Oprah’s Personal Trainer Helping EA Develop Fitness Game

November 14, 2008 by admin
Filed under: PSP News

Bob Greene Hot on the heals of October NPD sales charts that continue to show the Wii, Wii Fit, and Wii Play piling up the sales numbers, EA Sports finally made the announcement we’ve been expecting for a while of their fitness game for the Wii. EA SPORTS Active is slated for a spring launch next year on the Wii, and will be the first in a whole line of videogame fitness products. And if that wasn’t lure enough, they’ve brought exercise physiologist but more importantly, personal trainer to Oprah, Bob Greene in to collaborate on the game.

EA Sports President Peter Moore made it clear that they think they’re on to something really big with his comments in the release:

EA SPORTS Active and our entrance into the fitness space is an exciting and groundbreaking milestone for EA SPORTS. As we continue to expand our brand, we have a real opportunity to redefine the home fitness experience with a more Western cardiovascular approach and exercises that will appeal to a diverse audience, getting people off the couch and into shape while interacting with our products in a way never before possible. EA SPORTS Active costs less than a gym membership, it provides a variety of exercises unlike a one dimensional in-home fitness contraption, and it delivers an interactive experience that you don’t get from a DVD — this is a true fitness revolution and a space in which we intend to be leaders.

It might be a little harder pressed to replace a Bowflex than Moore expects, but judging by the images and descriptions Active looks like it definitely gets you up and moving. Leg straps hold the Nunchuk controller to track lower body movement. A resistance band much like those used in a number of physical therapy exercises comes with the game. And you’ll be able to use the Wii Balance Board to enhance some of the exercise routines. Anyone who’s watched workout shows is probably already starting to form a picture in their mind of what it would be like to do their workout with this instead.

To provide the system side of exercise to go with the physical part the game features a “30 Day Challenge” plan for players to reach their fitness goals. It uses a virtual trainer who gives a new 20 minute routine every time you play, and gives feedback on technique and encouragement while you train. No arguing that will be helpful, but it’s hard to picture a virtual trainer being quite as inspiring as the real thing in your face yelling to get five more reps in. But for those with the discipline to push themselves, this does look like it could be a solid tool to add to their fitness program. And it might be the first game that needs a “Vitamin Water not included” disclaimer on the packaging.

Tags: News