Monday, July 20, 2009

The Development of Wii Active

When Wii Fit hit the market the previous year, it was being advertised as the perfect union between working out and games. It was a marriage between fun and fitness in a $90 box. When the people finally tried out the program, many were happy, while some felt that there was still room for improvement. The software games focused on the Asian model of fitness. Westerners, however, needed something more. Many criticized its basis for measurement, often calling fit people obese, having in mind the average measurement of Asians who are generally more slightly built than Westerners.

Recently, Electronic Arts announced EA Sports Active, its long-rumored exercise game. The game does not require the Wii Balance board at all, but will instead rely on a neoprene peripheral that will strap the Wii remote or nunchuk to a player's leg. The program also comes with a rubber resistance band for strength training. All these for a retail price of $60, which is $30 less than Wii Fit.

EA Sports Active features more than 25 exercises. There are also tools such as a calorie counter, a virtual personal trainer, a 30-day weight-loss program, and some customizable workouts included. The makers behind the software are aware of the different philosophy between the East and West. They designed the program to recognize the body type and health requirements of westerners. They've also spent a lot of time working with Nintendo to make sure that the leg straps fit snugly and that it will be able to measure the players’ movements with no hassle.

Nintendo Wii’s Famous Trainers

To make your workouts more fun and believable, EA Sports Active has included Avatars of famous exercise gurus to guide you as you work your way towards your fitness goals. One of the newest games is EA Sports Active Personal Trainer 2009. The game offers quick twenty-minute workouts that enable the player to take advantage of high intensity cardio as well as upper and lower body muscle workouts. You will be encouraged to strive for weight loss by getting into shape with a healthy lifestyle.

Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2009 is one of the top games for Wii. The market wants Jillian Michaels to strictly get them into shape just like she does on the hit television show, The Biggest Loser. The software comes with five different workouts and it includes cardio workouts that are combined with intervals and strength training. You also get tips along the way.

Then, there’s Bob Greene. He is EA’s Sports Active’s latest trainer. He was also involved with the development of the game that has recently hit the shelves. He is a famous American Exercise Physiologist and certified Personal Trainer. He has authored 10 books that talks about health, exercise, and diet. Moreover, he is better known as Oprah Winfrey’s trainer and has frequently been a guest on her show. He also has a radio show on the “Oprah and Friends” satellite radio network. With his reputation for being one of the best in his field, users of Wii Active will be inspired to exercise and work out. With him working alongside the makers, you know that you are getting what you deserve when you make the purchase.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Wii Active, Today’s Remarkable Breakthrough

Since the introduction of Wii Fit to the market, people have been using this medium of exercise to get in shape from the comfort of their own homes. From its birth as a video game, Nintendo has become all that and more. The equipment no longer targets the younger portion of the population. In fact, adults have gotten into it because of the innovative workout system that allows a person to get into shape. From video games to fitness experts, this is one of the most remarkable feats accomplished in today’s era.

To meet the further needs of people, EA has come out with a new software program. Being one of the leading software developers, EA has designed the new Wii Active, set to rival Wii Fit. First and foremost, it is far cheaper than the current Wii Fit. It presents a variety of games which are available for the system to create a versatile workout program that never leaves you bored and restless. If you feel the need to change your exercise program, all you need to do is choose from more than the 25 other games available.

The accessories were designed to make the entire workout fun yet challenging. You no longer need to worry about standing on the balance board. Wii Active has leg straps to measure your movements. You can also opt to use the control mat for its outdoor programs, but unlike the balance board, you won’t hesitate to jump and stomp because the mat was made to be sturdy and long-lasting.

The Best Part about the 30 Day Challenge

EA SPORTS Active challenges all of Wii Active’s buyers to embark on a 30 day challenge. It has set out to prove itself to the market as the leading fitness guru in the world of technology. You can use the structure included in the package as a road map to reach your own personal fitness goals and desires. During the entire program, your trainer will be the focal point of the experience. The trainer is represented by an avatar on screen. With your help, your trainer will create a new 20 minute workout for you every day. All you need to do is fill out the necessary details on the journal found at the right side of the screen. Then, they will provide you with clear instructions and encouraging words.

