Exercise Can Be Fun (part 2)

Today I'm going to talk about Dance Dance Revolution (more commonly referred to as DDR). This home version is based off of the popular arcade game (pictured to the left) and is a fun way to not only play a game, but to also exercise at the same time. It was my choice of exercise on days when it was too hot to go outside or raining (it was also great in the winter time to help keep up my endurance). DDR is played on either a Playstation or Xbox console and is a very simple game, yet a really great workout (you can burn a lot of calories, and if you play in workout mode, it will calculate your calories burned for you based on your weight).

How it works: There is a pad that you step on with four arrows: up, down, left, and right. There are four stationary arrows at the top of the TV screen. There will be arrows that scroll up from the bottom of the screen. When the scrolling arrows overlap the stationary arrows, you then hit the corresponding arrow on the pad. There are different levels of skills. Start out in the lessons section and learn how to do it (this will also help you memorize where the arrows are and which feet to use, so you don't have to look down at all while you play). The different levels can go anywhere from slower music with less arrows to step on to really fast music to so many arrows you wonder how anyone can keep up. LOL! Here's a video from when DDR was on The Today Show. It's a good example to show you how it works and the different levels....

The cost can vary depending on if you already have a Playstation 2, Playstation 3 or Xbox (I have a Playstation 2). A pad will cost you around $20 for a cheap one (I use a cheap one, but I've gone through about 3 pads), or you can pay a little over $100 for one that is metal and holds 500+ pounds which is a little better (I'll probably invest in a metal one down the line). I saw a new metal pad with a handle bar to hold onto that costs around $150, which looks pretty cool. It holds around 300 pounds. The games can vary anywhere from $25-$50 depending on how new it is. If you already have a Playstation 2 or Xbox, then it will be cheaper and all you'll need is a dance pad to step on and one of the DDR games (there are several). I own 4 DDR games, but will probably buy some of the newer ones when my knee is healed up and I can do it again. Here are a few of the games and pads that are available so you can see what they look like...



Bottom line, DDR is a lot of fun! If you're bored with the exercise that you're currently doing, looking for a way to burn a lot of calories while having fun, and you can afford it, this is something you've got to check out! One last thing... check this link I came across to a video I found from a teen that lost over 100 pounds and talks about DDR (if you have kids that sit on the couch playing video games and are over weight, show them this video). DDR is not just for teens and young kids. Any age can do it. I've had parents email me and tell me that they play this with their teens and have a blast, so give it a try. If you aren't sure if you'll like it or not, before investing the money, go find an arcade that has the game so you can try it (most mall arcades have this game since it's popluar). The arcade game might be a little harder to start off with but it will give you an idea.