Kinections

After much deliberation, I decided today was the day to pick up Microsoft Kinect and Your Shape: Fitness Evolved. Driven partially by a need to invigorate my exercise regime, and partially because it was on sale this week on the cover of the Best Buy ad. You might be quick to label me a New Year's resolute, but I assure you I've had my eye on this game since Kinect was introduced. Besides, running after work everyday in subzero temperatures isn't exactly something I look forward to on a daily basis.
So now that I took the plunge and spent the evening getting my feet wet, I can say I'm very happy with the purchase. The Kinect system itself was simple to setup, and it performed exactly as I expected in my play area. Granted, our living room is the ideal setup (6 -8 of empty space in front of the TV and no coffee table) but I was still impressed with it's functionality. Navigation is more of novelty, but the voice commands are quite useful when you are preparing for your workout and don't want to carry the controller around.
Your Shape: Fitness Evolved is very fun way to do cardio, strength training and/or just break a sweat. After taking a short physical evaluation, numerous workout programs are available tailored specifically to your level and goal preferences. I've only just scratched the service of the programs, but the workouts feel precise and the feedback is helpful to get the most out of each exercise. With just me and my digital personal trainer, I feel less likely to be self conscious, and being "scored" on the exercises gives you incentive to improve where it's needed.
So today I burned 227 calories and $195, both of which I feel are a great start to a more diverse, enjoyable exercise routine.