Working out with DDR - Literally

[jerradk]

I'm stumped.

Ok, some people at work tell me that I should not do DDR with ankle weights on cause it can mess up my knees...I think it only makes them stronger cause of the reistance. They are only 10 lbs each weight.

Also, is it smart or is it good that I use 20 lb dumbelss when I'm playing DDR. I will have one in each of my hands. Or is this straining on the shoulders and such.

Anyone have any good advice they can give? Thanks much! ;D

[AetherBunny]

Current theory seems to be that using ankle and/or hand/wrist weights during aerobic exercise is a bad idea ( www.diynet.com/diy/lh_general_info/article/0,2041,DIY_14040_2273154,00.html ). I personally think I'm going to stick to using 1lb hand weights part of the time when I play DDR, because I think I'm still getting more good than harm out of them... guess we'll see in another year or 5 whether or not I've got tendonitis. ;}

If you still want to use weights, though, I can't imagine using weights that heavy while playing DDR could possibly be good for you. Probably best to give up on the multi-tasking & save the weights for weight-training, or cut back to hand/wrist weights only... and rather lighter than 20lbs.

JMO

[jerradk]

Thanks for the advice! Deep inside I knew it probably wasn't good to do...but it wasn't hurtin' me so I figured why not.

It might've tho in the future.

Thanks again!

[AetherBunny]

jerradk said:

Thanks again!

You're very welcome!

For what it's worth, I've recently been noticing joint soreness in my shoulders after playing DDR w/ only 1lb hand weights (for 30 minutes-hour a day). Granted, I'm 30 yrs old & not in very good shape, but I'd say that that's pretty good anecdotal evidence against using weights during aerobic exercise. I'll pro'lly still use the weights, occaisionally (because I'm stubborn like that ;} ), but yeah... I certainly wouldn't reccomend using at all heavy weights, or using them often, while you play.

[Elegantly Wasted]

WOW weights? that would hurt

[quadrollersk8r]

I already have enough "natural" weight on my body to be throwing around on a DDR pad.

[Elegantly Wasted]

I think you should do weight training before or after you do DDR.. I just don't think it's necessary to do it while playing ddr.. That will cause some serious injuries..

[psmo290]

yeah, some weights are ok but not much

[jrd]

Working with weights is a no no, especially if you use ankle weights cause as a doctor told my mom when she had to get surgery for her ankle from using weights, a 1lb weight adds bout 30lbs of more pressure against your ankles.

[psmo290]

wow that's alot

[MainMor]

I heard once that all it takes is 15 pounds of pressure per square inch to break a bone... so youch... one false move on DDR with weights and you might be in a cast.

[psmo290]

so it's a very bad idea

[Elegantly Wasted]

I would think so

[jrd]

Yeah if you do hand weights like with the 1lbs, I would honestly say stick to the more slower songs, so you're not throwing your arms around as much.

Last thing we need is a huge number of ddr-ers injured and can't play for a while (Imagine the insanity that would take place in the world).

[MainMor]

Cats and Dogs Living Together... Mass Hysteria

[psmo290]

i hope i'll never get injured while playing ddr.

[dancin' fool]

Oh man... I jones for DDR all the time. If I couldn't play for more than a day, I think I would turn into a crazed Batman villian.

I'm glad to see people thinking about the future, btw... when I was a teenager, I used to jog in place barefoot, totally ignoring advice to wear shoes. I did so much damage to my knees, I am damn lucky I can play DDR today.

[psmo290]

that's nice to know, my foot would be so messed up if i did what u did,

btw, i finally got a RO ignition pad

Yay!!!!!!!!!

[Elegantly Wasted]

I remember playing for about 4 hours. It was such a good workout. I didn't know my body anymore.. So i'm walking down the stairs and went head first... My legs just caved..

[dancin' fool]

Yikes!

I've actually played to the point of falling off the pad, but that's not nearly as scary.