 Not all I was hoping for |
| Review Date: September 9, 2010 |
| Reviewer: COphotogal, Colorado |
| I've tried a couple of times to do the 30-day challenge and have not gotten very far. You'll get a good workout, but I still don't enjoy many of the exercises. I prefer the sports activities over the straight exercises. I'm overweight and the leg band really doesn't fit me properly. And sweating under the leg band isn't really enjoyable. I find the game often doesn't recognize that I've completed a move, which is annoying having do it over and over until it allows you to move on. I will look into customizing a routine that's more appealing to me and see if that helps. But if you're looking for a real workout (unlike Wii Fit) this game will provide it. |
Initial Impressions
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| Review Date: September 3, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Kim H., Missouri |
| I've only been using this for two days, so maybe this won't count for much, BUT my initial thoughts are that for someone looking for a fun, motivating program, this isn't it. I'm not talking about all the folks who can motivate themselves to work out. I'm talking about people like me, who typically exercise for a month, and then watch tv for nine months before getting back to it. The Wii Fit programs are at least more entertaining, although I can say those programs got old over time, as this one certainly will. As far as this program, I of course, started out on 'easy', and the first day's workout was easy. The second day was harder - but it was suppose to be a mix of upper and lower body, and creamed my lower body with lunges and high-kick running, but didn't do as much as I wanted for upper body. I haven't had any trouble with the nunchuck being in the leg strap, other than the wire occasionally getting in the way while using the resistance band. It is awkward to move between exercises when you have to stop and put the nunchuck in the leg strap, or take it out, or get the resistance band in place. Since it can use the Wii balance board, it seems it should use it more (maybe it will eventually) - take advantage of the capability. My round of exercises on the first day used the board twice, and not very effectively. The second day's round didn't use it at all. I did have issues on the second day with the program recognizing when I was moving my arms up or down. AND, I ran off to the bathroom during a tutorial video, thinking the program wouldn't start until I pressed a button ... it did start without me, and my character had already done a rep by the time I got back - that's not impressive. Your motivation to keep at it are graphs and trophies. I find it amusing that the "Half Way There" Trophy is awarded at 10 out of 30 days (30 days being your big goal - to complete 30 days of workouts). Overall, if you are self-motivated to exercise, this program will probably make a nice addition to mix with your other workouts. I do so wish someone would make a really fun and entertaining workout program for those of us who need extra impetus. Bring on Raving Rabbids Aerobics or something. And please get rid of these lame trainers. I've generously given this three stars - it more or less does what it was made for. |
Nun chuck Awkward
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| Review Date: August 27, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Lenore Shopper, |
I wanted to diversify from Wii fit and play a fitness game with my daughter. First thing I noticed is that even in two player mode you are required to strap the nun-chuck to your thigh. We have two nun chucks but the game only comes with one thigh strap - not something one would get extras of. So after getting irritated me and daughter started skipping all nun-chuck thigh exercises which ruined the workout.
But even trying it alone I found the nun-chuck as used in this game annoying, I would be hit by the wire, have movement restricted by the wire or the whole strap and numchuck fall off my leg.
In short I am still looking for a game to supplement Wii Fit Plus. |
EA Sports Active - I Love This Thing!
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| Review Date: August 22, 2010 |
| Reviewer: miscellany78, Lincoln, NE |
If you told me five years ago that I'd be working out in front of a video game, I'd have said you were crazy. The gym was the only place to get a real workout, duh.
Yeah. Well. Now I find myself with two very young children and a full-time job. There is literally not enough time for me to go to the gym. And trust me, I have tried. But with driving there and parking and getting changed and sometimes waiting for a machine, never mind the workout itself, the gym is a 2 hour process. No matter my intentions, it just was not happening often enough.
Frustrated, I started brainstorming for solutions. I figured that some exercise would be better than no exercise, and that even on my busiest days I could squeeze in a half hour in my own living room. So I started by buying some exercise DVDs. They were okay, but I'm a pretty clumsy person, and I've always had a lot of trouble following the perfect-flexible instructors you see in those videos. After injuring my knee trying to follow one routine, I figured there had to be a better way.
Enter the Wii.
I dithered for a while, trying to decide between EA Active and Wii Fit Plus. I think I read every single review on both products, which didn't really help at all, since both programs have such fierce defenders and detractors. In the end, I went with EA Active simply to save forty dollars over Wii Fit Plus.
I don't know how I would've liked the Wii Fit Plus, but I do know that I LOVE EA Active, and do not regret the decision for a minute. I was in moderately decent shape when I purchased this game, but from the first time I used it I could feel the difference in some muscle groups. I work up a mid sweat on the "medium" setting, and a serious sweat on the "hard" setting. Is it a complete gym workout? Probably not. But it does burn calories, it does challenge your muscles, and it's fun and convenient. This is then longest I've been able to stick to a routine since my children were born, and in the end that is what matters most. I'm moving, I'm enjoying it, I'm coming back for more. EA Active has met and surpassed my expectations for Wii exercise, overall.
