Writing an article about DDR/WiiWit and weight loss

Allie

Hey guys. I haven't been on this board for a while, but I used to play DDR enough that I lost 18 pounds from it (which is a LOT because I weigh about 90 now).

Anyway, as a reporting student at the University of Florida, I was assigned to write about people who use video games for weight loss. If you have lost weight playing DDR, or have anything to share for the article, please post below. The assignment is due Wednesday and so far I have a paucity of information and might have to switch to a last minute Michelle Obama speech if I don't get info soon.

To be included I would need your name and a phone number where you could be reached, but won't be (you can PM me that, if I say I'm using your info).

So, anyone lost weight playing DDR?

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Suko · Trick Member Joined: 13 Jun 2003 Location: Lynnwood, WA

Check your PMs. I sent you my story.
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youngbeard · Basic Member Joined: 14 Nov 2007 Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Started playing DDR for weight loss this spring; play 3-5 times a week averageing about an hour a session. And I haven't changed my eating habits at all.

Weight on 27-Apr-08: 236 lbs
Weight on 11-Oct-08: 221 lbs
Loss: 15 lbs

Also, I've progressed from Light to Standard and even some of the easier Heavy mode songs and have more stamina and energy and really defined leg muscles now. Woot, go me!

edited for spelig

PureBlue · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2008 2:17 pm Post subject:

I started playing DDR around April 2003, but didn't play for weight loss until 2007 after taking a break from DDR in 2005 and until January 2007. Before I started playing again, I was around 165 pounds. Since I still could play songs on Heavy (before I took my 2 year break, I could do most songs on Heavy), my loss of weight was a little easier. After about 2 months I was down to about 160. About 1 month later I was down to 150, and at the lowest I was 140 at about 6 months. I did gain a little bit of weight because I'm still growing at age 14, but DDR has kept me from gaining any weight otherwise. I guess constantly playing 9 and 10 footers really does the job

Also, I'll probably PM you with my name and phone number.

BX^3 · Posted: Tue Oct 21, 2008 2:19 pm Post subject:

My brother lost about 80, but he also ate right and drank water when he started so that helped with the massive weight loss
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Woof

yukihime · Trick Member Joined: 12 May 2008 Location: Philly, PA

Started playing DDR in May, 2008 just for fun. Found out fast, once I went from beginner to basic that this really CAN be a workout. I'm kind of between basic and standard (can pass some 6 footers with A or AA, but still mostly comfortable with 5 footers), but my feet just aren't fast enough for some songs. I do play for at least an hour a day and try to play every day.

I can definitely work up a good sweat, feel my heartrate go up, it is, especially if you're sticking with faster songs, an aerobic workout. Just more fun than aerobics!

I've lost 5 pounds. May not seem like much, but I started at 115 and am down to 110. I'm also 53 and have arthritis in both knees and some disabilities, including Meniere's Disease which is partly a balance disorder. DDR (not the maniac 300bpm songs - I can't read those) is helping some with getting my eyes and feet to help carry the balance "load". Great side benefit.

Will PM you with name and phone# if you need it to verify for your class project.
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Allie · Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2008 7:59 am Post subject:

Ok, so, thanks for the responses so far guys. However, anyone's who has played a lot on the 9-10 foot level knows that the feeling you get afterward is somewhat less than "healthy". I'm talking about heaving, pouring with sweat, and feeling like your heart is going to jump out of your chest. Do you think it's "healthy" to play at something like 450 bpm? Does anyone even know what beats per minute means? Is that the number of steps per minute or something else?

ALSO DOES ANYONE HAVE WIIFIT???
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My Teacher Doing DDR!

PureBlue · Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2008 8:11 am Post subject:

I often have that feeling you described after running for a while. I don't think it's unhealthy, but I could be wrong.

GERARDAMO · Trick Member Joined: 23 Mar 2005 Location: Syracuse, NY

Allie · Posted: Sat Oct 25, 2008 1:09 pm Post subject:

If you could send me the contact info for someone involved in the program that I could ask questions to, I would really appreciate it.

And also, OK so BPM is drum beats per minute. I got that. But in DDR do you take a step to every drum beat? If you did, you would potentially be stepping like 4 times in one second, which doesn't seem possible but then again, I think Max songs probably do that.
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My Teacher Doing DDR!

GERARDAMO · Trick Member Joined: 23 Mar 2005 Location: Syracuse, NY

I didn't personally interview anyone involved in said programs.

And steps go to more than just the beat. Steps are broken up into 8th and 16th notes as well as quarter notes. An easier way to calculate the number of steps per second would probably just involve taking the max combo of a song with a fairly steady stream like CSFILSM or In The Heat Of The Night and just divide the max combo by the song length in seconds. It won't be terribly accurate, but it'll get you in the ballpark.
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