The software features a wide variety of activities that target your upper body and lower body. Included in the workout are different cardio activities for each fitness level. Each daily workout will feel a little different from the last, much like a gym workout. You will be required to increase in intensity as you work up a sweat towards your goal. In the custom workout mode, you can adjust the length of the workout to the time you want. You can also choose to focus on specific body areas and isolate the muscles. Plus, you can identify your favorite from more than the 25 workouts included. As you exercise, you will see how many calories you are burning in real time. This is a great motivational addition because it will inspire you to focus on what you want to get out of this regimen.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

EA SPORTS Active Trainer

EA SPORTS Active was set for release last May 2009. The software was designed exclusively for the Wii games console. All the latest games have been carefully designed to meet the demands of the Western market. You finally have a guide with American accent and current beats to accompany you during the workout. The programs were developed in collaboration with top fitness experts.

Wii Active enables you to take part of the fun and easy to learn exercises. You can have your family and friends join in as well. The activities included create circuit training fitness routines that you can do all from the comfort of your own home. You don’t have to go to the gym to get a skilled trainer to guide you. Aside from saving money from paying for the services of an expert, the trainers in the program don’t cost anything. It’s all part of the package when you buy the software.

Your trainer will help you track your movements on screen to give you real time feedback on your overall performance. You can follow both upper and lower body movements and experience Wii controls in a whole new light with its uniquely designed leg straps. Two controls are provided in each box so you can work out alongside with a friend or a family member. As you move a level up, your trainer is also there to increase the intensity of your workouts. You can buy resistance bands of various levels to meet the needs of the exercise given. Just make sure that you are equipped with the right accessory otherwise it won’t be recognized on the screen.

Doing the Exercises for Wii Active

The best thing about Wii Active is that you can do the exercises with a friend. But if you’ve set to join the 30-Day Challenge, it is best that you do this alone. Not to fret, because if you’ve exercised with a different program which is not part of the challenge, you simply have to log it in your journal. The software immediately adapts to the changes.

During the actual exercise, you should follow the on screen prompts during the workout to ensure that you are doing them at the right pace. Remember, each exercise was designed to work at a specific pace. Some programs will show on screen messages that tell you if you are following the set rules while others use a “ding” sound effect to let you know when your next move is coming up. A trainer is set up so that you can take their lead and follow their body movements. When the next routine comes up, the avatar moves to indicate when its time for you to continue. It is very important that you carefully keep an eye on the correct positioning of your body as an assurance that you are targeting the right muscles.

If you find an exercise too difficult to do and follow, you can opt to skip it. To do this, just press the + button on the Wii remote and go to the pause menu. Select “skip exercise” to move on to the next routine. You can also remove exercises on the Today’s Exercise screen before the workout. Just mark a red “X” next to the exercise you do not want to do for that day.

Friday, July 17, 2009

EA SPORTS Active 30-Day Challenge

You can achieve your fitness goals with EA’s 30-Day Challenge. To make this mission more fun, you can use a variety of activities. Workouts no longer have to be boring because now you can choose from more than 25 activities.

This 30 day challenge should be done on your own. If you want to exercise with a friend, you can do many pre-set or custom workouts. These, however, will not count as part of the challenge.

To make your workout easier to track and follow, the journal calendar included in the software keeps track of every single workout. Within the 30 days, you will see a slightly different calendar that only tracks the specific workouts that you do as part of the challenge. You will be able to see your level, next workout, and rest days. There are tabs on the top corner of each journal page. You are able to flip through the pages and see what has been done and what is yet needed. Though you may not be able to do workouts for days you missed, you are allowed to fill out the survey form and record other activities done outside the program.

