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RedOctane Pushes DDR For Weight Loss Market

Posted by simoniker on from the downstairs-neighbors-calling-cops dept.

Thanks to EWorldWire for reprinting a RedOctane press release advocating rhythm-based game Dance Dance Revolution for extreme weight loss, and using the story of Tanya Jessen, "who lost 95 lbs. playing DDR." The piece also points out: "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." RedOctane also has an official GetUpMove site, complete with before and after pictures, noting that "...most Dance Dance Revolution games have a Workout Mode which tracks the number of calories you burn while dancing", though RedOctane's own motivation for this diet push is to sell you their high-end DDR pads.

4 of 137 comments (clear)

  1. Huh. by KyolFrilander · · Score: 3, Interesting
    Funny, I started doing the same thing just recently after I found out how much it made my pasty overweight geek ass sweat while playing it at a friend's house. Too soon to tell if I'll lose any weight, but eh, it's fun, it's relatively easy, and it does get the heart rate up, if nothing else. If the $99 RedOctane DDR pads are too spendy for you, Buy N Shop or Level Six both sell knockoffs for half the price, and they're identical, from reviews.

    More information at Stepmania - even more if they ever get their board back from ddrmaniax.

    --
    Buddha says, "Shut your karma hole."
    1. Re:Huh. by Cuthalion · · Score: 3, Interesting

      My advice is: Get a cheapo pad. Play some. Decide if it's something you're going to keep playing for a long time. If it is, it's well worth the money to buy a metal pad. Both Red Octane's and Cobalt Flux's are excellent, if expensive.

      The soft pads will break after heavy use. They also are less accurate and will piss you off when you start to get good, which you will do if you keep at it.

      I wasted a lot of time and money on soft and semi-soft pads. Now I have some Cobalt Fluxes (the red octane metal pads weren't available when I bought mine) and they are consistently a delight to play on, after 6 months of heavy use by a 100 kilo guy.

      --
      Trees can't go dancing
      So do them a big favor
      Pretend dancing stinks!
  2. Ignition Pad availabilty and a Grain of Salt by robbway · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I play DDR. I lost 60 lbs over 7 months. I stopped playing DDR, I gained 30 over 6 months. You definitely have to align your activity level, and it's a myth that you gain faster than you lose. You can lose weight more quickly and at a heatly rate. Anyway, I'm highly qualified to comment on this topic.

    Here's my grain of salt: you play 3 songs in 6 minutes because of the selection process, load times, etc. That's actually 30 songs and roughly equates to 30*16= 480 calories. You actually lose more if you're a beginner, because you make missteps. And, if you're using diet mode, don't use official steps, as it only counts correct arrows pressed. Use the default, all steps mode. If your leg moves, count it!

    I'd also say that a typical cookie box has more than 500 calories. Much more. Much, much more.

    Now, I have no experience with the latest Ignition pads. I do know they're available at EB and Gamestop. I know they're considered the best of the soft pads. But be warned! Every soft pad has a limited lifespan. When one arrow stops working, the rest of the pad is useless.

    Three things to counter this: Use stocking feet, place the pad on top of something immobile and soft, and never ever fold it once unfolded. Keep it under the bed or behind the sofa. You will also have a much easier time if you immobilize the pad with velcro (the hooks side) on carpet or taped down by corners.

    Ignition pads are the same size as arcade platform, while the bundle pack by Konami's pad is actually thinner. You can apply your home skills at the arcade, though you may be surprised at the faster response time and meaner judging of PERFECT, GREAT, GOOD, etc. at the arcade.

    Oh yeah, if you play for an hour, have a towel handy and a lot of water.

  3. Want better before pictures? by saenodahotmail.com · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Hey everyone, I'm the girl that lost all the weight through playing DDR. I understand that the before pics SUCK, but that was just because my scanner wasn't working. I have a few pics that more adequately show the before, but it will be a day or so until they get put up on the site. Until then, feel free to ask any questions you wish.