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:

1. It’s fun
2. The exercise is guided, providing immediate feedback.
3. It’s less expensive than joining a gym or hiring a personal trainer.
4. It can be done in the convenience of your own home.
5. 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).
6. Getting a “score” or a certain measured result allows users to either work together towards a goal or challenge each other in a competition.
7. People can share the same workout experience without being in the same room or working out at the same time.
8. 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!

Related posts:

1. Join the EA Sports Active 30 Day Challenge
2. EA Sports Active – Can You Do It? Yes You Can!
3. EA Sports Active: 30 Day Challenge