This is complete BS

[MrCodeDude]

Link

Fat kids losing weight by jumping up and down on a pad. The article encourages kids to play the stupid game rather than get off their fat @sses and do some real exercising.

I like how they say

"A person weighing 150 lbs burns an average of 16 calories per song playing the latest Dance Dance Revolution game. In just one hour of playing it's possible for a person to burn around 640 calories, compared to only burning 501 calories jogging."

Yet they don't mention the average speed of the jogger, I mean, they could be jogging at a snails pace for all we know.

And what's sad is my friend actually believes this stuff. It's just sad. Jumping up and down may help you burn some calories, but I highly doubt it will get you in shape. Anyone want to post thoughts/opinions?

 

[IanthePez]

Guess you haven't played the game....

Once you get good, you burn a TON of calories, probably moreso than running and the like. I play, and stay in shape quite well as a result I must say.

That being said, if you are no good at the game, it will not benifit you much in terms of excercise or weight loss.

 

[StevenYoo]

in 2001, i lost 50 pounds thanks to DDR.

i was 250 pounds, and 5 months later i was 200 pounds with very toned legs.

it's the secret to my success.

and i've still kept it all off.

DDR is great for losing weight, and i find it to be much more fun than running.

Sure, running may be better for getting u in shape, but for me, if i have more fun doing something, i'll do it longer and more often. Which is why DDR worked so well.

*edit* and i just found out a guy i know lost 70 (read: SEVENTY) pounds with DDR.

 

[Whisper]

With how I've seen some people play that game, I'd believe it. It's sorta like spaztic jump roping to music.

 

[IanthePez]

I was going to watch this thread for replies, but i'm just gonna go play I have a sweet dual pad setup on my pc so I can play doubles with my 2200 songs, heh

 

[MrCodeDude]

I was never fat except as a baby, but ever since I walked, I've been a toothpick. I'm not giving all the credit to my high metabolism, because I can still run a 6 minute mile. I run over the weekends and during the summer, play soccer in the Spring and Fall. I just find it hard to believe that a person who played DDR for a month will be in better shape than a person who ran for a month.

 

[pray4mojo]

Originally posted by: MrCodeDude
I was never fat except as a baby, but ever since I walked, I've been a toothpick. I'm not giving all the credit to my high metabolism, because I can still run a 6 minute mile. I run over the weekends and during the summer, play soccer in the Spring and Fall. I just find it hard to believe that a person who played DDR for a month will be in better shape than a person who ran for a month.

True but a lot of people lack the motivation.

 

[Kadarin]

If it's activity that gets your heartrate way up there, then it's cardio. Running or dancing, who cares? It's good for you either way..

 

[StevenYoo]

Originally posted by: Astaroth33
If it's activity that gets your heartrate way up there, then it's cardio. Running or dancing, who cares? It's good for you either way..

:beer:

 

[MrCodeDude]

Originally posted by: Astaroth33
If it's activity that gets your heartrate way up there, then it's cardio. Running or dancing, who cares? It's good for you either way..

I just find it stupid that they promote video-games over going out and playing sports or running by yourself because "you'll burn more caleries" playing DDR.

 

[SSibalNom]

Originally posted by: MrCodeDude

Originally posted by: Astaroth33
If it's activity that gets your heartrate way up there, then it's cardio. Running or dancing, who cares? It's good for you either way..

I just find it stupid that they promote video-games over going out and playing sports or running by yourself because "you'll burn more caleries" playing DDR.

I have two heavier friends, they are both brothers, BOTH lost ~15lbs on DDR in one month after they got the pad for their PS1, the following month one lost ~10lbs and the other 12lbs, keep in mind both weighed over 200, DDR DOES WORK, and it IS BETTER THAN RUNNING (edit: i guess it depends how fats ur running too ^_-)

 

[RbSX]

I'd agree with you, however playing DDR is better than nothing.

 

[Ikonomi]

Running is much more effective, but don't discount DDR as a workout. It may not be strenuous on the lower difficulties (light and standard) but once you get into heavy mode, if you don't have stamina and leg strength, you're not going to get far. I believe all home mixes of DDR have a dedicated workout mode where you can count calories burned and such. It's a pretty serious game, and if you play a few difficult songs, you're guaranteed to hit your target heartrate.

Heavy doubles (a mode where you play both pads at once) is the most active video game mode out there, besides Pump It Up (a Korean takeoff of DDR, which is all around harder). Ten foot Genom Screams double. Whee.

But no, no way somebody who plays DDR for a month is going to be in better shape than someone who runs for a month, just based on that activity. To me, running is a fun kind of torture. I don't really like it, but it's enjoyable in a way. DDR is just plain fun. You get in better shape without even realizing it.

