Hot off the GDC presses comes news EA be releasing EA Sports Active 2.0 later this year. Iin addition to coming out on the Wii, the workout simulator will be available for the PlayStation 3, iPhone, and iPod Touch. Not only will there be a slew of new workouts, including an extensive and intense 9-week workout program, but those aerobicizers looking forward to this true sequel will be glad to know the game will be coming with a heart monitor, and in the PS3's case, downloadable workouts.

I've dabbled a bit in Active, and in my humble opinion, it really is the best workout game on the market right now. The improvements the developer is talking about have me pretty intrigued, particularly the online stat tracking and new 9-week regime, and I think I will actually give it a go on the PS3 when it hits stores this fall/winter. I'm not biased against the Wii or anything, but the PS3 version is going to be coming with the ability to download new workouts and such, so I'm much more likely to get the game on a system that allows me to update at the touch of a button instead of waiting months upon months for a new disc full of content. I'm curious how the whole heart monitor thing is going to work out (see what I did there?), and I'm hoping there's a better resistance band included than the big red rubber strap the game currently uses. I'm sure we'll find out more as the release date approaches, but for now, this is pretty exciting news for all the gaming fitness freaks out there.

Check out the full press release below.

Millions of people around the world have experienced the revolution in home fitness since last spring with EA SPORTS Active™, the number one rated fitness program for the Wii™**. Today, EA SPORTS™, a label of Electronic Arts Inc. announced that EA SPORTS Active 2.0* (working title) is now in development and will be available this fall on PlayStation®3, Wii™, iPhone® and iPod touch®. The new EA SPORTS Active 2.0* fitness program will deliver true fitness results by featuring an innovative wireless control system, powered by new leg and arm straps with motion sensors, a heart rate monitor to capture intensity, and a new online hub to track and share workout data. EA SPORTS Active 2.0* will make working out simple, effective and will go with you wherever you are.

“The launch of EA SPORTS Active 2.0* will define a new era of interactive fitness with the use of innovative motion sensor peripherals and a heart rate monitor that provide users with a fitness experience delivering real, measurable results,” said Tarrnie Williams, Executive Producer, EA SPORTS Active. “As the number one rated fitness program for the Wii**, EA SPORTS Active proved itself as the industry leader and provided the foundation for our fitness franchise. The success stories we’ve received from our users show that EA SPORTS Active is changing lives and we’re so proud to be part of it.”

The new EA SPORTS Active 2.0* innovative wireless control system will give users complete freedom of motion, making it even easier to get a workout that delivers great results. Using innovative heart rate detection technology, the heart rate monitor will help users monitor intensity, providing constant on-screen monitoring throughout the workout and tracking user data over time to optimize performance.

The EA SPORTS Active 2.0* online hub will allow users to track and share all of their workout data, providing a centralized destination for all fitness, wellness and training needs. It will host a thriving online global community of EA SPORTS Active users who can share their fitness journeys, interact with workout groups and send messages to each other online to stay inspired and engaged. Users will also have the ability to download new workouts and exercises to their online connected PlayStation3 console to keep their workouts fresh and maintain motivation***.

EA SPORTS Active 2.0* provides total body conditioning using progressive exercise in new prescribed programs. A three-phase, nine-week program provides a fitness roadmap to help keep users motivated and on track of their fitness goals. Additional mini-programs will also be available to add on, keeping workouts fresh and inspiring. The EA SPORTS Active personal trainer will walk users through their workout and provide continued encouragement with feedback to ensure an optimal workout experience.