if I'm getting good results. I'll report at least weekly on my progress, more often as circumstances (or my own frustration level and need to vent) merits. It will be helpful to be beholden to the internet, to have to fess up every week and lay it all out there. Y'all will keep me honest.

There was a time, back in my 20s, when eating fairly low-fat-ish and doing a little walking would peel the pounds right off me. Of course, back then I was running on an almost two-pack-a-day diet of cigarettes as well, which doubtless elevated my metabolism and quelled my appetite in ways I can't replicate now other than by upping the ante sharply exercise-wise. I'm kind of hoping Wii Fit will be that extra push I now need as an old lady of 38 to start FINALLY dropping the weight.

Here's hoping, fingers crossed, and godspeed pound lossage!

. . . . .
EDIT: Before anyone gets their panties in a bunch I just wanted to add: NO, Nintendo is not paying me to do this challenge or write this post (or any ensuing posts), and NO, I did not agree to do anything whatsoever for Nintendo in exchange for them sending me the Wii Fit (including but not limited to a positive review/mention on this blog). What I'm doing here is completely of my own free will and without any monetary exchange or obligation involved whatsoever. This is entirely about me wanting to lose weight and seeking motivation and support, NOT about providing product placement. THE END.

Comments

[Kari]

I'm in. I pre-ordered a Wii-Fit so it should be arriving any day now (*whistles*) So I am excited to do yoga, and possibly end up losing some weight along the way.

[heels]

This is the first fitness system I have ever wanted. I am seethingly jealous.

[Angela]

OMG I want a Wii Fit. No. Wait. I NEED a Wii Fit!

[Kelley]

I got Wii Fit for Mothers Day. My Mii is all fat and depressed.

I will challenge along with you babe.

(BTW, I hate that you feel you have to defend yourself to the haters. Haters! You suck!)

[Jay]

Can't wait, ordered one for my mom and myself

[Really, not a hater]

I, too, totally want one. And I'm super jealous! And I love you AND your blog! But I do have to say that unless you're planning to send that expensive equipment back after a testing period, you are, in essence, getting paid to review/editorially cover the product. (And I hear ya, sister--those intentions are GOOD).

Major review outlets all have a policy that they send back the equipment after they review it. I just don't want to see Nintendo Corporate Shirts use you and your wonderful intentions for their own greedy good!

[sweetney]

Really, not a hater: word, i get that. and that's why i disclosed that it had been given to me by nintendo -- something i could've easily skirted.

however, let it be noted that i don't HAVE TO give them a glowing review, and if it turns out that i don't like the wii fit i intend to say so. i am not a paid spokesmodel, i don't owe it to Nintendo to give them a positive review -- i never agreed to do that, and i certainly plan on being brutally honest about my experience and about the product. i mean, yeah, sure, i'll take some free shit (who wouldn't?), but i'm not a total whore. snort.

[Casey]

Not trying to be a hater, but if you don't review the WiiFit, or give it a bad review, will Nintendo still send you stuff for free that you don't have to return?

Just seems like a "you scratch my back" situation.

[sweetney]

casey - no, there was no obligation to review or even mention it. i was never asked to do or say anything. and if they never send me anything again, so what? i couldn't care less.

and now i am good and done answering questions about this, as it seems to honestly just be giving people who want to whine a platform. it's dumb . i've explained the situation fully, described my feelings about it, elucidated my position, elaborated on the transaction/lack of transaction. if you want more detail, please email at sweetney at sweetney.com. done.

Kelley: let's do this thing, man!

[pgoodness]

DUDE! This is so awesome - I need to get mine! Seems like I've been waiting forever for it to come out and now it is and I missed it!! Must. Search. Tomorrow.....!!

[Angella]

I saw your tweets about the grief you are getting.

I honestly do not see what the issue is. You scored a sweet gift. It inspired you to get fit.

WHERE IS THE HARM IN THAT?

Am I envious that you got a free Wii Fit? Who WOULDN'T be? But am I happy for you? ABSOLUTELY.

Tell the haters to suck it. Amen.

[Jen @problem girl]

I've got my WiiFit on reserve. The first time I saw a commercial for it I nearly started drooling. I won't get mine for a couple of weeks but I'm looking forward to using it so much. This post makes me want mine even more.

