The program puts a holistic focus on fitness, combining nutrition and lifestyle factors with a variety of hands-free workout routines and activities, all from the convenience of your home gaming console.

The all new Total Body Tracking is a unique wireless control system powered by motion sensors in leg and arm straps that accommodate complete freedom of motion. A heart rate monitor provides constant on-screen monitoring, allowing users to capture workout intensity and optimize performance over time. The wireless controller eliminates the need for the Wii Nunchuk altogether.

Users can track their workout data online via automatic uploads from their connected console to their personalized EA Sports Active profile. Connect and share information with others, join workout groups, download new routines and join the new EA Sports Active 2 nine week program. This program has been designed by certified personal trainers with a focus on total body conditioning, reaching goals and staying motivated along the way.

The game truly shines when used with Xbox 360’s Kinect, Microsoft’s controller-free answer to the Nintendo Wii, tracking your entire body’s motion one-to-one and displaying real-time movement on-screen. Coupled with Kinect, EA Sports Active 2 makes fitness fun while ensuring proper form with comprehensive exercise routines.

Other key features include a Virtual Personal Trainer to guide you towards reaching your fitness goals, and a 30 Day Challenge with customized workouts to match your fitness level.

Among the few negatives with this release are controller disconnects when used with the Wii and occasional EA Sports online server disruptions.

Overall, EA Sports Active 2 with Total Body Tracking is a worthy sequel to the best-selling original and makes working out convenient, effective and entertaining.

More Info  Price Comparisons

• Click here to find EA Sports Active 2 on Amazon
• Read more about Microsoft Kinect
• EA Sports Active 2 on eBay

Microsoft xBox 360 EA Sport Active 2 Brand New - Requires Kinect US $27.50 Auction Ends: Monday May-21-2012 11:56:27 PDT   | Watch this Item

EA SPORTS ACTIVE 2 PS3, Wii , XBOX 360 -----2 RESISTANCE BANDS ONLY ----- US $6.49 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday May-21-2012 14:37:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

EA SPORTS ACTIVE 2 PS3, GAME CD ONLY BRAND NEW US $4.49 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Monday May-21-2012 15:05:37 PDT   | Watch this Item

EA Sports 2.0  will include a heart rate monitor, wireless tracking, and a new online hub to download new workouts, create fitness groups and track and share workout data.

Kinect for Xbox 360 Kinect brings games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways – no controller required. “Delivering EA SPORTS Active 2 on Kinect  for Xbox 360 is a natural fit for fitness and the ability to track full body movement will create a fluid workout experience that delivers real results,” says Andrew Wilson, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Development, EA SPORTS.  “It is the perfect complement to our EA SPORTS Active suite of fitness products and is indicative of our commitment to deliver new experiences for new audiences. We’re excited to expand on the top rated fitness franchise on the market.” Learn more about Xbox 360 Kinect on Xbox.com.

EA SPORTS Active is currently the number one rated interactive fitness program for the Wii on the market and was recently proven to be an effective workout as measured against the American College for Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines. EA SPORTS Active focuses on improving muscular strength, endurance and flexibility, as well as improving cardio which can help achieve fitness goals including building muscle, increase energy levels and weight loss.

EA SPORTS Active 2 products will offer the same, high-quality exercise experience with over 70 new exercises and fitness activities including exercises not possible before the Total Body Tracking wireless control system.

[Source: EA Sports Active]

• Read our EA Sports Active review
• See all Fitness Game reviews

The manufacturer claims that this device will “push your workout routine to a whole new level.” Not so much. This is not a must-have for Wii Fit games by any means, but adds some novelty and variety to your routines.

The Push Up Bar attaches safely on top of the Wii Fit Balance Board and has removable, adjustable handles that convert to three distinct push up positions. See the video below.

Foam padding beneath the platform provides a secure attachment to the balance board — the Push Up Bar will not slip or shimmy during a workout. The ergonomic handle design reduces strain on the wrists.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• The Wii Push Up Bar on Amazon
• Get Wii Fit Plus with Balance Board

Video Demonstration

The platform can be used with any fitness game utilizing the Balance Board, including Wii Fit, Wii Fit Plus, Gold’s Gym Cardio and EA sports Active.

