This is a compensated review from BlogHer and EA Sports Active for the Wii.
UPDATED:
Read about my first week with the challenge here.
Read about my second week with the challenge here.
Coming into this program, I’m at a point where I’m OK with my body. My week of adventure in Costa Rica helped tone my calves and biceps (Whenever I flex, I whisper to myself, “Who wants tickets to the gun show?”) and my new sun-kissed glow makes me look at least two pounds slimmer (“If you can’t ban it, tan it!”).
Still, I’m not quite there yet. And by there, I mean sexy enough to prance around in a bikini on the beach without feeling lightheaded from sucking in. The next time I take silly, Sports Illustrated-esque snapshots with the girls (hey, don’t judge), I don’t want to be restricted to in-the-water poses. For me, that last bit of stomach flab is the peskiest, but this summer, I’m determined to dissolve it in the name of I Only Have A Handful Of Hot Years Left, Let’s Make Them Count.
So I barely stepped off the plane when I opened EA Sports Active and jumped right into the 30 Day Challenge. The first part is filling out your stats (height, weight, body type, ya know) and choosing clothes for your avatar. (Dude, after blowing my bank account with this trip, I’m all about pretend shopping.) Then after a little introduction from fitness expert Bob Greene, you choose your personal trainer and your preferred level of intensity. (I went with the highest level — I just spent a week hiking, rappelling and white-water rafting in the rainforest, surely I can manage my way through a fitness video game — and then 20 minutes later was whimpering, Oh sweet Jesus, WHY?!) Then you’re pretty much off and running. Literally. Within the first couple minutes, I was running on a track. Well, I was running in place, but I really felt like I was running on a track! Because you’re attached to Wii gear, the avatar mirrors your moves. The graphics and sounds are impressive and when you’re looking at a big screen TV, it’s a pretty rad experience.
Pretty soon, I was boxing, squatting, bicep curling and inline skating. The exercises change quickly so you don’t have much time to moan and say you’re bored. The trainer gives you tons of positive feedback (“That’s it!” “Your focus will really pay off!” “You look like a track star!”), but also calls you out when you’re slacking off (“You’re not quite giving it your all.”). It’s weird. What I’ve always secretly liked about working out at home with fitness videos and such is that the teacher can’t see if I, oh, accidentally wander off mid-plank to, say, catch my breath or paint my toenails or whatever. With EA Sports Active, she’s, like, watching me. She knows when I’m not fully lunging or jumping as high as I can. She’ll say things like, “You’re not making progress here” and I’ll be like, “HOW DO YOU KNOW ME?!” (I yell at talking electronics, so what?) It’s a little irritating when she stops you and makes you do a rep again and again until you get it right, but really, it’s kind of amazing. You feel like she’s really there.
The best part about EA Sports Active so far: This thing works you! I’ve always been a big fan of the Wii Fit Balance Games, and after 30 minutes of bonking virtual soccer balls with my head and rolling through mazes, my face is usually flushed and my abs are slightly sore. But dude. After 15 minutes with EA Sports Active, I’m dripping. On the sweat-o-meter (you know, the ultimate workout calculator), EA Sports Active is in a different league.
There are tons of features I have yet to explore. There are journals and goal sheets and custom music playlists and days when I’ll get to use my Wii Balance Board. I can even work out with a buddy, so I’ll probably do a session with my mom next time.
I’m pretty amped about what’s to come. I’ll be updating you regularly on my progress. Stay tuned!
Have any of you tried EA Sports Active? I’d love to know what you think! If not, how are you getting in shape this summer?
Check out the progress of other BlogHer reviewers and enter to win one of 5 copies of EA Sports Active!
I had the same experience with the sweat-o-meter. After my workout was finished, I lay on the couch thinking, “Oh my. What have I done?” :)
wii looks soooo fun. i want a wii fit. and what bellyfat???
We just got this – I’m so excited to try it out! I think tonight I’ll do my first workout – looking forward to seeing how this works for you!
Are you a veterinarian?
CUZ MY PYTHONS ARE SIIIIIIIIICK!
oh i can’t wait to hear how this goes for you, i’m sort of curious to try it out.
SOLD! How, where, when do I get one?! I failed the weight loss challenge for my almost-here anniversary, so I might as well start thinking about the upcoming and slightly dreaded high school reunion. And if I happen to shrink a bit by next month for the wedding I’m going to, extra kudos to me! Bring it!
I saw that on TV! …aaaand I want it!
I can’t wait to hear more about your experience with it!!
GO Michelle! Dude, I’m about ready to go buy all this stuff. EA Sports Active should give you a direct commission on my purchase. Did you hear that, EA Sports Active? COMMISSION. TO MICHELLE.
Uh… you don’t look like you have a muffin top at allllll. But have fun with the challenge :)
You look incredible already! I think you are going to be FIERCE when you are done! :)
My favorite was the inline skating!