DDR's effects on health

Makenshi-kun · 05-02-2007, 11:24 PM

Well, I'm doing a study on how playing DDR affects your health. I'm playing DDR one hour every day on standard-heavy mode, and I lose around a quarter to half a pound each week. With each week I find myself able to lift leg weights at great intervals (around 25 more pounds each week) and my running speed has steadily increased. At first constantly playing DDR weared me out easily when I ran, but over time I built up endurance.

Now, does anyone know what other things I should look into? I'm specifically looking for the MENTAL effects that DDR has on you (i.e: does it improve your musical sense, does it make you think faster/more clearly?). Also, if you've been playing DDR as an exercise and know how much weight you've lost over a period of time I would greatly appreciate it if you tell me, along what intensity you play on and how much you play.

Akadosan · 05-04-2007, 03:01 AM

Well, for me, DDR is just like any other sport. You play, you sweat, you bleed.

So, for me, it is more on the mental side of things. It really helps you to concentrate better.

Also, it helps you to co-ordinate your movement as well. That is why I kinda became agile after playing DDR for a very long time.

As for endurance, it depends on the person, really.

Overall, playing DDR is supposed to make you healthier, unless you are not serious about changing your lifestyle.

Ben Speirs · 05-04-2007, 01:01 PM

Well put it this way - a couple of months ago I played MAX 300 (SMMM) in the arcade and collapsed with exhaustion afterwards (still cleared with a C). Last week I played LoM as first stage (got a B), MAX 300 second (B) then ended it with Sakura (A). The way it builds up your stamina is absolutely incredible.

Mentally? You get a feel for beats more. You can listen to certain parts of songs and cut the rest out, just focusing on the background. You can keep a steady beat, so with musical instruments you play a lot better. Your memory also increases significantly - I can recall in my head songs and their steps (Healing-D-Vision is a perfect example), albeit not the official arrows, but I can still tap the correct beats.

You benefit more physically than mentally though. Hope I helped!

Conornewlyn · 05-05-2007, 12:52 AM

DDR to me is much like a sport, like Akadosan said, and it's REALLY good for your body, keeps you fit, it's fun, and best of all, you look cool doing it (sometimes).

DragTheCigaretteKing · 05-06-2007, 02:19 PM

DDR should be in the olympics *sarcasm or not*

If my gym had some DDR then id definitely join just to play it for free

SulferDragon · 05-06-2007, 04:19 PM

Ever since I started playing DDR I've had a greater sense of rhythm. I always find myself tapping out songs with my hands, rapping, and beat boxing. I never did that before playing it. (Actually, Stepmania probably helped me with this more... whateva)

I also knew a guy who played DDR like a job! He lost like 50 pounds in three months!!! It can have amazing effects. DDR hasn't done much for me though, it hasn't bulit my endurance (I still almost pass out on PSMO and other harder boss songs), made me faster, or anything like that. It certainly hasn't kept my weight down, becuase even when I don't play I still don't gain weight.

DDR (+Stepmania) has probably helped me more mentally then physically. Interesting...

AceMcAwesome · 05-06-2007, 04:55 PM

DDR has been known to help young children with attention disorders learn to focus better. It helps build advanced mental skills... reflexes, hand-eye coordination, Neuro-muscular connection. I believe this game heightens my senses. You notice sounds in music that most people never realize are there. Anyone can improve physically and mentally by incorporating DDR into their lifestyle.

squezey · 05-08-2007, 05:39 PM

It's great for exercise and can as the post above me stated heighten your sences. It makes me more alert and keeps me in shape.

SaxxonPike · 05-09-2007, 04:57 PM

The reason DDR works is because it's an exercise that takes place in a social atmosphere and it's trendy. It definitely helps you get to know other people who also play the game at the locations you play at, and can in turn improve your social skills. (It's sure affected mine

)

Iduun · 05-10-2007, 11:26 PM

I play quite a bit on heavy, but I haven't really noticed any effects on my overall health. The only difference I notice is that my DDR endurance improves. Nines that used to wind me I can do pretty easily. *shrugs* I never had anything serious, like weight loss or anything.

I AM THE PROPHECY. · 05-11-2007, 12:05 AM

i started playing four months ago and gained almost fifty pounds, thanks a lot konami

fl4sh Del!rium · 05-11-2007, 09:27 PM

How long did you play a day? Obviously like running, DDR is an exercise only effective over a period of time. It works like a charm for me. Average of .5 - 1.5 pounds a week for me. Thank you Konami.

pretty2tuff · 05-11-2007, 10:42 PM

will it help me run 1-4k faster? heh.. ya i need to uh, improve in my gym class ugh... anyways, ya i made a thread like this awhile ago.. i wanted to decrease my thigh size lol, wondered if ddr would work

Oni-91 · 05-12-2007, 01:15 PM

I've played DDR for 4 years, and I've constantly stayed at 8 stone. Considering I'm 5'6" and 16, is this bad?

DiGiTaLDJ59 · 05-13-2007, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oni-91

I've played DDR for 4 years, and I've constantly stayed at 8 stone. Considering I'm 5'6" and 16, is this bad?

dude you're still growing and theres always room for change. try to take it to the next level like doing 9s and work off that. you should get better if you just practice more. as for DDR effects when playing, it did give me good eye reflexes and my mind was open to hearing music at another level. thanks konami!