The easy-to-assemble platform is lightweight but very stable and supports users up to 350 pounds. When attached to the bottom of the Wii Balance Board, the platform adds 3 inches in step height. The rubber pegs under the platform provide a secure grip on most services.

Use of this platform requires removing the press-on extensions that come with the Balance Board. Some users report slight inaccuracies in recognizing the number of steps. Be sure to use this device on a flat, sturdy floor.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Aerobics Step Platform for Wii Fit on Amazon
• See the Balance Board and other Wii Fit products

The Wii 5-In-1 Fitness Bundle includes:

• Rechargeable Battery Pack
• USB Charging Cable
• Jeli Sleeve
• Fitness Mat
• Travel Bag
• One Pair Textured Foot Socks

The Textured Foot Socks are made of high quality cotton on top and strong rubber on the bottom, providing both comfort and extra traction.

Made of durable nylon, the Travel Bag is ideal for taking the Wii Fit Balance Board (not included) on the go.

The Jeli Sleeve fits snugly over the balance board to keep it safe and free from dings and scratches.

The Fitness Mat reduces impact on floors and the body and provides extra support and comfort. Made from durable polyvinyl chloride (PVC), it will provide years of extended use.

The Rechargeable Battery Pack & USB Charging Cable provide the necessary power to keep the Wii Fit Balance Board at maximum strength. A fully charged Battery Pack will provide hours of use at maximum power.

This bundle will help maximize the Wii Fit experience and keep you motivated. These or similar accessories can be purchased separately, but this is a convenient one-stop option with one shipping charge.

If you don’t already have the Wii Fit program or need some new fitness gaming challenges, see our EA Sports Active review.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• See the Wii 5-In-1 Fitness Bundle on Amazon
• Get the Wii Fit program with Balance Board
• See the new Wii Fit Plus (no Balance Board)
• See all Wit Fit products currently listed on eBay

Wii Fit Plus, released in October 2009, outsold its predecessor in its first month of release.

The interactive nature of these games and use of a motion-controller and balance board has attracted masses of users who don’t normally play video games.

Several publishers are working to catch up this holiday season in hopes of attracting similar consumers. The biggest competitor to Wii Fit is EA Sports Active launched earlier this year starring “The Best Life Diet” author and Oprah Winfrey personal trainer Bob Greene. The workout simulator comes with a resistance band and leg strap, which work in tandem with the motion-controller to track players’ movements.

With Nintendo rivals Micosoft and Sony slated to launch their own motion-controllers for their respective Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles next year, the exergame genre may have only begun to hit its stride.

[Source: MSNBC]

Organized into four price ranges, there’s a gift on this list to match every fitness level and budget. Many are simple but effective products chosen for their value and affordability, while others represent the highest levels of technological innovation.

We hope this guide will help readers who may be overwhelmed by the vast array of fitness products available online. Most of these selections are among the top reviewed, best-selling or highest consumer-rated products currently on the market.

Jump to price range:

• Gifts Under $50

• Gifts Under $100

• Gifts Under $500

• Gifts Over $500

• Gifts Under $50

  Wii Fit Plus

  Wii Fit exposed millions of people to the growing world of fitness-related gaming, becoming the third best selling video game in history one year after its release.

  Wii Fit Plus, released on October 4, 2009, is a sequal to the 2007 original that adds new routines, features and enhancements to the existing workouts. It works with previous Wii Fit files so owners of the original game can access their saved profiles and workout history. New users will get everything in the original plus the enhancements.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar

  Since the introduction of Tony Horton’s P90X Extreme Home Fitness System, multifunction workout bars have seen skyrocketing sales. This product is a lower-priced alternative to the P90X Chin-Up/Pull-Up Bar commonly used with P90X.

  After simple assembly the Iron Gym Total Upper Body Bar can be installed in standard doorways in just seconds. Using your body’s own weight as leverage the bar mounts securely without the use of brackets, screws or fasteners.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  The SurfShelf – Treadmill Laptop Holder and Shelf

  Here’s a long overdue innovation that helps alleviate the inevitable boredom that comes with working out on a stationary exercise machine.

