Feel Energized with 10 Easy ways to improve your EA Sports Active 2 Workout

1. Ditch the pre-packaged resistance band.
   
   Bodylastics Resistance Bands Max Tension Edition
   Amazon Price: $54.95 (as of 12th Aug 2011)
   
   Though as a starter workout resistance band, it'll do the job but after awhile, they may not prove to be too much of a challenge for your new strength level. Consider investing in a higher quality set of resistance bands as they'll allow you to work at a higher intensity to better maximize your workouts per session and will provide additional challenge as your form improves.



2. Push up are hard on the wrists. They need not be.
   
   P90X Pro-Grade PowerStands Push-Up Stands
   Amazon Price: $52.90 (as of 12th Aug 2011)
   
   Push-ups even from the knees are hard on the wrists. Having to bend your wrists and having to support all your upper torso weight on the joints can be tough. A push up stand allows you to perform push-ups without having to bend your wrists and also allows you to perform much deeper push-ups.



3. Consider purchasing an external heart rate monitor.
   
   Polar FT60 Men's Heart Rate Monitor Watch
   Amazon Price: $150.46 (as of 12th Aug 2011)
   
   Heart Rate Monitors are a great investment and will definitely last you a long time as you enjoy your new active and healthy lifestyle. Much more accurate than the in-game calorie meter and can accompany you on your actual (non EA sports) workout. Plus, you can now track your actual calorie burns whilst being away from the program.



4. Invest in a good workout mat.
   
   Harbinger 340100 Durafoam Exercise Mat
   Amazon Price: $22.50 (as of 12th Aug 2011)
   
   Performing sit-ups on a hard surface is not my definition of fun. =( Many workouts in this program involves lying on your back and curling your backbone. Invest in a exercise mat and protect your spine. Other than providing the cushioning and support for your back, workout mats are easy to clean and are easy to store away when not in use. Plus, it can double as a yoga mat as well or even as a sleeping mat. =D



5. Use a real skipping rope.
   
   Valeo Jump Rope Speed
   Amazon Price: $7.30 (as of 12th Aug 2011)
   
   Not only this will make the workout a lot more realistic, rope skipping is a great way to improve your whole body coordination. It also increases the amount of effort to complete the exercise as you'll have to time your jumps and swings rather than the in-game method which can be cheated by just jumping. Anything that is as real as it gets will definitely improve your form and help burn more calories.



6. Invest in a pair of workout gloves.
   
   Harbinger 143 Men's Pro FlexClosure Wash & Dry Gloves
   Amazon Price: $13.75 (as of 12th Aug 2011)
   
   If you lift weights and are concerned with calluses that may build up on your palms, consider wearing gloves to soften your lift. I personally use them to reduce the strain on my hands during my bicep/tricep lifts which allows me to better concentrate on the reps. Plus, the feeling of putting on my workout gloves before the workout puts me into my "let's rock this workout" mindset. =)



7. Head bands. (Seriously!)
   
   UNDER ARMOUR Adult Performance Headband
   Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12th Aug 2011)
   
   Not only they are a useful 80's coolness icon but they actually helps prevents the sweat from pouring into your eyes during workouts. I can't count the number of times I had to squint through my reps as the sweat was pouring down my forehead and pooling into my eye sockets!



8. Consider purchasing a weighing scale.
   
   EatSmart Precision Digital Bathroom Scale
   Amazon Price: $28.95 (as of 12th Aug 2011)
   
   To be honest, at the start of the program I actually just guessed my weight and as I suspect like most guys, under-weighted myself. =( By providing an accurate weight to the program during its weekly fitness test, you'll be in a better position to see how much progress you've made in the week.



9. Consider using wrist weights, leg weights or even a weighted vest.
   
   Altus Athletic 20-Pound Standard Ankle / Wrist Weights
   Amazon Price: $34.99 (as of 12th Aug 2011)
   
   If you'd like to further develop your speed or even just add an additional challenge on your whole workout, consider using wrist/leg weights. Once these are removed after your workout, you'll feel an 'explosive' difference to your speed and coordination. Using a vest will definitely improve your overall body toughness. =D
   



10. Finally, don't give up and keep at it!
    
    
    
    When the going gets tough, the tough keeps going. You can do it! Keep staying ACTIVE! =D

EA Sports Active 2 for the Nintendo Wii
Amazon Price: $19.59 (as of 12th Aug 2011)


EA Sports Active 2 for the PlayStation 3
Amazon Price: $19.60 (as of 12th Aug 2011)


EA Sports Active 2 for the Xbox 360
Amazon Price: $49.99 (as of 12th Aug 2011)

EA SPORTS Active 2 with Total Body Tracking features an innovative wireless control system powered by motion sensors in leg and arm straps that provide complete freedom of motion. Additionally, it will feature a heart rate monitor that provides constant on-screen monitoring, allowing users to capture intensity and optimize performance over time. Exercise hands-free and customize your workout with your own fitness equipment!

EA SPORTS Active 2 tracks your fitness data online via automatic uploads to your online profile and allows you to share your data and connect with other users through workout groups - all while reaching your own personal fitness goals. Create unlimited customizable workouts with over 70 exercises and activities to choose from, including foundational exercises like squats, lunges, and bicep curls and fun fitness activities such as mountain boarding, basketball, and boxing.

Features

• 70 Exercises and Activities


• Track your heart rate on screen in real-time with the innovative EA SPORTS Active heart rate monitor to capture intensity and optimize performance over time.


• Designed by certified trainers, the EA SPORTS Active 2 9-week program provides total body conditioning using progressive exercise.


• Track your progress on the web via the EA SPORTS Active online global community.

Product Description
EA SPORTS Active 2 with Total Body Tracking will feature an innovative wireless control system powered by motion sensors in leg and arm straps that provide complete freedom of motion. Additionally, it will feature a heart rate monitor that provides constant on-screen monitoring, allowing users to capture intensity and optimize performance over time. Users will be able to track and share their workout data online through automatic uploading from their online connected console to their personalized EA SPORTS Active profile. EA SPORTS Active 2 with Total Body Tracking will make working out simple, fun and effective wherever you are.