Of course, like anyone, I have quibbles:
. As others have mentioned, the resistance band is wholly inadequate and you'll want to buy a new one.
. The nun chuck wire is annoying. 99% of the time, I don't notice it, but when I do notice it, it's because I'm tripping over it or it's preventing me from doing the exercise properly. This is not EA Active's fault, but it is the single biggest flaw of the game.
. The program does not always register my movements properly. This is a problem with any Wii game - the technology just isn't perfect - but it's annoying to have the personal trainer correct me on something I'm not actually doing wrong.
. There is not an adequate cool down built in to the 30 Day Challenge. A 2 minute walk doesn't cut it, they should really include stretches to reduce the possibility of injuries. This is why I did not give the game 5 stars. The designers of this game can't help that the nun chuck has a cord, but there is no excuse for neglecting the cool down phase.
All in all, those real are minor quibbles. This game is so much more engaging than trying to follow a DVD that is the same over and over and over again. And more effective, in my opinion, because this game gives you feedback on your form and helps you out. Sure, it's not perfect, but at least it's some feedback based on how your biddy is actually moving. As I learned the hard way, you can do a DVD with improper form for weeks, and never know it until you're injured. Add a good cool down and a few other tweaks, and it will be hard to beat this game. |
Wonderful Program, Shoddy Acessories
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| Review Date: August 21, 2010 |
| Reviewer: M. Damore, USA |
I just got the game today and tried it out. I'm very pleased with my purchase, but the elastic band is very flimsy and I find myself handling it very carefully when exercising. I half expected it to break with each curl.
The leg strap slipped loose and finally left my leg during the boxing and kicking game. I strapped it back on as tightly as I could, and it stayed after that, but I could still feel it threatening to loosen with each kick.
I plan to make my own leg strap for the nunchuck out of lycra or a similar elastic material that will hug my thigh, but replacing the elastic strap will take a little more research.
Overall though, I love the game and regret nothing! |
Great exercise motivation
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| Review Date: August 17, 2010 |
| Reviewer: slushy, USA |
| I bought this game when I realized I wasn't going to follow through with any self-motivated exercise regimen. But I do love me some videogames, so I thought that having exercise in a game would pique my interest. Assumption correct! I actually can't wait to workout now (except for my aching pudgy body). Having my avatar on screen and the trainer talking to me is engaging enough for me to keep with it. The 30 day challenge is well laid out: I don't have to think about my workout, just do it; the whole program is predetermined for me, including blessed rest days. Can't wait for the sequel this fall. |
So-so game
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| Review Date: August 6, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Mark, |
The game itself is not bad, but the elastic band it comes with is horrendous! The first time while using it, about 5-6 repetition of the excise on the screen the thing broke and we had to reknot the damn thing.
Though it is pretty fun to play with someone else, the dancing game is pretty fun as is the skateboarding one. Decent game, just disappointed with the resistance band that came with it. |
Good Workout
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| Review Date: July 30, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Lily V, USA |
| Active gives a good workout. The arm exercises are great. I do wish there was an option for walking without having to do the running part. Also, it would be nice to have good warm up and cool down exercises. I hear that the second active has the cool downs and warm ups, so I might look in to purchasing that as well. |
Good workout but...
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| Review Date: July 28, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Red Robin, TN, USA |
I really do like the EA Active, but there's room for improvement. However, it does provide a good workout, and I can see the results. Problems: 1)The resistance strap is pretty much pointless unless this is the first time you're trying strength training. The hand straps are also very uncomfortable and are causing calluses on the sides of my hands. They obviously went with the cheapest way to make the strap. I now use a strap I already owned that provides better resistance without calluses. 2) Loved to use the balance board with it, but my balance board won't sync up to the game anymore. Used to, but stopped in the middle of an exercise and haven't been able to get it to work since. 3) Inline skating without the balance board is impossible. I know about 6 other people who say the same thing and they're in excellent shape. 4)The cord between the remote and nunchuck really gets in the way during some exercises. I suppose I could buy the wireless version, but that's just another way to get more money out of you. 5) Can't even so much as scratch your nose without the game telling you to stand still. It's not a huge deal, but I hate the game telling me I'm doing something wrong when I'm just trying to wipe sweat out of my eyes. 6) Trying to customize a workout takes a long time because each individual exercise is so short. 7) The cool down at the end of the 30 Day Challenge workouts is laughable. Walking in place for 10 seconds doesn't give me a proper cool down. I use the aerobic dancing exercises to cool down because they are not intense at all.
I give it 4 stars because it does give you a good workout, and I do like most of the exercises. I just think a few tweaks will make this a 5 star game. |
Superb Product!
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| Review Date: July 28, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Suckcess, New York City |
| This is a great product. I am very intimidated by the weight-room at the gym so this game has done a great job of implementing, the much needed, weight-lifting into my workout routine. I feel much stronger after completing the game's 30 day challenge. |
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