  Google and Dell have installed SurfShelfs into all of their fitness facilities. Jason Chen, Editor of Gizmodo.com called it “one of my favorite inventions ever.”

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Nathan Speed 4 Waist Pack with Four 10-Ounce Nutrition Flasks

  Ideal for marathon and distance runners, the Nathan Speed 4 Waist Pack helps maintain proper hydration and nutritional requirements during long runs.

  The belt includes four separate easy access flasks fitted in molded holsters.Each 10 ounce flask can be used for water, energy drinks or nutrition gels. The separate front and rear stash pockets can carry cell phones, mp3 players, keys, wallets or snacks.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  GoFit Ultimate Wobble Board

  Wobble boards, also known as balance boards, are gaining popularity as a mainstream form of fitness training. Benefits include improved balance, coordination, core strength, agility and stability. Wobble board use also encourages communication between the left and right halves of the brain, resulting in an increased sense of body awareness.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Gold’s Gym Circuit Training System

  With the recent explosion in popularity of doorway pullup bars, rotational pushup devices and ab/core trainers, Gold’s Gym has created a fitness kit that neatly incorporates all three into one package.The 3-in-one set includes a grip-lock doorway gym for pullups and chinups, rotating pushup stands, and ab straps that can be attached the the pullup bar for core training.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Bodylastics Heavy Duty Exercise Resistance Bands System

  Bodylastics Resistance Bands have been an alternative to expensive home gyms & health clubs since 1998. The average person who joins a health club spends $500 per year for their membership. Bodylastics is an affordable system designed to provide workouts that rival the best and most expensive exercise machines. The compact system is effective for muscle building, body toning, and weight loss.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

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• Gifts Under $100

  EA Sports Active

  Developed in collaboration with Bob Greene, known for his Best Life Program and association with Oprah Winfrey, EA Sports Active offers fun, easy to learn exercises and activities to help users stay focused on fitness.

  EA Sports Active gives an unparalleled introduction to virtual exercise for those new to the concept, or a step up for those who’ve become bored with the routines included in the Wii Fit and other third party titles.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Joist Mount Chin Up Bar

  As opposed to the wildly popular screw-less doorway chin up bars, this device mounts in a more traditional fashion by anchoring into wooden joists, the horizontal beams that support floors. This creates a “permanent” workout solution that’s sturdy and safe. The bar can be installed in any room but is ideal for an out the way corner in a garage, workroom or basement.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Tony Horton’s 10-Minute Trainer

  Best known for his P90X system that has exploded online and through infomercials, Tony Horton has gained a massive following for his popular library of fitness programs. We like P90X but have heard numerous comments about how advanced and DIFFICULT it is for some.

  The 10 Minute Trainer, sold through Beachbody, is a good choice for those looking for a less rigorous program. But don’t expect to breeze through these DVD workouts. They are challenging.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Yogamatic Eco-friendly Printed Yoga Mat

  Tired of your dull and uninspiring yoga mat? Here’s a unique fitness accessory that will add some creativity and personality to your workouts.Yogamatic uses global artists young and old to design an array of expressive mats intended to reflect your individual spirit, taste and personal interests.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Impact Sports ePulse Strapless Heart Rate Monitor Watch and Calorimeter

  Don’t like uncomfortable and annoying chest strap heart rate monitors? Don’t trust pulse rate monitors built into your exercise machine? The Impact Sports ePulse offers an intriguing alternative.Wrapped snugly around your forearm the ePulse accurately calculates pulse and calories burned using light sensor technology. The advanced microchip easily regulates workout intensity and manages specific fitness and weight loss goals.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

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• Gifts Under $500

  Bell Motivator Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer

  The Bell Motivator Mag Indoor Bicycle Trainer converts your outdoor bike into an indoor cycling trainer. It features quiet and smooth magnetic resistance that increases as you gain speed.

  Perfect for the casual cyclist who wants to stay in shape in bad weather or can’t afford a gym membership or expensive exercise bike

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  INSANITY with Sean T. 60-Day Total Body Conditioning Program

  While P90X has redefined what can be accomplished by a home exercise system, Beachbody continues to produce high quality fitness programs, with varied levels of acclaim.