Just like an actual workout at the gym, Wii Active was designed to be flexible. You can make these activities suit your lifestyle and adjust to your needs. The makers behind the software recognize the fact that reality can sometimes get in the way and that you also need to make adjustments so that you are able to meet your other responsibilities.

Additional Features for Wii Active

Just like having a personal trainer at the gym, EA Sports Active's virtual trainer guides and motivates you as you strive to reach your fitness goals. Throughout each workout, you'll get well laid out instructions, instant feedback, encouraging bits of advice, and valuable tips to help you achieve prime results. The best thing about this is that your personal trainer doesn’t charge you by the hour nor does he raise his professional fees.

Moreover, you will get a built-in journal that helps you monitor your progress as you advance. All you need to do is set your fitness goals the very first time you work out. You can regularly check to see your development. You are also able to log other information such as the food you eat and the activities you do outside.

A few of its popular programs are dancing, inline skating, tennis, and volleyball. There are more than 25 exercises available, and you can choose from a medley to see which one interests you the most. The exercises were designed to make you sweat and target the different muscles in your body. You can also isolate your workout to target the muscles you want to strengthen and enhance. You’ll never find workouts boring with so many choices available.

Achieve your fitness goals in just one month with the 30 Day Challenge. Try a new activity every day. Each exercise is tailored to your fitness level and geared toward your goals. As you see the effects on your body, you are kept motivated and challenged.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Accessories that Go with Wii Active

To fully enjoy the benefits of Wii Active, these accessories that cost $19.95 a set will enhance your experience:

1. Leg strap. This is to be placed on your upper right thigh with the pouch facing upwards. The pouch should rest on your thigh while the strap should be fastened snugly, but make sure that it isn’t so tight that it cuts circulation off your leg. It is recommended that you wear shorts or a tight pair of workout pants to minimize risk of strap falling off. If the strap keeps falling or slipping off, try wearing a different pair of exercise pants and/or shorts. Putting the strap on your bare leg is still best.

2. Nunchuk. This is a must because it works together with the remote. This little piece of accessory is there to help measure your leg movements and stretches, especially when you are asked to jog, kick, or jump in place. When it is inserted in the leg strap, open the pouch and slide in the nunchuk with the widest part going in first, and ensure that it’s inserted fully into the pouch. It should also be placed on its side within the pouch so it should feel comfortable when it is resting against your thigh. The control stick should be completely covered by the pouch and pointing to your right side so leg movements will be recognized.

3. Resistance Bands. It increases the intensity of bicep curls, shoulder presses, and many other exercises. Depending on the desired intensity of your upper body workout, you can use various grades. However, make sure that you are using the kind that allows you to complete the exercises properly.

Questions about EA’s Wii Active

Now that EA’s Wii Active is out in the market, a few of its users had questions about the use of the new product. EA set out to answer them as clearly as possible.

What controls are needed to use EA SPORTS Active? Basically, you just need two of them, namely the Wii remote and nunchuk. The nunchuk has to be plugged in to the Wii Remote throughout the exercise program. You can also use the Wii balance board for some exercises. But for EA Sports Active, this is not a necessity.
How are the remote and nunchuk used? Depending on the exercise, these two accessories will have a variety of uses. Not to worry because a trainer and video instruction are available for each program. Generally, you will be asked to hold the Wii remote on your right hand. The nunchuk will either be placed on your left hand or on the leg strap, depending on the kind of exercise you choose.

How do the controls respond to the movements? The secret to this is to always try to follow the trainer and mimic his movements. If you have difficulty doing this, again it is advised that you watch the video instructions before you exercise. This will provide you with tips on how to move correctly. Once you’ve started, listen to the trainer carefully and follow the text on the screen. When you need to put the nunchuk on the leg strap, insert it properly, pointing down with the control stick facing to the right.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

The New Trend of Home Exercise

Gone are the days where you have to drive to the gym to get the decent workout that you deserve. In everyone’s efforts to make fitness available to those with no time and very little budget to actually head out of their homes and offices, several companies such as Nintendo and EA have collaborated to create the best exercise program out there.

