EA Sports Active (Wii)
Manufacturer: Electronic Arts Inc. Part number: 19045
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
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Gamespot editors' review
EA Sports Active (Wii) price range: $58.99 - $68.99
- Reviewed by: Brett Todd
- Reviewed on: 05/28/2009
- Released on: 05/19/2009
Keeping motivated is one of the biggest problems with any plan to get in shape. Countless aspiring exercisers have bought gym memberships that went unused, or treadmills that wound up next to the washer and dryer, doing time as the world's most expensive clothesline. Providing couch potatoes with enough incentive to get up and get moving is even more difficult for console-based exercise games. You've got to provide something very interesting for gamers, because flopping onto the couch and vegging out with a gamepad in one hand and a calorie-crammed soda in the other is never more than a click away. So you have to hand it to EA Sports Active, a personal trainer program for the Nintendo Wii loaded with a ton of innovative exercises and sports challenges that keep you coming back for more. Pro athletes aren't going to turn to the game suddenly to keep them in shape during the off-season, but the average Joe looking for a heart-pumping home workout should be more than pleased with this gym in a box.
The one-on-one sports challenges are very addictive.
Actually, "gym in a box" might be an overstatement. EA Sports Active comes with just the game disc, a Wii Nunchuk-housing thigh band that tracks running, and a stretchy resistance band for lunging and weightlifting (and making your room smell strongly of peppermint). However, the use of these two rather unassuming items lets the game replicate a wide range of athletic activities. Add in the Wii Remote, which is used for throwing, punching, and doing curls, and from the comfort of your living room you can take on just about any exercise that you can do in a gym or on a track. The game also supports the Wii Balance Board for a number of activities, although it isn't a requirement.
Exercises are varied and numerous. A lack of the repetition that makes so many people skip out on the real gym is the only common value shared between them. You can freely choose among dozens of activities geared to get the blood flowing, all divided into separate categories for cardio, lower body, upper body, and sports. It's an impressive collection that includes running on a track, squats and lunges, bicep curls, boxing with targets and a heavy bag, inline skating complete with jumping tricks, aerobic dancing, hitting and throwing a baseball, swinging a tennis racquet, shooting a basketball, and so on. All you do is watch a workout leader in an onscreen box and follow her movements, which are mimicked by your in-game avatar. The great variety of activities keeps the game feeling fresh even many days into working out. It's tough to get bored when you're constantly switching between exercises that hit all muscle groups. Whenever you feel a little repetition creeping in, you can just move on to something completely different. Sick of running on the track? Head to the baseball diamond. Tired of bicep curls? Move over to the heavy bag for a bit.
The primary thrust of the activities is aerobic. Most of the activities tend to focus more on speed and flexibility, rather than strength. Much of the running is combined with high kicks. Boxing is more about fast punches of the heavy bag than dishing out blows with serious oomph. And the resistance bands are so stretchy that they don't pose much of a challenge for larger men. Nevertheless, don't think that this is some lightweight pushover. The easy exercise routines push you through a grueling 20 minutes of running, stretching, and lifting. Be warned: If you're not in reasonably good fitness, at least from a cardio standpoint, the very first introductory workout will beat the crap out of you and leave you soaked in sweat. Don't go in expecting a cakewalk, especially if you're the average couch-potato gamer coming off a winter in which the closest you came to exercise was watching the kid next door shoveling your driveway.
Everything is heavily structured to keep you on course and following a regimen. So though you can simply fire up the game and pick a single exercise to mess around with, the design focuses on choosing a predesigned workout plan with easy, medium, or hard difficulty; setting up a custom exercise program that incorporates up to nine exercises of your choice; or taking on the 30-Day Challenge administered by Oprah Winfrey's aerobics guru, Bob Greene. There is even an option to work out with a friend, which provides an extra little bit of motivation. You can make EA Sports Active be nearly whatever you want it to be. Want a pick-up-and-sweat program for occasional exercise? You got it. Want a "whole life" journal that pushes you on a daily basis, keeps you fixed to a workout calendar, tracks calorie losses over long periods, and even asks questions about what you had to eat yesterday? You've got that, too.
Although the resistance bands aren't strong enough to allow for serious strength training, they're more than suitable to use in a rigorous aerobic workout.