  With the highly anticipated release of Insanity with Shaun T., Beachbody may have a program that rivals P90X in popularity, intensity and results. P90X is a 90 day program (hence the name), while Insanity aims to put you in the best shape of your life in just 60 days. It’s also differs in that it requires no weights, resistance bands or extra equipment.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Confidence Foldable Stow Away Exercise Bike

  We’ve rarely seen customer ratings so high for such a reasonably priced piece of equipment. This exercise bike provides a great low-impact, cardiovascular workout and folds away compactly for easy storage. It’s great for apartment dwellers.

  The Confidence Foldable Bike includes an on-board computer that monitors Riding Time, Speed, Distance & Calories. It utilizes Adjustable Magnetic Resistance for an efficient workout. An easy-to-read instruction manual and all the necessary tools for easy home assembly are included.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

  This extraordinary device will help you train smarter and more effectively and may change how you think about exercise.

  The Garmin Forerunner 305 is a wrist-mounted GPS receiver, but first and foremost it’s a training tool.The 305 delivers real-time information and alerts on an unprecedented range of data, including multiple heart rate variables, speed, distance traveled, calories burned, elevation, terrain grade and route direction. It’s suitable for runners, cyclists, cross-country skiers, marathon competitors and other outdoor athletes.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  GoWear fit Lifestyle and Calorie Management System

  The GoWear fit Lifestyle and Calorie Management System is the same device from the same manufacturer as the BodyBugg V3 featured on NBC’s The Biggest Loser. The name change came after 24 Hour Fitness bought the rights to the BodyBugg.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Ironman ATIS 1000 AB Training System Inversion Therapy Table

  The Ironman ATIS 1000 represents a step forward in inversion table therapy and is a significant upgrade to their bestselling Gravity 1000 model.

  The ATIS 1000 uses a Smart Gear System, rather than a tether strap to safely lock the table in place in 10 different positions. The Scale Locking System increases ankle security and the table is designed around an extra-wide steel frame with a 300 pound weight capacity.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Schwinn Active 20 Series Recumbent Exercise Bike

  The sheer number of exercise bikes now on the market can make choosing between style, manufacturer, quality level and price range a daunting task.

  The Schwinn Active 20 Series Recumbent Bike is not what you’d expect to see in a commercial gym, but the solid design, respected brand and essential features make it a good choice for those on a budget looking for an effective cardio workout.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

  The 2009 version of the Bowflex Selecttech Dumbbells features an updated design, greatly increased strength and durability, and new aluminum alloy and polymeric safety tabs.

  As with the previous version these dumbbells pack a rack full of results in a very compact, adjustable lifting system that gives you 15 sets of free weights in one. You can change resistance from 5 to 52.5 pounds in 2.5 pound increments with a quick turn of a dial. The wide range of available resistance lets you effectively work arms, chest, shoulders and back at your desired level of difficulty.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

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• Gifts Over $500

  Horizon Evolve SG Compact Treadmill

  This trendy treadmill distinguishes itself with a sleek, streamlined, space saving design and incredibly easy setup. It ships folded and fully assembled — just pull it out of the box, unfold and start treading.

  After a workout the 99 lb assembly can be folded to just 59″ x 10″ and stored under a bed or vertically against a wall or in a closet.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Diamondback Fitness 900Sr Step-Thru Recumbent Exercise Bike

  This is our first look at Diamondback, a respected manufacturer of institutional and home cardio equipment for over 30 years. So what does the 900Sr Step-Thru Recumbent Exercise Bike have to offer?

  The most distinguishing asset of this bike is the Comfort-Plus extra-wide seat. This is an excellent feature for riders with back problems who can’t tolerate an upright bike position, or for those who just want extra support and comfort. The high-tech, ergonomic mesh seatback includes lumbar support and quick height adjustment.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Schwinn Airdyne Evo Comp Exercise Bike

  The original Schwinn Airdyne has been around for over 20 years and remains a top seller among upright exercise bikes. The next generation Airdyne Evolution Comp stays true to the original concept but incorporates a more efficient design.

  The fan wheel is smaller and uses wider contoured blades for increased resistance, while the operation is much quieter and smoother with less vibration. It’s built with newer technology and higher quality components for an increased life span. It’s a leap forward from the original Schwinn Airdyne.

