Will Exergaming Win Out? EA Sports Thinks So
Last week I had the chance to see a demo of the new EA Sports Active. The “video game,” which will be available (for the Wii) on May 19th, is designed to add to the exergaming genre. Exergames are video games that require physical activity, such as the Wii Fit and Dance Dance Revolution. EA Sports active
Boxing with EA Sports Active Image Courtesy of EA Sports
takes exergaming to the next level by allowing the user to create customized workout routines that work the upper and lower body and employing resistance bands and a special thigh nunchuck holder to aid in the task. There are even plenty of cardio activities. You can do a ready-made workout, create your own, or take part in the “30 Day Challenge,” a series of 20 minute workouts that increase in intensity. EA Sports Active is expected to include a multiplayer option and some Wii Fit Balance Board compatibility. I can’t really do it justice, but the demo made me eager to try it out. That says something, since I hate working out!
While the Wii Fit pushed the envelope in the exergaming world, I believe that EA Sports Active might bring a new level of credibility in the field. I will, of course, reserve my final judgement until I have a copy on hand to try out, but here are some of the reasons why I believe exergaming is a great step towards slowing our obesity crisis in the US:
- It’s fun
- The exercise is guided, providing immediate feedback.
- It’s less expensive than joining a gym or hiring a personal trainer.
- It can be done in the convenience of your own home.
- It can be done on your own time, even in the middle of the night (yes, oh wise balance board, I just may exercise in the middle of the night).
- Getting a “score” or a certain measured result allows users to either work together towards a goal or challenge each other in a competition.
- People can share the same workout experience without being in the same room or working out at the same time.
- It’s easy to track your results over time.
There are, of course, some drawbacks. The biggest is the danger of injury that might occur if a person misunderstands the game instructions. Another that many people have experienced with the Wii Fit is the limitations on the experience due to the fixed nature of the software. In other words, once you’ve unlocked everything, and mastered it, there is little motivation to keep playing. EA Sports Active attempts to nip both of those in the bud. A virtual personal trainer gives detailed instructions for each exercise, as well as feedback on your form. Sure, you can still mess it up, but at least you’re starting with solid information. As for the limitations, they are still there, but with more than 20 different exercises, each available in dizzying degrees of difficulty and length, you can create nearly unlimited workouts. And, you can have them increase in intensity as you progress.
There are plenty of naysayers out there who seem to think that exergaming a gimmick. I say that it’s no more a gimmick than a gym membership, bike or exercise video. Not everyone has the time or money to head to the gym every day (ever try taking a couple of toddlers to the gym? yeah, didn’t think so) and not everyone enjoys the same types of activities. Exergaming isn’t going to be the best option for people who are already extremely fit, but it is another way of motivating those who need more exercise in their lives. Bring it on, EA Sports Active! Let’s see what you’ve got!
Great post, Christy. I for one am very pleased to see EA enter the exergaming world and, as you started to do at the beginning of this post - it will help raise awareness of the multitude of exergaming options available to suite different needs! EA have been very helpful in the field already and I wish them great success in adding another big brand to the genre. Do keep everyone up to date if you get a copy to try out!
Richard Coshott
Founder and CEO
Gamercize UK
[...] February I blogged about EA Sports Active, a fitness “game” for the Wii. Since then, EA Sports has invited 12 people to take part [...]
[...] Visit my post on the EA Sports Active and exergaming. [...]
I currently use wii fit and love it as it allows me to exercise when ever I have the time, even late in the evenings (and no waiting for exercise machines at the gym.) I love the idea of the kickboxing in EA active, as this is a great form of exercise.
I have been eagerly awaiting this releases since end of 2007.
My girls and I love the wii, because it has so much to offer. Being that we homeschool our children, alot of the sports games and wii board are a great means of exercise for us all and the beauty of this, is that it is fun, so it doesn’t seem like exercise. We are currently using Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout. It is a great cardio routine with a wide variety of choices. Before we got the wii, it was always a fight to get my 8 & 10 year old girls to do any type of exercise other than outside play. We look forward to E.A Sports Active.
I like the ea sports active that allows a new Workout Buddy video detailing the Multiplayer mode as you and your buddy can work out together or go head-to-head in a friendly competition.
The Wii is so cool and the kids don’t even know their exercising too and this looks like it will really do the trick for the adults. Maybe it won’t be a replacement but will be for a little variety.
i think it helps us couch potatotes to have some bit of exercise every now and then
Love the 30 dAY CHALLENGE IDEA….GOOD WAY FOR ME TO GET OFF TEH COUCH!!
Can’t wait for this one as I love my Wii Fit.
Great post! I think this is will be a great addition for my Wii Fit work outs!
Can’t wait to get it!!!
[...] I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of my EA Sports Active. I’m sure the lovely ladies at EA Sports would agree that I’m nothing if not eager! [...]
[...] on fell through. Still, it was great to meet them and watch as EA Sports Active has taken the exergaming world by [...]
I have a ton of weight to lose but I want to ease into exercise as I’m not active at all. I already have the wii and enjoy the games that came with the board.