About the only thing you don't have here is first-rate production values. The visuals are cartoonish, and the audio effects are restricted to a pretty limited selection of generic workout music. At least the workout leader is well animated, which makes it easy to follow along, and she also calls out lots of encouragement and instructions to keep you motivated. There are also a few minor issues with controllers. The cord between the Wii Remote and Nunchuk is probably the most serious annoyance. It is a bit small for some of the curls, forcing you to stretch it to its limits to register the movement successfully, and on other exercises you can easily flip the cord right over your head when moving forward. The leg strap could also be a little bit bigger to accommodate larger thighs.
Although it remains debatable how effective EA Sports Active--or any other video game-based workout program--will be at getting the masses into serious shape, the game's combination of exercises and motivational programs is undeniably catchy. It will get your heart pumping, help you lose a few pounds, and is certainly a lot more healthy than indulging in the usual, more sedentary video game alternatives.
User reviews
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Good workout especially if short on time.
by TucsonMom on July 19, 2009
Pros: Design your own is good to get it to a time you need.
Cons: Hard on the knees if you do the lower body workouts. A lot of lunges, squats etc.
Band is not nearly tough enough.
Hard for lefties but you get used to it.Summary: I hold weights in my hands - which is a little hard but that works out better than the bands. Buy a harder band if you are at all in ...
Summary: I hold weights in my hands - which is a little hard but that works out better than the bands. Buy a harder band if you are at all in shape.
The remotes are sometimes not recognized when you do the movements - very frustrating.
I am a lefty but you adjust - it's not that big of a deal although I, too, am surprised they didn't think of this - Wii Sports did just fine...
I'm not sure if I believe the calories it tells you but still a sweat producing workout.
Still for a home workout - there is a lot of variety, levels and the design your own is very good. Worth it if you need to work out at home.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Got me off my behind, and now I'm addicted!
Pros: Lots of variety, does not get boring, makes you really sweat, easy to use
Cons: No focus on abdominal area
Summary: I am hooked! And I would never say that about an exercise product. I have pretty much tried every fitness "game" that has been released, and I always became bored ...
Summary: I am hooked! And I would never say that about an exercise product. I have pretty much tried every fitness "game" that has been released, and I always became bored within the first couple weeks.
I am just about ready to finish my first 30 day challenge (on easy mode) and I am seeing results! I have more energy, more flexability and more stamina then I have had in a very long time.
The program is very easy to use, is very easy to understand, but you need to pay attention on how you are holding the remote and nunchuck while doing the exercises or they won't register.
I am in a medically monitored weight loss program right now, and in our weekly meetings I have sung the praises of this product. I already know of 2 people who have gone out and gotten it for themselves.
I highly recommend this product to anyone who:
A. Cannot afford a gym membership
B. Does not want to be seen working out in public
C. Gets bored easily doing the same thing over and over again.
Thank you EA for helping me to obtain my goals!!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Just enough challenge to know it is working
by chinagirl49 on June 14, 2009
Pros: Lots of variety in each workout.
Cons: No targeted stomach exercises and the cord between the nunchuk and remote is too long sometimes, too short other times
Summary: I like how each exercise is only a few minutes long so you feel like as much as the squat hold hurts, you can last through it knowng that you'...
Summary: I like how each exercise is only a few minutes long so you feel like as much as the squat hold hurts, you can last through it knowng that you'll do something else next. I still use the Wii Fit though for stomach and core exercises (jackknife, plank) as well as for some arm exericses (push-up/side plank). I went and got a stronger resistance band because the one that came with the game was too weak. Overall, really fun and it makes me look forward to working out.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This game helped me loose 35 pounds since July 1, 2009.
by joannejhartman on October 26, 2009
Pros: With me being able to pick the exercises I want to do it keeps my husband and I motivated. We like that it shows us how many calories we have burned and where we are with our goals.
Cons: They should add more trophies. Explain the red and blue bars when it comes to calories burned.
Summary: The leg straps are cheaply made. I bought a extra package beside the one that came with the active, so my husband and I could workout together. I bought them ...
