A "fitness" revolution?
Certain video games can help one be physically fit
instead of physically out of it
When people think of exercise and
fitness playing videogames usually does not follow that train of thought.
Attempts at integrating electronic games with aerobics, such as step
aerobics and cycling, have never really taken off--more than likely due
to the accompanying game not being fun. Ideally, people would like to be
physically fit without putting in any work--without really exercising.
Enter Dance Dance Revolution. The "Simon-Says"
meets "Twister" game requires the player to follow arrows on the screen
with his or her feet on four direction pads--left, right, up and down.
The music, ranging from Korean techno to American electronica, provides
the game's rhythm because a song's beat correlates with the pace of the
arrows shown. Songs can contain as little as 80 steps per song or as
many as 200 in approximately a minute and a half. The score is
determined by how precisely the player's steps match the beat and
directional cues. Anyone with a smidgen of foot coordination can walk
into an arcade and get his or her 75 cents worth, but for the
rhythmically challenged, it is better to carry a few dollar bills to
cash in for the long haul.
The video game, which started as a
phenomenon that swept through Japan in 1998, is a relatively new
experience for the American audience. Business operators, however, have
seen the drawing power of the arcade game, with over 1,500 units
available across the United States . DDR units are found at arcades,
movie theaters and amusement parks. They are usually surrounded by
onlookers, befuddled by, its strobe lights and neon glow or enjoying a
players performance. Advanced players often create dance routines to
impress bystanders or participate in events that reward players for
their craft. Tournaments are often held at arcades and prizes ranging
from winning the unit to cash in the four-digit range are not uncommon.
Tips for Playing Dance Dance
Revolution
* Rhythm is the absolute key to this
game. How actively you move your feet determines how much exercise you
get and the accuracy of your steps controls how long a session lasts.
The more accurate you are, the longer you play.
* Stretch before every session. Dance
Dance Revolution requires a lot of leg movement and an extended session
without stretching usually leaves the player with sore calves and ankles.
* Coordination is also imperative. Get
acquainted with stepping on the pads by starting at the beginner's level
and slowly move your way up the difficulty ladder.
When people think of exercise and
fitness playing videogames usually does not follow that train of thought.
Attempts at integrating electronic games with aerobics, such as step
aerobics and cycling, have never really taken off--more than likely due
to the accompanying game not being fun. Ideally, people would like to be
physically fit without putting in any work--without really exercising.
Enter Dance Dance Revolution. The "Simon-Says"
meets "Twister" game requires the player to follow arrows on the screen
with his or her feet on four direction pads--left, right, up and down.
The music, ranging from Korean techno to American electronica, provides
the game's rhythm because a song's beat correlates with the pace of the
arrows shown. Songs can contain as little as 80 steps per song or as
many as 200 in approximately a minute and a half. The score is
determined by how precisely the player's steps match the beat and
directional cues. Anyone with a smidgen of foot coordination can walk
into an arcade and get his or her 75 cents worth, but for the
rhythmically challenged, it is better to carry a few dollar bills to
cash in for the long haul.
The video game, which started as a
phenomenon that swept through Japan in 1998, is a relatively new
experience for the American audience. Business operators, however, have
seen the drawing power of the arcade game, with over 1,500 units
available across the United States . DDR units are found at arcades,
movie theaters and amusement parks. They are usually surrounded by
onlookers, befuddled by, its strobe lights and neon glow or enjoying a
players performance. Advanced players often create dance routines to
impress bystanders or participate in events that reward players for
their craft. Tournaments are often held at arcades and prizes ranging
from winning the unit to cash in the four-digit range are not uncommon.
Bringing it Home
For those who prefer not to flaunt their
dance skills (or lack thereof) in a public place, a home version of the
game is available for PlayStation[R] 2 and XBox[R]. Both versions
typically cost about $40. The dance pad, which can last up to a year
with regular use, costs between $25 and $30. However, bundle packs of
the game and dance pad are also available for about $60. The latest
PlayStation[R] 2 version, DDRMAX2, has added features such as new
difficulty levels that allow a player to learn the basics with on-screen
instruction and a customization mode that allows the user to make his or
her own dance steps to existing songs. The XBox[R] version, DDR UltraMix,
includes options such as downloadable songs from the XBox[R] Live
service and online play which lets players compete with others from
their homes.
In addition to the arcade version, both
DDRMAX2 and DDR UltraMix offer a "Workout Mode," which records calories
burned and the total weight one has lost since entering it in the first
session. This mode also calculates how many jump tope jumps one would
have to do as well as kilometers one would have to swim or run to get
the same results as one session of Dance Dance Revolution. At a
beginner's level (which contains about 150 steps in approximately a
minute and a half), an hour session can burn about 360 calories. Compare
that to jumping rope 520 times. An hour session in the regular mode is
equal to almost 3,000 jump rope jumps and close to a five-mile run.
The stigmas that accompany video gaming
will still be there--yes, there are video games that objectify women and
have a gratuitous amount of blood and gore. The links between obesity in
children, non-activity and electronics have been established. Hopefully,
however, Dance Dance Revolution can let you in on the secret that
certain games aren't counterproductive to being healthy. The easy part
may be recognizing the black box in the center of your teenager's world
can be a viable way to being fit--the hard part might be kicking them
off it.
Source:
www.online-ambulance.com
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