Having your own gym equipment can also be too costly, and hiring a personal trainer can even weigh heavier on your budget. The best solution is to get EA’s Wii Active. What makes this the greatest technological breakthrough to date? First, at the price of $60, it is much cheaper than today’s Nintendo Wii Fit. It’s a one-time purchase that provides you a lifetime’s worth of service. Secondly, it comes with accessories to help you with your movements and positioning as you go through the workout program. Thirdly, you can choose a variety of games and programs to make your exercise spontaneous and more fun. And lastly, you can customize your exercise and have your avatar keep track of your progress as if you had a personal trainer of your very own.

Today’s generation can benefit from the latest developments in the realm of technology and health. If someone said years ago that these two ideas were mutually exclusive, they are now proven wrong. Technology has proven to conquer every realm, and it has broken barriers to show everyone that they all can benefit from this recent advance. Stay fit, keep your schedules uninterrupted, and make exercise more fun with the help of EA’s Wii Active.

Features of Wii Active

A big release happened this year in the realm of fitness, health, and sports. EA’s Wii Active was set to compete against Nintendo’s Wii Fit with new features and innovative programs. What makes Wii Active a great buy? Here are just a few of its features:

1. The availability of 20-minute circuits, inclusive of both new and familiar activities. These cardio workouts were designed to target your upper and lower body, legs, and arms. You can get fit with only a few minutes of your time each day.

2. You have a trainer to guide you throughout the entire workout process. Your trainer will be there to keep track of your progress by providing you with constant feedback all throughout.

3. You can customize and personalize your entire regimen to make it fit your body’s needs and capabilities.

4. You can embark on a 30-day challenge and tailor fitness challenges to meet your level of fitness.

5. You need not worry about veering away from the ideal path because the circuits installed in the software will also adjust and change so that you are properly guided until you reach your desired goal.

6. You will be able to keep track of the calories burned, the intensity of the entire workout, your own personal progress, and the duration of each workout.

7. The leg straps and Wii remote all work to measure your body’s movement while you follow the avatar on your TV screen.

8. The resistance bands are made to outlast as you stretch them to their limits during your workout.

Monday, July 13, 2009

EA Wii Active versus Wii Fit

You can watch yourself box, inline skate, and do all manner of exercises in this wonderful breakthrough in the technological arena. EA’s Wii active aims to make exercise more fun, motivational, and addictive. For those who get bored with the same routine, they can also choose not to have the same exercise twice. Flexibility: that’s its main strength.

EA Sports Active for the Nintendo Wii has been released last May 2009, and they’ve launched a website that features Carmen Bott and Bob Greene, world class trainers and health enthusiasts. Though both Wii Active and Wii Fit were designed to be fun and functional, the former enhances the program by making the activities more “westernized.” Gone are the voice-overs that are done with thick Asian accents. People from English-speaking countries can now better understand their avatars. Moreover, the music that goes with each workout no longer sounds like it came from a decrepit 80’s radio show. The beat reflects the current trends, making movement more fun. Users of the Nintendo Wii don’t have to put their TV’s on mute because they can now listen to the improved sound quality that Wii Active offers.

If you haven't tried the Wii Fit at all, go to your nearest retail shops and compare the two software products. It's hard to stay motivated watching cute little Wii Mii's move along to sounds that are totally unfamiliar to you. Wii Active, on the other hand, has been designed and programmed to fit the interests of the western culture.

Have Fun with Wii Active

There are days where working out is simply not an option. When exercises get too repetitive and tedious, you may have a harder time convincing yourself to put that television on and exercise. An answer to this dilemma is EA’s new Wii Active.