Summary: The leg straps are cheaply made. I bought a extra package beside the one that came with the active, so my husband and I could workout together. I bought them both on 6/24/09 and they are both riping on the seam. I called the company and they wont do anything for me. They said I can go buy another one. I dont need the red band just the leg strap. So now I have 4 red bands when I need 2 and in another 3 months the same thing happens the leg strap rips again. The customer service rep I talked to said if it happens with in 90 days it will be under warranty. I had a wii sports active more workout reserved but I guess after calling to make a complain and I found out they are not willing to do anything I will cancel my reservation for this the new game. For the price I am spending on buying leg straps I can join a gym. Other people who are interested in buying the this may want to think twice. Is this worth 20.00 every 3 1/2 months?
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Great for even terribly fat/ out of shape people
by esltchr724 on October 11, 2009
Pros: Leg band fits! - even for a size 30 woman like me with large thighs. It's motivating and challenging but not too difficult on the easy level. It adjusts the difficulty next time if I couldn't keep up. All the instructional videos easy to follow.
Cons: It has trouble sensing fast kickbacks, but all else was ok. I don't mind. they're HARD.
I'd recommend purchasing a different resistance band if you have any muscle in your arms at all. Seems like it has no resistance - tho' you can make it shorter.Summary: I am very overweight - (300+ lbs) and am quite inactive. I have tried exercising before, but nothing motivated me. After reading MANY online reviews from all types of exercisers/...
Summary: I am very overweight - (300+ lbs) and am quite inactive. I have tried exercising before, but nothing motivated me. After reading MANY online reviews from all types of exercisers/non-exercisers, I thought I'd give it a try. At first I was nervous that the leg band wouldn't fit because I have a very large thigh (size 30 woman's pant).. However, I was thrilled to find there was a leg band extension. With the extenstion I am able to place the leg band in the middle of my thigh (not at the top, but higher than the knee area) and without I can place it just above the knee. It is tight, but not circulating-cutting tight. So I tried it. Day one of the 30 day challenge I didn't break a sweat. I simply practiced a couple reps each of the many exercises it has. Day two, however, it started. I was sweating. I hated that it made me jump, lunge, stand on one foot, etc. (I knew it was good for me, so I just made myself do it.) Though, I have to say I was able to successfully finish all the exercises each day and have yet to be overly sore as with other exercise routines/videos I've done. I was running. YES, RUNNING the second day. I didn't LIKE it, but I was doing it in my basement. It was awesome to be able to run around and not just run in place. Everywhere I went in my basement it was able to sense my movements. Day 3 was a rest day.. But remember to do your journal or you'll get a 0 in each category. By day 4, I actually started to kinda like running. KINDA. I was jumping, lunging, standing on one leg with confidence. I was able to bend my knees to touch the floor and for the first time in a long time didn't feel like I needed a crane to hoist me up. Every day I noticed something new that I couldn't do physically before. My husband says I have more energy, more motivation and more dedication to workout than ever before. :) Go ME!
After your workout, there is a daily activity log and journal. I highly recommend keeping up with those if you're like me and are super lazy with your eating or physical activity throughout the day. It has actually started me thinking, "I am going to have to report this fast food meal.. Do I have time to eat at home?" My 5 year old enjoys "working out" with me and drags me downstairs when I'm "too tired" to exercise. I have to admit. I have TONS more energy after exercising. Even after a long day at work and running a 1/2 mile-ish.
If you're still teetering, you should know this. I am a sucker for "rewards." They can be virtual or real. Wii Active also gives you trophies for different feats. I've already earned a few. Also, when you realize how LONG it takes to burn 1000 calories, you're less apt to knowingly slam a 1000 calorie fast-food meal. It has changed the way I've thought about food because (however accurate it is or isn't) (I read somewhere that you actually burn double what Wii Active says you do), it gives you a "real-time" calorie burn counter. For all the money I've wasted with get thin books, journals, exercise videos, gym memberships I've rarely used, this is worth every penny. I ABSOLUTELY recommend this to even the most out of shape person. I haven't lost any lbs yet, but I know I've gained strength, confidence and energy. I'm sure that if I'd get my terrible eating habits back in control, I would start losing. BUY IT! USE IT and get back into life! No one needs to be embarrassed to exercise any more because you're fat folds jiggle. Mine do too, but my arm wings are getting toned and less floppy by the day. I wouldn't take the time to write this if it weren't true. I'm a teacher. I eat when I'm stressed. I am stressed 9 months of every year. But now? I'm getting fit. My heart is getting stronger. My stress is going down. I'm sleeping better and I love the fact I'm not feeling like 50 anymore. (I'm 35). Good luck and happy exercising! -
Outstanding! It has me working up a sweat.
by detram on September 29, 2009
Pros: I enjoy the 30 day challenge. I look forward to what will be added the next day. The band work great for me and I do find it works
Cons: Keeping the legband up. This slows me down sometimes but it is still worth it.
