The Balance Board doesn't get enough credit. Although some games have embraced it, many developers aren't too sure about it. Fortunately, that reluctance doesn't apply to makers of exercise games. Easily half of all Balance Board-aware games fit into this new genre. Unfortunately, the quality isn't always there to justify spending your time with them. In this feature, we'll run down the best exercise games, as well as give you some notes on titles to avoid.

Champions

Wii Fit Plus (Nintendo): We now have the official sequel to Wii Fit, which was already a great game. Although its sometimes-Eastern-leaning exercises, emphasis on yoga and balance, and mini-games didn't set people's hearts on fire, the core exercises and the wondrous technology that is the Wii Balance Board gave Wii Fit a loved place in older gamers' hearts. Twelve new mini-games, a half-dozen new strength and yoga exercises, and greatly appreciated predefined fitness programs boost Wii Fit Plus past its original and EA Sports Active to take the top spot. It's not as heavy a workout, but it's a lot more fun. MetaCritic score: 83.

EA Sports Active (EA): The might of EA thrown behind a fitness game set the Wii scene abuzz. Now that it's here, it had taken the gold medal until Wii Fit Plus came along. Individualized training programs, Western-oriented exercises, and a wide variety of activities makes EA Sports Active an excellent exercise game. The included nunchuk holder and exercise band enhance the interactivity, as well as Balance Board compatibility. The only real problem is that it takes your word on your weight -- no weighing with the Balance Board, which is officially considered optional -- and the fitness programs feel a lot more like work. But the 30 Day Challenge definitely makes EA Sports Active a serious contender for those who have grown past the relatively light demands of Wii Fit Plus and the winner of our silver medal. MetaCritic score: 81.

Gold's Gym Cardio Workout (Ubisoft): Here's a surprise, a licensed exercise game that doesn't stink (see "Cut From the Team" below). Unlike the relatively sedate Wii Fit Plus, Gold's Gym is based on rhythm boxing training, as its athletic pedigree might suggest. Being able to use two Wii remotes (instead of a Wii remote-nunchuk combo, since we know the nunchuk is less responsive) is a big plus. There's some Balance Board support, but not a ton of it. Once you get past the boxing exercises, it gets a lot weaker but it's still quite a worthy package and deserving of our bronze medal. approximate* MetaCritic score: 84.

Junior Varsity

The Biggest Loser (THQ): I hope you like Jillian Michaels, because here she is again.The host of the TV show hosts this game based on it, along with Bob Harper.  A little gamey in the control department, but otherwise a solid effort.  Lets you specify 4, 8, or 12 week programs, and it has dynamic avatars -- work yourself harder and they look thinner when you're done!  MetaCritic score: 74.

My Fitness Coach (Ubisoft): After the big 2 games, there's a huge drop-off in quality. Fortunately, our bronze medalist has enough merit to not embarass itself. It looks better than some of the competition, and has superior fitness tracking and information. Unfortunately, you don't actually interact with it, so it's more like a glorified fitness video. No Balance Board usage at all, but in the end it's competent enough to not embarass its publisher. approximate* MetaCritic score: 71.

Active Life: Outdoor Challenge (Namco Bandai): Outdoor Challenge doesn't use the Balance Board, but it's own mat built in a similar fashion to the home versions of Dance Dance Revolution. Geared more towards children, it's not as sophisticated as the other games, can get repetitive, and isn't the best looking game, but in fun factor, it holds its own. MetaCritic score: 69.

Active Life: Extreme Challenge (Namco Bandai): It's by the same company as Active Life: Outdoor Challenge, and it uses the same mat. It's the sequel, and like many sequels, it's not quite as good as the original. Still, if you enjoy Outdoor Challenge, Extreme Challenge is more of the same and is likely to entertain you and work you out. Just don't get your expectations up too high. MetaCritic score: 57.

Cut From the Team

Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2009 (Majesco): Awful graphics and little actual Wii control usage sabotage a game that could have been an effective fitness tool. The original sold well because it had no competition for a year, but the 2009 interation wasn't any improvement. MetaCritic score: 30.

Daisy Fuentes Pilates (SEGA): Ditto, but with pseudo-yoga. If you enjoy Pilates, this could actually put you off of it. approximate* MetaCritic score: 30.

Waiting for Tryouts

Your Shape (Ubisoft): Get out of the way, Natal. Ubisoft trumps Microsoft's wildcard with their own bundled camera in this upcoming fitness title featuring Jenny McCarthy. It should be out in time for the Christmas season.

Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010 (Majesco): It's officially a franchise.  Whether that's good or bad remains to be seen.

* By "approximate MetaCritic score", we mean the average score of the reviews available. These games may only have 2 or 3 reviews to date, which are not enough to meet MetaCritic's threshold for reliability in aggregating reviews.