I have been playing DDR for nearly 3 years and have made it a lifestyle; investing in metal arcade mats with bars and playing a lot. Even advancing far beyond the original songs that the games include (I have to get or make custom songs that are harder than any existing song included with the games; considering the games go to 10 “feet” per second max and I can now do 12-13 “feet” on a custom made song). I am in fact attempting the world record this summer (No joke that this is a big deal to me!). The point is, with enough practice and determination, as well as a healthy diet (I eat a few bananas and apples a day, with 3 glasses of low fat milk, lean meats and nuts for protein, some vegetables, and more water than probably should be drunk in small helpings frequently throughout the day) anyone can lose weight with DDR.

I used to play DDR Max 2 every day for 15 songs in a row (endless mode) before breakfast. I started at beginner mode when I first got the game and worked my way up to Light mode and still managed to lose 8 lbs on that alone. 3 years ago, we got a dog and walking him took place of the morning DDR routine. Although it’s equivalent in maintaining weight, I’m going to add DDR to my evening routine again to double it.

Like any exercise routine, you get out of it what you put in. If you work harder and faster and longer, you’ll burn more! It’s not the perfect, well balanced muscle builder, but it does indeed increase your heart rate and metabolism. And being fun is WAY more of a perk! It feels so good to hear the applause and see the scores increase, then feel the sweat and tight muscles afterwards. 2 kinds of rewards.

I just started again this week. I’m pretty confident I’ll lose it where as before I had a terrible time losing weight because normal exercise bored me. DDR grows with you, unless your some kind of athletic person who runs 10 miles a day I think for the average person DDR would do them just fine.

I used to play DDR like an addict. Playing basic and standard was a good exercise, but wait til u get to Heavy or Expert mode. Thats where the heart of the game is and where you will burn the most fat from. I used to be really active. Played Tennis and DDR Daily. Before it all, I was 190lbs. After that summer, I was 160lbs. Mind you, I was eating anything I like. I didn’t change my diet, my body did. I thought, “I could eat anything!”, until winter hit and I was barely doing any exercise. Thats when I started noticing my shirts getting tighter. By spring, I grew…. not back to 190lbs, but to 205lbs.

I guess it goes to show that without hard work, nothing will happen. Especially if you think ur “invincible”. Exercise AND Eat Healthy.

http://www.stepmania.com/

The program is available in the “Downloads” section of the page. You’ll still need to buy a dance pad, but if you go to any GameStop they should be able to hook you up with a cheap one (along with a USB converter). If you need help, the webpage has a Frequently Asked Questions section.

Good luck!