If you're looking to get into a swimsuit this summer, "Wii Fit" might be a good start to your exercise program.

But Nintendo's new exercise video game for the Wii console won't get you into that suit, said Jennifer Tsao, group managing editor for 1Up Network.

" 'Wii Fit' didn't alone make me feel like I was going to be losing weight," Tsao said. "But I did join a gym after being on it for a couple weeks. I was like, 'I'm ready to do more.' And I think that could be really great for American gamers."

"Wii Fit" is an active-play video game designed to get gamers off the sofa and into shape. It arrives in U.S. stores on Wednesday, May 21.

"The Wii has been incredibly popular, and so all predictions would indicate that this will be, as well," said Emily Shroeder, spokeswoman for Best Buy stores. Schroeder could not disclose store allocation figures for "Wii Fit."

"Wii Fit" has sold nearly 2 million copies in Japan since it's December release.

The game includes a unique peripheral, the Wii Balance Board, that measures a user's weight and center of gravity, and calculates body mass index (BMI) when told the user's height.

"It scales your little 'Mii' character fatter or thinner based on your BMI, which I think is really cute and fun," Tsao said.

Players can get fit with more than 40 activities and exercises, including strength training, aerobics, yoga and balance games. "Wii Fit" tracks your progress with graphs and charts.

"It's a fun way to exercise, but it doesn't take some of the pain out of exercising," said Tsao, who reviewed "Wii Fit" for the gaming Web site 1Up.com. "You're still exercising."

Up to eight family members can create their own profiles in "Wii Fit." But unlike the popular "Wii Sports" active-play video game, it has limited multi-player options.

"It's more about the individual experience done side-by-side with your family than actually competing with your family members one-on-one," Tsao said.

Tsao played "Wii Fit" with her mother, a senior, and son, a toddler. "Anyone can step on it," she said.

Like "Wii Sports," the exercise game appeals to families and nontraditional gamers.

"We're seeing lots of women being interested in it, because it takes away a little bit of that intimidation factor that we may have seen with some of the other platforms," Schroeder said, regarding the Wii.

"Wii Fit" will get gamers moving — most likely toward the store.

"I think certainly throughout the year and as the holidays roll around it's going to be huge," Tsao said.

'Wii Fit' at a glance

What: Exercise video game for Nintendo Wii console

Features: Wii Balance Board and more than 40 yoga, aerobics, strength training and balance activities

Suggested retail price: $89.99

In stores: Wednesday