EA Sports Active [Nintendo Wii]
May 20th, 2009 | 137 views | Posted by in Cheap Video Games
EA Sports Active
Developed in collaboration with fitness expert Bob Greene, best known as Oprah’s personal trainer, EA SPORTS Active provides a fun, inexpensive and easy to maintain regimen designed to encourage physical fitness and healthy living. A combination of a wide variety of interactive activities and exercises, linked together into an ever-changing circuit training routine targeting the muscles of the upper and lower body, as well as providing cardio for a healthy heart, it is the perfect exercise option for every member of a modern household.
Gameplay
Designed around the standard Wii Remote/Nunchuck tethered controller configuration, EA SPORTS Active‘s interactive fitness program is more focused on physical activities than previous ‘fitness’ titles for the Wii, but still challenges you to have fun while developing a more healthy lifestyle. Separated into the three sections of workout, nutrition, lifestyle, and other activity, the user’s experience begins with a pep talk from Bob Greene which quickly transitions into the beginnings of action as players set up profiles, choose a virtual personal trainer and enter baseline data like age, weight, gender, fitness goals, etc. Although the nutrition, lifestyle, and other activity sections add a holistic element facilitated by a mix of surveys and data input, building fitness through physical activity is the driving force behind EA SPORTS Active and as such the meat of the content resides in the workout section. Here players will find dozens of themed strength training and cardio workouts which can be customized as you choose and linked into circuit traning routines. These routines are introduced and monitored by your personal trainer, and allow for ongoing player motivation via real-time feedback on your workout form, an approximation of calories burned and the ability to adjust levels of exercise intensity.
Accessories
Although activity in EA SPORTS Active flows exclusively through the combination of the Wii Remote and Nunchuck controllers, it also utilizes a few additional accessories to maximize the functionality of this configuration. The first of these included with the game is the controller leg strap. By attaching this to their upper thigh and then slipping the Nunchuck controller into it, players can utilize the Nunchuck controller’s motion sensing capabilities while it is connected to the Wii Remote to monitor their leg movements. This allows for cardio exercises like jogging and cardio boxing and strength training activities like squats. Also included with the game is a resistance band designed to increase the intensity of a variety of exercises such as bicep curls and shoulder presses and lifts. In addition, although not included, the Wii Balance board is compatible with many EA SPORTS Active workouts, but only as an optional added controller configuration.
Revolutionize your workout regimen with EA SPORTS Active, the ultimate interactive fitness program that’s designed for you. Get fit with a holistic approach to fitness that combines nutrition and lifestyle factors, with a variety of activities, all from the convenience of your living room. From customized routines that target upper body, lower body, and cardio to a guided 30-day challenge that tests muscle endurance, coordination and agility, stay in shape with fitness made fun and easy.
EA Sports Active Review
It was very easy to get set up. I configured my workout person to look a little bit like me although I hope I am a bit cuter. I kind of wish that they had child avatars for my kids who will play this soon, but that isn’t my biggest need.
I chose to work out on a medium skill level for the 30 day challenge. I’m not ultra fit by any means, but I’d like to think that I could run a mile or two if someone was chasing me. At the beginning of my workout, I started to think that I wasn’t being pushed enough, but by the end, I was sweating like a big dog — which was great. I believe my perception was caused by learning each movement before I started which gave me rest time. At the middle of my workout, some of the prior activities came up again and I was able to go right from exercise to exercise and that’s what I like. This is so much better than the Wii Fit.
I did the running, punching, inline skating (super fun and a killer), side lunges, squats and front shoulder raises for my first workout. Every exercise was entertaining. It did take me a little bit to get used to how you hold the remote, but now I’m a pro. I did do the “couch test” where I placed the remote on the couch to see if the avatar would do the exercise anyway — which it didn’t — unlike some other fitness titles. It really does mimic your movements, which I like.
Time for a shower and I can’t wait for day two of my challenge. I can assure you that you’ll like this game if you put the work into it. The couch won’t do it for you. 
Buy EA Sports Active
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I am glad you loved the 30 Day Challenge too! It’s really something to encourage you to workout regularly. The trophies are a plus!