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  Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine

  Concept2 rowing machines are used by Olympic athletes and in commercial gyms around the world and have been called the “Rolex of Rowers.”

  The rowing motion on the Model D is impact-free, smooth and easy on the joints. The sliding seat compresses and extends your legs with every stroke to work the entire body, including arms, legs, chest, back and abdominals while providing an excellent cardiovascular workout. A spiral damper lets you can choose between simulated rowing in either a sleek, fast boat or a slow, heavy boat.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

  Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer (2009 Model)

  As the most advanced entry in the Sole E series, the E95 model is a premium, commercial grade, high-end elliptical trainer. It’s our Best Buy Elliptical for 2009.

  The beautifully designed E95 offers a stable, smooth workout with ample top-end resistance. The heavy 30-lb flywheel and long 20-inch stride length increase the stability and efficiency of your workout.

  • Read Review
  • Buy Now

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  Jump to price range:

  • Gifts Under $50

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This feels more like a sophisticated and comprehensive exercise program than a game. Gone are the cartoonish graphics from the original — replaced by rugged beaches, deep jungles and tropical vistas — and a lifelike representation of Jillian created by motion capture technology. There are no mini-games, just well-designed cardio and strength training routines and a boot camp style approach.

The new “Resolutions” mode features a customizable training calendar that lets you plan routines for up to six months. New audio recorded by Jillian guides you through each phase.

“Exercise with Jillian” gives users one-on-one time with a 3D avatar of Jillian that demonstrates pre-made or custom routines.

The game is very responsive and works well with the Wii balance board and remote. Improvements in player motion tracking create more accurate and precise on-screen exercise movements and ensure proper tempo and technique.

Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010 will have to compete with hot fitness titles EA Sports Active and Wii Fit Plus this holiday season.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Find Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010 on Amazon

Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010 Video

Wii Fit Plus, released on October 4, 2009, is a sequal to the 2007 original that adds new routines, features and enhancements to the existing workouts. It works with previous Wii Fit files so owners of the original game can access their saved profiles and workout history. New users will get everything in the original plus the enhancements.

The game offers a wide range of activities from four main categories: yoga, aerobics, strength training and balance games.

Most activities incorporate the Wii Balance Board, either alone or with the Wii Remote and/or the Wii Nunchuck. New Balance Board games include Skateboarding, Rhythm Kung Fu, Juggling, Snowball Fights, Obstacle Course and Perfect 10, a balance game that promotes both physical and mental well-being.

The “The Locker Room” feature lets users personalize the experience by creating a specific workout routine that is exactly suited to their fitness level and lifestyle.

“My Routine” is a customizable program that builds routines from up to 30 different exercises from the strength training and yoga categories.

The addition of a calorie counter lets users track both the number of calories burned in a single day and the food equivalent.

Wii Fit Plus also addresses one of the complaints from the original game. Instead of backing out to the main menu after each exercise, you can now program in a workout routine and move seamlessly from one activity to the next.

For those who don’t own the original system a Wii Fit Plus game and balance board combo is also available.

More Info & Price Comparisons

• Wii Fit Plus on Amazon (Game only or Game/Balance Board Combo)
• Wii Fit Plus on eBay

Fitness games act as virtual personal trainers, guiding users through quick sports games, exercise routines or full fitness programs, while tracking progress along the way. The fun factor and emerging multi-player options help keep users motivated as the novelty wears off.

This success has attracted the attention of not only game manufacturers but real health professionals. The University of Mississippi and Indiana University have both begun investigating whether interactive video games are viable tools to promote health and combat obesity, rather than just another fitness fad.

“Your body doesn’t care if you’re going out on the street riding a bicycle or pedaling in front of a Wii screen,” says Lew Lyon, vice president of MedStar Sports Health at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore and a sports psychologist.

These games have been effective at getting kids and adults off the couch and promoting a less sedentary lifestyle. Fewer than 40 percent of Americans are getting enough exercise, Lyon points out. “If we can get 10 percent more active (with video games) that’s a good thing.”

[Source: The Detroit News]

See our current reviews of EA Sports Active, My Fitness Coach and Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout.