Six of the best… hi-tech work outs

What do you do if you are not confident enough to go the gym? Or perhaps you’re not prepared to venture into the British weather in aid of the perfect body. We look at what’s on the market for those stay at home fitness freaks…

Wii Fit – from £69

Try www.wii-consoles.co.uk/wii-fit-in-stock.asp
The Wii Fit comes complete with its own special balance board and is the must-have fitness computer game from the Nintendo stable, which already includes virtual games such as tennis, boxing and bowling. It has four training categories aimed at improving players’ muscle condition, balance, flexibility and aerobic capacity. Exercises range from hula hooping, requiring minute transfers of weight, rhythm and fluidity, to the more macho stuff like thigh bends and press ups – more about brute strength than finesse.

The Wii provides a range of stats, personal targets, graphs and the like, which are a good incentive to keep going once the initial enthusiasm has worn off. Mostly though, all this wizardry simply makes mucking around even more fun than it is already!

You’ll need the Wii console too which costs £179.99 for the console and Wii Sports package; games cost from £19.99

Power Plate – from £5,000

www.powerplate.com
Favoured by the likes of Madonna, Claudia Schiffer and Heidi Klum, the Power Plate has gained a reputation for a no-sweat (literally) workout. It rapidly vibrates, contracting your muscles 20 to 50 times every second, which the maker claims will stimulate muscles, burn fat and tone you up. But don’t be fooled by celebrity endorsement. Anyone who has seen Madonna out jogging knows her stick-thin physique is the result of more than good vibrations. And while the Power Plate may improve muscle tone, an aerobics class will give your heart a better workout.

Gamercize -  from £99

www.gamercize.net
Any seasoned gamer will tell you that most fitness-themed computer or console games quickly become boring. What gamers really want is to firm up their thighs while still being able to plug into their favourite franchise. Step in Richard Coshott, who, in an attempt to stop his game-loving kids from evolving into couch potatoes, invented Gamercize, fitness gadgets which plug into your PC or console. If you stop exercising, the game pauses.

iJoy Ride – £399

www.ijoyride.co.uk
There’s no firm scientific evidence to support iJoy’s claim that its horse simulator improves circulation, tones you up and boosts your immune system. But, if nothing else, it will have you chuckling as you rock back and forth like a polar bear at the zoo. Stay in the saddle for an hour while completing a bizarre mix of aerobics and thigh gripping and you can burn up to 400 calories. The price, however, may mean that you’d be better off popping down to your local stables.

X-Dream – £6,999

www.x-biking.com
Half-exercise bike, half-computer console, the high-tech X-Dream allows you to ride through a variety of terrains, from the Highlands to across deserts. It also allows you to create a rider profile, right down to hair colour and clothes and, unlike standard exercise bikes, is designed to simulate as closely as possible the experience of riding outdoors so you feel every gear change and new terrain. You can even link up with up to five other X-Dreamers and race against each other.

Hydro Physio Lifestyle Underwater Treadmill – £35,000

www.hydrophysio.com
Electricity and water don’t usually go together, but running in water reduces the chances of injury as it puts less strain on your joints. Some studies also have shown that training in water is more effective. However, if all you want is a pert bum and tight thighs, you could spend the money on a 77-year membership to your local gym.