DDR: Not Just Dancing

[Jigsaw Girl]

DDR has been quite the fad in arcades in the recent years. Each day more people venture out to see just what this Dance Dance Revolution is all about.

People who have never seen the game tend to presume that it's just about stepping on arrows. Those of us who play know that it is much more than that. There is a wide range of music that makes you want to dance, and not just on four arrows! It also takes quite a bit of practice to become advanced.

DDR gives you a lot of options. You play singles or doubles, and you can play as a beginner or an expert. It is also common to see someone freestyling to a simpler song. There are many different aspects that you can add to the game.

Lately in America there has been a lot of talk about obesity in both children and adults. Sometimes video games are wrongly blamed as a large factor in childhood obesity. What does this have to do with DDR? DDR can be a very effective, and very fun, cardio workout. Rather than going to the gym, why not go to the arcade? DDR console versions are even better for a workout because you won't have to pay for each round. Some even have calorie counters.

I'm waiting for the day when I see DDR machines next to the treadmills at the gym. If parents are concerned about their child's weight, I think this would be a great way to introduce working out to them. DDR can definitely be more than just dancing to fun music. It can be a way to freestyle and express yourself. You can also choose to just practice and hone in on your skills. Or, it can be used as a really fun way to work out. Any way you choose to use it, next time you see a DDR machine you'll know that it's a little more than just stepping on some arrows.