Summary: It works because I look forward to using the game. enjoyable.
Summary: It works because I look forward to using the game. enjoyable.
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Works most the time, sometimes doesnt read remote.
by tasha876 on August 20, 2009
Pros: I like the different workouts and it does keep you motivated
Cons: I HATE that the software doesnt read some of your positions on a workout! You can do the same workout over a course of days and will read your every move. Then some days will tell you to hold still, reposition, and it still DOESNT WORK!
Summary: It is not consistent on every move. Some days will read what you are doing just fine, other days it wont. Then when you do everything it has said to ...
Summary: It is not consistent on every move. Some days will read what you are doing just fine, other days it wont. Then when you do everything it has said to do and move the remote or nunchuck in every different way to try and have it pick up on your move and it still doesnt read it you have to reboot and it doesnt record anything you have done for that day! Some days I love it,, now most days it makes me mad and I dont want to use it. I have used this workout for almost a month now, 3-6 days a week.
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You don't want to stop!
by FolkToe on August 1, 2009
Pros: *The Wii Active uses your own avatar on screen and a very repetitive, but not condescending voice encouraging me on the exercises.
*Instructions are clear to use the project.
*You feel the difference almost instantly.Cons: *The stap that holds the numchuck kept slipping down my thigh.
*It has no 'off' button telling you 'you've done enough workouts--stop before you pass out' warning, except common sense and in the booklet.Summary: I always wanted a workout program that didn?t include some thin bimbo instructor or
someone who says ?you can do it? and make a move only a censorious could ...Summary: I always wanted a workout program that didn?t include some thin bimbo instructor or
someone who says ?you can do it? and make a move only a censorious could do with an exercise. This is it!
This is the first diet related materials that I am really excited into doing on a daily
basis. Even though you should only due a full workout for 2 days before a ?rest day? I really wanted to continue.
You can custom additional workouts taken from ?cardio? ?sports? ?upper workout? and
?lower workout? selections.
A must buy for those who thought a workout program that was easy to use and
enjoy was hard to find. -
Definitely better than the Wii Fit, but...
by AshlieP on July 10, 2009
Pros: Good variety of work outs, helps you stay motivated.
Cons: Cord between wii remote and nun-chuck is too long sometimes and too short other times, doesn't always pick up my movement correctly.
Summary: I really do enjoy this product for the most part. It has plenty of work outs and definitely gets me sweating, especially with all those freakin lunges! WOW! The only ...
Summary: I really do enjoy this product for the most part. It has plenty of work outs and definitely gets me sweating, especially with all those freakin lunges! WOW! The only frustrating thing is that sometimes when I do the alternating side lunges it thinks I am moving when I am not and will keep telling me to stand still. Also, it will be going at a steady pace and then will hold a rep for a little longer and I will have already started moving, and it doesn't like it when you do that. it tells you to complete the rep fully... Then when I am running or doing the kick backs it won't register that I am actually going at a good speed and it will tell me I am going too slow. BUT, other than those few issues, I really do enjoy this product! I would definitely recommend it.
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Way better than Wii Fit
Pros: Smart, intuitive AI. Ecouraging, really makes you get off the couch.
Cons: A little picky on poses while first starting out. Hard to "run in place" and make the avatar move as fast as you think it should. Resistance band not that strong.
Summary: I got a great exercise from this 'game'. The resistance band is strong enough for me, but not for all. Also the resistance band is basically a rubber balloon, so ...
Summary: I got a great exercise from this 'game'. The resistance band is strong enough for me, but not for all. Also the resistance band is basically a rubber balloon, so if you have severe latex allergies beware, if you're not using you balance board you can wear shoes to prevent direct contact. Still overall, I'm very happy! I'm already trying to get friends to get it.
Specifications
Manufacturer info
- Electronic Arts Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
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- Website: http://www.ea.com/
- Address:
1450 Fashion Island Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94404 - Phone: 650/571-7171
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