 

[StevenYoo]

Originally posted by: SSibalNom

I have two heavier friends, they are both brothers, BOTH lost ~15lbs on DDR in one month after they got the pad for their PS1, the following month one lost ~10lbs and the other 12lbs, keep in mind both weighed over 200, DDR DOES WORK, and it IS BETTER THAN RUNNING

i wouldn't say "better than running" but it's a good alternative.

though, i do agree with the point that kids should get out more.

 

[Draknor]

I started using an elliptical machine a few weeks ago, and it's good exercise for cardio & toning my legs, but, really, it's not very fun moving in place. Running I've never been particularly fond of (terrible side aches), and besides, with the ice & snow on the ground in Wisconsin, running is a little more dangerous than I care for.

So instead I broke down & ordered a DDR pad this weekend, so by next week I'll be a dancin' foo' in the safety & privacy of my own living room! And by next month, maybe I'll even be doing well enough to impress my girlfriend! I doubt it, but a guy can drive, can't he???

 

[PowerMacG5]

I have never personally played DDR (shocker, huh?), but when I go to Jillians (an arcade in NY, I don't know if it's anywhere else), I see the people who know what they are doing playing. They seriously sweat like crazy, and and dripping. I do believe that it's very possible to lose weight playing DDR. Hrmm, maybe once my ankle is healed I will try it. Be a geek and lose weight at the same time .

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: MrCodeDude

Originally posted by: Astaroth33
If it's activity that gets your heartrate way up there, then it's cardio. Running or dancing, who cares? It's good for you either way..

I just find it stupid that they promote video-games over going out and playing sports or running by yourself because "you'll burn more caleries" playing DDR.

I fail to see your logic. People like staying inside...let them.

I would prolly enjoy a good game of soccer over even cycling, but I can't do that all the time


<---Looks outside at snow and cries

 

[Ikonomi]

Originally posted by: Draknor
I started using an elliptical machine a few weeks ago, and it's good exercise for cardio & toning my legs, but, really, it's not very fun moving in place. Running I've never been particularly fond of (terrible side aches), and besides, with the ice & snow on the ground in Wisconsin, running is a little more dangerous than I care for.

So instead I broke down & ordered a DDR pad this weekend, so by next week I'll be a dancin' foo' in the safety & privacy of my own living room! And by next month, maybe I'll even be doing well enough to impress my girlfriend! I doubt it, but a guy can drive, can't he???

What kind of pad did you order? Soft, with foam insert? Cobalt Flux? :Q

 

[Lifer]

you've never played DDR.
it is completely cardio (plus rhythm and coordination).

but it's extremely effective in that its addicting and more FUN than jogging.

 

[thraashman]

Well, several people i know, who are your standard nerds, play DDR alot and are overweight, ugly and have no social skills. DDR has done nothing for them, or if it has, DAMN they musta been lardasses before I knew them. And truth be told, everyone I know who plays DDR is a geek with serious social problems. I have enough social problems without the added ones DDR would give me. I do not want to encourage ANYONE to play it. I mean, imagine a girl you're trying to flirt with asking you if you work out and you respond, nope, I play DDR!!! They'll look at you funny and walk the hell away.

 

[MrCodeDude]

I'm sorry, I just would not get the same satisfaction of getting a new high score on a videogame where I jump around over getting a new best mile time, going the extra distance and knowing I couldn't have done that a week ago, etc.

 

[TechnoKid]

Playing FPS games is good for hand eye coordination , unless you're one of those people who say these video games cause the violence in todays young ones.

DDR is a fun game, quite a workout. I also find that the boxing game is quite excercising.

 

[MrCodeDude]

Originally posted by: IkonomiCobalt Flux? :Q

Actually, yes, he got that one. He paid $279.99 for it. I mean come on, running is free.

I mean, imagine a girl you're trying to flirt with asking you if you work out and you respond, nope, I play DDR!!!

Precisely, I mean, there is a real difference between "I run" and "I play DDR. *snort*"

Playing FPS games is good for hand eye coordination

Yeah, but what would probably be more efficient, going out paintballing or staying home and playing CS?

 

[JoeKing]

My young cousin who has always been a little hefty lost quite a bit of wieght becuase of DDR. She's now more energetic, outgoing, and confident about herself. I don't call that BS.

 

[MrCodeDude]

Originally posted by: Joeyman
My young cousin who has always been a little hefty lost quite a bit of wieght becuase of DDR. She's now more energetic, outgoing, and confident about herself. I don't call that BS.

I never said it wouldn't help anyone's "weight problem." I'm just saying that recommending a game over real exercise is BS.