EA Sports Active, Take #2!
So my first attempt at the 30-day challenge was a bust! I know I’m weaksauce but now I have a workout partner to keep me motivated and on track. David of www.kingquagmire.com, and lead writer here at 360J, also started the 30-day challenge today!
Earlier today, 10am PST, I pressed the power button on my Wii, hoping that my virtual trainer doesn’t yell at me for failing my 30-day challenge. I pointed to “30-day challenge” and it said that since I was unable to finish it within 30 days, I’d have to start over. Phew! No tongue lashing!
With this challenge, I hope to gain some confidence because I always feel great after a workout. My abs have lost their washboard ways and I’d really, really, really like to get that back. FYI, I used to play soccer for 13 years and I was constantly exercising and having fun. My goal is to get into physical shape and lose the beer belly. So, on top of the challenge, I’m going to add at least 100 crunches a day and walk or bike with my wife after dinner.
While opening the EA Sports Active Game package, you are given the game disc, leg strap to hold your nunchuk and a resistance band. You wil always need the leg strap because not every exercise utilizes the nunchuk. Some have complained that the resistance band isn’t strong enough so people have purchased 3rd party ones from their local sporting goods store. If you’d like to work out with a partner locally, you may also buy the EAS Accessory Pack for $19.99 USD.
As you setup your challenge, you are given the option of a male or female trainer. This was a no-brainer to pick the female. The next option was to choose which level of workout intensity that I had wanted. Given the options of Low, Medium and High, I went with medium only because I know that my body can handle it. The last option was the type of music I’d like to hear. Quickly, I opted for all types.
Every single time I work out, I always have my ipod playing my favorite songs. Currently there’s no option to be able to play your ipod’s music in-game, but there is a workaround. According to the EASActive Community Forum, if you have a computer or ipod player nearby, play your music from there. All you have to do is go into the Audio settings in-game and turn off the music by dragging the slider down from 100 to 0. Leave the sound effects so that you will still be able to hear your trainer!
The only advantage I had of doing a previous challenge was that I knew how to do the exercises already. I didn’t have to watch the videos all over again. The only thing I cannot comment on is the option to use the Wii Fit Balance Board, because I do not have one. If you’ve used it in your challenges, let me know how it is! Here’s what Day 1 had in store for me… again:
Day 1
Calorie Target: 112.5 Cals
Total Workout Time (Including Tutorial Videos): 0:18:40 (H:MM:SS)01. Walk & Run (Long)
02. Squats
03. Run (Medium)
04. Targets 1
05. Alternating Bicep Curls
06. Bent Over Rows
07. Inline Skating
08. Alternating Side Lunges
09. Squats
10. Alternating Bicep Curls
11. Targets 3
12. Bent Over Rows
13. Alernating Side LUnges
14. Inline Skating
15. Front Shoulder Raises
16. Run & Walk (Long)
While in-game, your trainer will motivate you along the way. He or she will also let you know if you’re doing the exercise incorrectly. Your movement will not count until you do it properly. This is one thing I find difficult while working out alone at the gym or at home, no one is there to tell you if you’re doing it the right way. If I am doing something wrong, I always love to hear about it so I can correct myself. That’s the plus with this game.
I can tell you now that he Inline Skating makes you wish you were using a controller instead. It kicks your ass and will definitely make you regret starting this challenge. Just kidding, maybe. Due to the added summer heat, I recommend having a fan blasting wind toward you and a towel on hand. I always make sure to have Gatorade by my side just in case I get dehydrated. And please, always stretch before and after your workouts! You will probably feel sore the first couple of days, but it will pass.
Good luck to everyone out there starting their Day 1 challenge today! If you’ve started it or have done the 30-day challenge before, please feel free to comment!
Wow! Interesting article, I always wondered what ever happened with the whole 30 day challenge EA was doing itself with a select group of people, they mentioned it going on in E3 then poof never came up again and it should be more than over by now.
I really enjoyed reading this article, looks like EA Sports Active is actually worth it for anyone working out. What impressed me the most reading this (which I was not aware of at all) is the fact that the trainer motivates you and even tells you if you're doing something incorrectly, you're absolutely right it's much better to be given a heads up about doing something wrong instead of just doing it and not having anyone to correct you.