The squats and lunge jumps are always difficult to perform, but when you shift onto the other games such as inline skating, dance, tennis, batting, and several others, you add spice into the whole workout. The best thing about the Wii Active is that the accessories are handy and simple to use. You can have the nunchuk in the leg strap as you get real time feedback on how your entire body is positioned. If you have the wrong posture, you immediately get some feedback from the screen. Your very own avatar moves along so that you have a guide on how you’re performing. You can have the real physical workout without feeling like you’re working hard to keep yourself motivated. The variety of features is enough to now make you look forward to exercising.

What makes EA Sports Active a real champion is the combination of variety, flexibility, and fun. You have the freedom to choose whether or not to use the balance board or just utilize the leg straps and resistance bands. The addictive exercises were designed to continually challenge you as move a notch up each level. You no longer have to overexert yourself and strain your muscles because each regimen was carefully planned and designed.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Wii Active’s 30 Day Challenge

Last May 19th, EA Sports Active hit the shelves. The home fitness theory that sets the theme for the entire software was launched for the purpose of challenging the Wii Fit’s routine at a much lower price.

EA Sports Active’s biggest plus may be the variety that comes with the product. It comes with a special resistance band with handles. This makes your Wii remote and nunchuk easier to hold and grip as you sweat through the regimen. Moreover, it also comes with a leg strap which has a kind of nunchuk holster so that your lower body movement can be tracked and measured. Its biggest plus is that it also works with the Wii Fit Balance Board for many of the activities. Join the two biggest forces in video exercise without wasting your precious money.

The door to an endless number of possibilities has already been opened. You can have your very own personal trainer during your workout so that you get the professional assistance without having to pay for extra fees that gyms require. You can now go on the 30 Day Challenge with the help of your trainer as he creates new workouts tailored to your progress and goals. You move through your exercises with proper instruction and motivation, with a video instruction that comes with each workout to make sure that you perform the movements properly. As you go through the days, you can select the individualized exercises and pre-designed workouts put together by duration and focus. You can also choose and create your own workout.

Wii Active Outdoor Activities

With Nintendo’s Wii Active, you will be using a control mat, which comes with the outdoor challenge games. It plugs into one of the GameCube ports found on top of the Wii. This mat is a little more sophisticated when compared to the traditional dance mats that we all know of. The Outdoor Challenge mat is equipped with six direction arrows and button pads, allowing two players to use it at the same time.

The mat is divided into two sets with four button inputs on the blue side and on the amber side for. Each player takes one color, but if there is only one player, he or she puts their feet in the center. For good exercise routines, here are a few suggested games:

1. A good aerobics exercise is called the Timber Trail game. In its most basic level, you will be asked to run in place to reach your goal. The higher levels present chasms and other obstacles that you will have to jump over or dodge. Unlike the Wii Fit board, this mat is more durable, allowing you to stamp on it.

2. There are other mini-games such as mine cart or river rafting. Most of these games are cardiovascular exercises that are meant to make you sweat.

3. Boxing and inline skating. Follow your avatar as you work your way to your goal. The leg straps and nunchuks are there to help gauge your movements and stretches. Again, there are levels available for those who want to work their way up to the most difficult routine.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Nintendo Wii Active’s Outdoor Sports Fun

For those who prefer the outdoors and want a chance to get some exercise even while living in the city, there’s EA’s new product called The Active Life. This outdoor challenge is set out to rival Nintendo’s Wii Fit. Just like its market equal, the whole purpose of the software is to help everyone burn calories. With constant use, losing weight is a definite possibility. The software was developed to target the female market. Nonetheless, men can participate in it as well.

What makes Wii Active worth your every penny? The makers behind this product realize the need for entertainment value. After all, who wants to get into an exercise regime that is monotonous and tedious? Its fun activities were set out to give life to the everyday health regime. You can pick a medley of daily activities as you play sports games while you challenge your strength and resiliency.

