Some gamers have used Wii Fit and other Wii games to lose weight and get fit. The American Heart Association has joined forces with Nintendo to promote healthy living.

“Our two organizations come from different worlds, but we share a common goal,” said Clyde Yancy, M.D., president of the American Heart Association. “Showing people accessible ways to stay active has been a part of our mission for decades, but our research tells us nearly 70 percent of Americans are getting no regular physical activity. As an organization we are looking for ways to change this. Nintendo has demonstrated clear leadership in active-play video games with the popularity of the Wii system, and I’m confident that together we can encourage Americans to become more physically active.”

Nintendo and the American Heart Association are launching an online information website at www.activeplaynow.com.

“Nintendo has been helping people get up off the couch and get playing since the Wii system launched in 2006,” said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. “By joining forces with the American Heart Association, we further our commitment to bringing fun and accessible active-play video games to a broader audience.”

The Sports Authority must have gotten the news from the American Heart Association about Wii Fitness games. They are teaming up with Nintendo to sell Wii gaming systems and Wii Fit Plus as well as other accessories and games for Wii. The goal is to get their customers to know the Wii system better and try out Wii Fit Plus before they buy it.

“Consumers already look to us as the authority for their sports and fitness needs, so the retail partnership with Nintendo is the intersection of fitness and interactive gaming,” said David Campisi, president of Sports Authority. “Sports Authority recognized that the Wii console is a product that can help you stay active and have fun with your family at the same time, which is why the retail partnership with Nintendo is a perfect fit.”

To kick things off, Jillian Michaels will be at the Torrance, California Sports Authority on November 19,2009 to celebrate her new Wii work out game, “Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010″.

“Americans are always looking for ways to get fit, and many look to Jillian as the expert in motivation and fitness,” said Giancarlo Chersich, CEO of Empowered Media. “Jillian wanted to support Sports Authority by helping consumers meet their health and wellness goals.”

The events will have the largest Wii Fit Plus demonstration and other surprises. Expect Nintendo products at Sports Authority until Spring 2010.

UPDATE: I will be attending the event and interviewing for GamingAngels. Let me know if you have any questions for Sports Authority or Jillian Michaels!