[sweetney]

Angella - truth is, i get free stuff all the time. i almost never mention any of it. in this case however, yes, it has inspired me to pursue a goal that has nothing to do with anything but me and my health and sense of well being. so if someone wants to skewer me for that? have at it.

so, as always, i say to the haters: i will not drink your haterade. also, i will not post hateful, dumb comments, per my comments policy. bye!

[torrie]

You have inspired me.
The husband and I have decided to get one.
At first we were like "we can't afford this!"
Then, we realized that it costs less than our gym memberships for two months.
My husband hasn't been to the gym in about 13 months, and I haven't been to the gym since I was about 20 weeks pregnant- and my kid is turning ONE on Thursday.
We're thinking that maybe if this is in the house, and it's fun, that maybe we will actually drag our lazy asses off the couch.

Thanks for the inspiration.

[Robyn]

You're brave to put this out there - and no, I don't mean that to be patronizing, but I mean it in a "Brave, because I couldn't bring myself to do it" way. I think it's awesome, and I can't wait to read about it. I also hope to gain some inspiration - but that's all on me, not you. Good luck!

[The Muse]

You are so making me want one of those... like horribly, terribly, run out into the streets wanting one.

Granted, I've wanted one for a while, but your "let's get fit" campaign makes me want to join in too!

[Kelley]

Oh babe! We totally have to start a club or something. I just did 20mins and I LURVE this thing!

Reduced my fitness age from 41 to 23! And lost .5 kilo since Sunday. I am awesome!

[jenB]

Who must I blow to get one?? I will represent the Canadians!!!! I LOVE WII FIT!

[sweeney not sweetney]

Haters -- you suck.

Sweetney -- you rule.

We're getting the Wii Fit this month too. My Lovely Wife is drooling over it and her birthday is soon soooo -- Voila!

[KimAZ]

Dude, I so wish I could come walk with you 5x per week! We would laugh like hyenas, burning even more calories and improving lung capacity. AZ/MD: geographically inconvenient.

[Deanna]

Nothing beats FitDay if you want to keep track of your calorie consumption. It's free and online at www.fitday.com. I've used it lots and it was invaluable when I was in the process of dropping 60 lbs. (Don't ask how much of that I've gained back!)

Good luck with your fitness goal! You can do it!

[Lisa K]

We have plans to get a Wii in a month or so, I will be getting the fit as soon as I can find one!

[misha]

ok, so how can i get a free Wii, except for my siamese that is - she was free, but her upkeep is expensive. Toy Wii is expensive up w/ free upkeep. but kitty is cuter. but i want yoga Wii - sounds so much fun.
BTW - haters are not so bad - found you through VA but as I have a brain of my own I like the both of you, but between us, yeah - she was a bitch to you and dooce.

[NewJanB]

Did you see the parody of the Wii Fit video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iYBmAVuBns&feature=related

[Fake Jon Stewart]

I don't get it. What is there to defend from, apologize for, or debate about with regards to Nintendo sending you something? That appears to be a mark of achievement, to me at least. If you didn't have a substantial audience, you would not have received that, right?

Nintendo probably paid more to ship that thing to you than it did to manufacture it. To have a chance at an honest review to a substantial audience like yours for just the cost of the widget is a low risk, good deal for them, you get free shit, and I learn about something I might really be interested in. We all win.

Nothing to be ashamed of here.

[WiiBBG]

Free Wii Fit or not, all I can say is good luck with your program. And if you need some motivation, have a look at Can You Really Lose Weight With Wii Fit?

[waterrose]

Sounds like a great plan for weight loss overall! Supposedly if we eat less calories per day we live longer...and if we do a crossword puzzle a day our frontal lobe increases...so don't forget the crossword puzzle!

[Jenny]

Heyya Tracey,

I'm signing on to the Sweetney Weight Loss Challenge too, except I have 35 (THIRTY!FIVE!) pounds to lose. Our gym is opening a new branch on Monday that is right around the corner from us.

Perfect timing.

Will be following your progress. Go girl.

[Susan]

Cool! The haters are just jealous that they aren't popular enough to get free shit. I say more power to you if it'll help you lose weight and get physically fit and healthier. I can't wait to read about your progress.