Retailing for $39.99, More Workouts boasts an entirely revitalized six-week workout regime and a nutrition book by Bob Greene -- better known as Oprah's trainer. If you haven't experienced Active, there's no need to worry, you don't need the original to use the new one. However, the game does require the resistance band and leg strap, so newcomers to the franchise will need to purchase an accessory pack for $20 in order to play. The resistance band, which you'll use for upper body exercises, still seems flimsy, but you can increase the difficulty by shortening its length.
More Workouts uses the Wii Remote and nunchuck to track your movements while you workout to ensure you're performing exercises correctly. Motion tracking generally responds well, but it isn't perfect, so expect a few frustrating moments. If you have a Balance Board you can use to weigh yourself weekly and for certain exercises. I found that the Balance Board didn't add much to the few exercises it's compatible with, so I just used it for weigh-ins.
The main component of More Workouts is the six-week challenge: a series of 24 pre-set workouts. There are 89 exercises in all: old routines from the original Active, like track running, were modified and renamed (it's now called "follow the leader") while completely new exercises like abs, waterskiing, and step aerobics were added to the repertoire. Warm up and cool down stretches are also new. While I appreciate that warm-ups and cool downs were added, there's no variety, so you're probably going to get bored with them like I did. There's also an assortment of pre-set workouts, although I think it's easiest to just re-start a new challenge once you've finished.
A couple nice touches this time around are the ability to pick out your rest days and the weekly fitness tracker. Seeing your progress from week to week is encouraging, and offers an incentive to keep up with your workout routine. Just like the original Active, More Workouts includes 30 trophies that you earn when you reach certain milestones, like burning 1,000 calories.
Apart from working out, you can enter in your eating and exercise habits into your daily journal via quizzes. The game asks questions like how many sugary beverages you consume, whether or not you're exercising outside of your living room, etc. The journal's purpose is to keep you aware of your choices. I became more aware of the sodas, donuts and chips I was consuming, however that didn't stop me from eating them.
Another perk More Workouts offers is a small nutritional booklet from Bob Greene. The booklet is a mini-version of his latest book, The Best Life Diet, so if you've already read it don't expect anything new besides some recipes. If you aren't familiar with it though, The Best Lift Diet recommends helpful steps to increasing your activity level and achieving a healthier lifestyle.
Finally, a word of caution: see all the people in the promotional photos for this game? They're all wearing running shoes. That's not a style choice. Trust me on this one, sporting the wrong footwear while playing this game can result in a few injuries, so gear up properly before you start.
