active volcano

active volcano

Nintendo’s “Wii Fit” exercise program has topped the video-game sales charts since its debut a year ago. But come on, folks: Surely you’ve mastered the sun salutation and the downward-facing dog by now and you’re ready for something more vigorous.

EA Sports Vice President Dave McCarthy says his company watched the success of “Wii Fit” and decided to take a different approach. “We want to get your heart rate going, get a bit of a sweat going,” he says. The result is “EA Sports Active,” the first fitness program from the company better known for sports simulations like “Madden NFL” and “NBA Live.”

“In 30 minutes you can burn a bunch of calories,” McCarthy says. EA describes its high-intensity focus as “Western fitness,” as opposed to the emphasis on balance and yoga in “Wii Fit.” “Active” also features a “30-Day Challenge,” a prescribed workout routine that provides a bit more structure than Nintendo’s program.

EA is aiming “Active” squarely at women, with ads flooding daytime television. The software features Oprah Winfrey’s fitness guru, Bob Greene. And Alison Sweeney, star of NBC’s “Days of Our Lives” and “The Biggest Loser,” has been making the promotional rounds.

“It’s hard to get out to the gym,” Sweeney says. “I had (‘Active’) in my bedroom and had to look at it every day. It’s a great way to keep focused.”