Whoever invented the Wii Fit, a virtual gym that can be used in conjunction with the gaming console, deserves a medal. Heck, he or she deserves a raise because it's going to be a huge seller for Nintendo Co. (OTC: NTDOY).

This game is perfect for someone like me who doesn't exercise as much as he should, which in my case means hardly ever. The Wii Fit, which will be available May 19, also will be useful for parents trying to get their children to exercise more. "Wii Fit is all about breaking the definition of video-gaming, about something that keeps you and your family fit and engaged," said Reggie Fils-Aime, president of Nintendo's U.S. division, in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.

The company has sold 1.4 million copies of Wii Fit since it went on sale in Japan in December, according to the paper, which said the game will sell for less than $100 in the U.S. Already the media is gushing over the product. Here's a sample from theU.K.'s Guardian:

The games console, which plugs into any TV, comes with a balance board, about the size of a pair of bathroom scales. Once stepped on, this board calculates a player's bodymass index based on their weight, height and age. The player then carries out a few basic balance exercises on the board to gauge their rough level of fitness.

Using a number of on-screen games and a digitized fitness instructor, the Wii Fit then takes the player through over 40 different muscle, stretching, aerobic and balance exercises from downhill skiing and football to yoga and press-ups. Players can set their own targets, whether to reduce their body mass index or improve their flexibility and agility.

The only question I how the digital fitness instructor will motivate people to "feel the burn" when they start to slack off.

Freelance writer Jonathan Berr edits the blog Ketchup and Eggs.