How many levels are there in the wii fit + running? Only 3? I don't like the questions at the end, they break my concentration, so I keep going back to the original 20 or 30 minute runs. I put on my Ipod and zone out when I run, how am I supposed to notice who wore the chicken outfit, and why does it matter?
I used to use my son's wii fit, but I wanted the + for Christmas because it gives you calories burned, which is a nice incentive, however, when I do 20 minutes on the free run, it always reads 200 calories burned. It doesn't seem to matter if I run the course faster or not.
And does anyone know why running on the original game is 5 mets, while on + it's only 4?

I'm beginning to look at heart rate monitors that show calories. I need all the help to keep me going I can get.

Why does it matter who is in the chicken suit? Because you might be asked a question about it. Part of the game is observing what is around you. If that isn't your cup of tea, then the basic runs in Wii Fit are best for you.

The reason the number of calories is the same is that all the inputs into the METS formula are the same. If you go into the 'My Wii Fit Plus' section and press 'METS', you will see how this is calculated.

As for why the Wii Fit Plus running games are a lower MET, I'm not certain, but it may be because, as you are concentrating on everything around you, you likely run slower and less efficiently than if you were not concentrating on these things.

As for heart rate monitors, the problem I've found with them is that if one doesn't sweat much - and I don't, no matter how hard I work out - then they don't work very well.

Ah, I remember now, they calculate by time and weight only, not effort. OK.

I saw some recommend you wipe the monitor device with water before starting, something to keep in mind if I get one, as I usually don't sweat much till I've stopped the activity

Yes, I have a heart rate monitor and the instructions say you should wet the sensor where it touches the skin.

The sensor works by measuring the electrical signals that control the beating heart, so you need a little moisture to conduct the current.