susiej/reviews

Just one of the phrases I’ve been hearing repeated lately by my coach for the Wii.

I’m into week three of my compensated review from BlogHer and EA Sports Active for the Wii.

Here are my measurements to date:

• Height 62″
• Bust 35″
• Waist: 29.5″ — dropped 1.5 inches!!
• Hips: 38.5″
• Upper thigh 20″ — dropped one!
• Weight: Two weeks ago: 133
• Last week: 129 !!!!
• Today! 127!!! Six pounds lost so far!

I will add that this week has been one of the most stressful weeks I’ve had for a very long time; so this may have something to do with it. But still, I am enjoying my little 30 minute workouts with the Wii, and seeing if I can beat the little calorie burn sessions. I seem to have no problem going over the calorie burn rate — and I am not sure how EA Sports Active for the Wii figures that out, but it sure feels great when I see those calories burning.

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I’ve spent a little over a week now with my my 30-day challenge, as part of my compensated review from BlogHer and EA Sports Active for the Wii.  Following the lead of Fluid Pudding, I took measurements and started calculating how many pounds I’ve gained. To do this, I incorporated the Wii Balance Board from Wii Fit.  Wii Fit does a great job of measuring your core strength, as well as your weight, and I wish the Sports Active would incorporate these calculations into your personalized 30-day challenge.  It doesn’t, which means you have to switch back and forth between Wii Fit and Sports Active. For example, I wish the 30-day challenge would incoporate your current weight into the goal, and help you calculate the number of calories you should burn in a given workout. It doesn’t; or I haven’t figured that out yet.

The thing about weight is that it can be a tricky thing; muscles weighs more than fat.  So while you may feel yourself getting smaller, and your clothes getting looser, your weight may actually stay stagnant or, in fact rise. A real indicator of whether or not you are getting in shape is to take measurements — because while muscle weighs more than fat, it takes up less space.

Sports Active is directed toward strength training as a way to stay fit; so muscle (especially in my weak arms and shoulders) is on its way. Unfortunately, I didn’t think to take measurements first, like Fluid Pudding did. But I have them documented now, I am interested to see if I loose any inches as I move through my 30 day challenge.

• Height 62″
• Bust 35″
• Waist: 31″
• Hips: 39″
• Upper thigh 21″
• Weight: Two weeks ago: 133
• Today: 129 !!!!

I’m pleased with the results, obviously. But water weight gain and other fluctutations can make a big difference from week to week on just a few pounds. The real key is to see how my measurements stack up toward the end of the workout.  I am enjoying the challenge; it’s keeping me focused on on-track, especially when the boys say, “Mom, are you ready to do your wokout today? We’ve got it all set up for you!”

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As I officially started my 30-day challenge, as part of my compensated review from BlogHer and EA Sports Active for the Wii, I’m usually doing the workouts with an audience as the boys are now school-free. Besides, if there is a TV or a Wii game on in this house, all of the males in my house must be present. And you know what, I’m fine with that. I let them synchronize the Wii balance board, and pick out my hair color and body type. (Actually, I did that one, as the boy’s don’t understand the power of postive thinking… pick out the skinniest chick on the screen, as something to aspire to.)  My little Wii person looks pretty good – I’m wearing a blue t-shirt, hat and sunglasses of course, and a cute hat; outfit courtesy of the boys.

So, as I’m working my way through the in-line skating, which asks me to literally jump into the air, as if I’m jumping off the ramp, (actually, it’s kind of fun), my boys, experts as they are on these video games, start explaining to me that all I have to do is “lift the numchuck up in the air, and then you don’t have to jump!”

Let me explain: The numchuck is actually stuck in a little pocket in the leg band that is velcroed around my upper thigh. This allows The Wii to track how high, and even if, I’m jumping. If I pull out the numchuck from its little pocket, and lift my arm up in the air, Wii will think I am actually jumping, when I would in fact just be lifting my hand.

Of course, this wouldn’t be as much fun as actually jumping the ramps, and nor would it burn as many calories; so it’s counterproductive to the goal here. Although, definitely, the lazy way around things.

So, when I’m done, the boys take their turn and give the in-line skating a whirl, using only their hands. And Guess what? The Wii knows you’re cheating. The wrist has a way of naturally spinning that numchuck around in a way that it knows the thigh can’t do… and pretty soon, the coach starts admonishing you with messages like these: “You’re going to have to put a bit more effort in this if you want to start seeing results.”

What a slam. So, just keep the numchuck in your little pocket, and do the routines like you’re supposed to. Because, the Wii knows if you’re cheating. No getting around it.

Check out the progress of the rest of the BlogHer reviewers and enter to win one of 5 copies of EA Sports Active.

Please check out the official EA Sports official site for more information: EA Sports Active official site.

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During the sweltering months of the summer, when backyard barbeques full of sumptuous grilled meats, dips and frozen treats tempt my palette, the last thing I want to do is go for a run. While we may think that the Winter holidays are the time when we gain the extra pounds, the heat of the summer pushes the idea of working out right out of my mind, and sets me right back down into my lounge chair so I can eat summer’s delicious bounty.

Thankfully, this summer I’m participating in a compensated review from BlogHer and EA Sports Active for the Wii.

This 30-day challenge will put me directly in front of my TV, where I’ll participate in a variety of Wii cardio activities, like in-line skating, boxing, and of course, running. Once a day for 30 days. (See below for a chance to win your own copy of EA Sports Active for the Wii.)

Of course, because it’s June, this also means I’ll be at the lake house. The Wii is portable. Just a few plugs unhooked, and we’re set to go.

The EA Sports Active for the Wii 30-day challenge will collect information about my weight and height and devise a custom workout plan for me to follow, with a personal trainer to help teach me the exercises. Each minute, I’ll be able to see exactly how many calories I’m burning during the workout.

The best part? Variety. Each day, I’ll have a different customized workout, with variety. I won’t be bored, plus the exercises will target a different set of specific muscle groups each day.

Throughout the month, I’ll continue to eat healthy meals continue my yoga routines through out challenge. (I do have to stay sane.)

I’m not the only one getting fit this summer. Check out the other reviewers, and get five chances to win a copy of EA Sports Active.

UPDATE Week I:

Read here, about my Week I of the 30-day challenge: The boys tried to get me to cheat…

Week II Update:

Guess How Much I Weigh Now? I took measurements and started calculating how many pounds I’ve gained. Read more here:

Week III Update:

It’s official. I am now “Poetry in Motion!”

Check out the progress of the rest of the BlogHer reviewers and enter to win one of 5 copies of EA Sports Active.

Please check out the official EA Sports official site for more information: EA Sports Active official site.

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