Video Game Exercise …
Not necessarily an Oxymoron.

It doesn't have to be this way.

During my fastest weight loss period, I spent 30 minutes to 2 hours a day playing Dance Dance Revolution.

It's a great way to get off your ass and get your heart pumping. It also helps improve your coordination.

I've never gotten past the Beginner's levels, and spend most of my time playing at a learning level.

The last several versions of the game even have an "exercise" mode, which tracks both time spent, and approximate calories burned. Basically, it is a glorified pedometer (step counter) that figures calories burned based on how many times you bounce on the dance pad over a given period of time, and how much you weigh.

If you really want to burn some calories, several versions of the game work with a camera, and will teach you arm motions to go along with your step.

Think aerobics class without anyone else watching.

Now, you have to be honest about your weight, and actually try to step regularly to a beat to get any actual results. But the game will actually track and graph your progress over time.

It is available for most of the popular game consoles, and even your PC if you don't want to own a console.

This Video Game is also a great way to get your kids to exercise as well. Since it is a multiplayer game, they can have fun trying to outmaneuver Mom and Dad. And gives them something that they can be better at than you.

It can be very humbling to have a 10 year old Kick your Butt at this game. Motivating you to practice more (burning more calories) so you can beat them the next time.

The games are in the 30-40 dollar range, and don't seem to ever show up in the Bargain Bin, because they are so popular. Cheap pads can be found in most Big Box electronics stores with a game to get you started.
I found that I didn't much care for the flimsy cheapies I started with, and ended up buying a nice pad with 1 inch foam inserts, that had a better response time, and was less fatiguing on my knees and ankles.

Recently the Nintendo Corporation came out with the Wii (pronounced WEEEEEEE)

Now, this is a Video Game Console designed for Exercise.

The primary controller for this gaming console practically forces you to do more than twiddle your thumbs. There is an increasing number of games and accessories that actually force you to get off the couch and move around to play them.

If the weather sucks outside, you can play your favorite sport in the privacy of your own home without worrying about getting embarrassed about how well/badly you play.

No one will see your overweight ass sweating and breathing heavily after 5 minutes of game play.

The cool part, is that as you play more, your stamina increases, your muscles become more limber, and you begin to actually get into a shape other than round.

If you can't stand doing the same thing day in and day out…
Video games like those mentioned can give you something different to do every day.

Or if you feel too guilty playing "Video Games" you can use that console you bought for your kids as your own personal exercise coach.

Pick up a game like Maya, the YourSelf Fitness coach.
She'll push you to do a customized exercise routine based upon the answers you give to the questions she asked.
While she can't actually see you to tell if you aren't pushing yourself, she will encourage you to keep at it.

Take control of your life, and start Some form of exercise program, even if it's a video game.

Philip Kustner

The information found in and throughout The 7 Habits of Weight loss (www.7habitsofweightloss.com) is not intended as a substitute for the advice or treatment that may have been prescribed by your physician.

Information found here should NOT be construed as definitive or binding medical advice and is NOT intended to diagnose, prescribe, nor endorse any brand of products or services. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new weight loss or exercise regimen or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.