While Wii Fit is still the formidable seller out in the market, the outdoor challenge comes close to providing you with a good aerobics workout. Run and jump your way to a better body. As with any exercise program, you must consult with your doctor first to make sure that your body can handle the different levels of strenuous exercises. You should also do some stretching exercises before you start playing the game. It’s a real physical workout with a realistic simulation with outdoor sports. Set to hit the shelves on May 19, buyers can enjoy the low price, selling at $30 less than Nintendo’s Wii Fit.

Females Will Enjoy Wii Active

Majority of the world’s female population can immensely benefit from EA’s new product, the Wii Active. Why? Because it caters to their health requirements by presenting them a variety of exercises: from yoga, aerobics, and to even outdoor activities.

The difference between Wii Active and Wii Fit is the mat. Wii Active does not require the use of this mat, which, to some, is a big plus because they will no longer feel the need to balance in this small elevation. Instead, they can use resistance bands that measure the amount of strength output the person gives. The nunchuk pocket holds the controller while they do leg exercises as it gauges exercise techniques and repetitions.

Because its target market is the female population, the virtual trainer strikingly resembles Oprah’s trainer Bob Greene. He will be there to guide the users as they go through a variety of movements. As the girls sweat it out, the trainer eggs them further and encourages them to continue as they stretch their muscles out. The best thing about this new technological advance is the fact that the participants are given the freedom to choose their exercise regime should they get bored with their routine. The visuals and sounds placed are there for further entertainment. Now, they can no longer get uninterested because they are made to choose which exercise interests them the most.

From the recent feedback made by those who have joined the Wii Active 30-day challenge, it sounds like the product is developing nicely.

Friday, July 10, 2009

EA: The Up and Coming Software Giant

The titans of the software development industry are about to engage in a competitive battle with the makers behind Nintendo’s Wii Fit technology. Last May 19, 2009, a new software called the Wii Active infiltrated the market. This will be placed directly to compete with Nintendo’s Wii Fit. EA’s Wii Active aims to target women who want to participate in a variety of exercise games without having to leave their own home. Several people think this new product will upstage Wii Fit for a number of reasons:

1. The asking price will be $30 less than Wii Fit’s current asking price of $90.

2. There are no balance boards included in the exercise program. Sometimes, these things can pose as a hindrance for the person doing the entire workout routine simply because they worry half the time about not falling from the small platform.

3. Instead of the balance boards, power bands and nunchuk pockets are the two main accessories for the entire program.

4. There are more than 20 exercises and motivational challenges to start with.

5. Trainers in the program were patterned after some of the biggest star’s trainers to make the entire regimen more believable.

Many of its expert critiques believe that if EA can figure out a way to accurately judge Body Fat in percentage form, Wii Fit could have a real contender and competition on its hands. Right now, it looks like the first model still needs a number of adjustments. Nonetheless, it has great potential to soar.

The New Wii Active

Last May 19th, the software titans behind EA launched a new product aptly named Wii Active. This was set out to battle Nintendo’s Wii Fit. Its first line of business is to announce to the public the big amount of savings they’ll make when the price tags of the two software technologies are placed side by side. The popular Wii fit is priced at onle $60, with a good $30 saved with the purchase. This can be the next trend when it comes to exercising. No longer are these gadgets known for games. Adults can now benefit from it because of the availability of various software products that aims at inciting some interest from the older market.

More and more people are turning into technology for their health. Why? Because it saves them from a trip to the gym. Now, they can do intense and rigorous workout programs from their very own living room. The guides on these discs can be seen as the experts of their own field. The viewers are made to watch and actively participate in these workout videos with the help of the accessories that go with these players. Plus, the visuals also will help them in their focus during the entire routine. It truly is one of the greatest innovations in the realm of health and fitness. Owners can also enjoy other activities when the activity just gets too monotonous. The makers behind this innovation are hoping to target the female population by addressing the various needs of their bodies.