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.

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• Click here to find EA Sports Active 2 on Amazon
• Read more about Microsoft Kinect
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EA SPORTS ACTIVE 2 (NINTENDO Wii) ***COMPLETE*** US $14.50 (5 Bids) Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 17:05:22 PST   | Watch this Item

EA Sports Active 2 Playstation 3 ps3 US $25.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 18:03:49 PST   | Watch this Item

Wii EA Sports Active 2 Personal Trainer Enhance Your Workout With Heart Monitor US $29.99 Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 19:32:17 PST   | 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 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.

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

The PCGamerBike interacts with any PC game, allowing precise control of your onscreen character. Pedal forward and the character walks forward, pedal in reverse and the character moves backward.

The bike easily connects to a PC using USB and works best with first person shooters and other games that control a single character. In many games the character will walk while pedaling slowly or run while pedaling faster.

The assembly is well-constructed and uses magnetic resistance for a smooth ride while offering a wide range of resistance levels.

You’ll need adequate leg space to pedal freely without hitting your knees against a desk, while maintaining access to the keyboard and mouse.

The package includes exercise monitoring software to track your fitness progress.

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• Get the PCGamerBike Mini on Amazon
• See all bestselling Mini Exercise Bikes

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]

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.

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• 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.

The primary  emphasis of this game is cardio boxing. If you’re looking for more traditional exercises for the Wii, check out our reviews of EA Sports Active or My Fitness Coach. Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout does include some short non-boxing routines that are unlocked as you progress through the boxing exercises.

The game follows your progress with an activity calendar and tracks calories burned, body weight and adjusts the workouts as you become more fit.

You can choose between three levels of difficulty: light, regular and hardcore while customizing the experience with a selection of music and background visuals. As you acquire points you can buy items like new exercise outfits at the the gym store.

The graphics are a bit cartoonish and simplistic compared to other Wii fitness games but the motion sensor movements are relatively realistic.

Fitness programs like this are thriving in part because they can actually make you look forward to working out. Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout is an effective game, especially if you like boxing, as an introduction to exercising with the Wii or as supplement to other Wii fitness games.

Purchase includes a free one-week trial membership at a real-life Gold’s Gym for when you’re ready to take your fitness results out of the living room.

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• Click here for Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout on Amazon
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Gold's Gym Cardio Workout (Wii, 2009) US $16.56 (6 Bids) Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-08-2012 16:17:26 PST   | Watch this Item

Gold's Gym Cardio Workout (Wii, 2009) US $6.51 (3 Bids) Auction Ends: Saturday Feb-11-2012 15:29:54 PST   | Watch this Item