Full Body Workout

[bramdon]

I was thinking about expanding my DDR workouts to include crunches or curls between songs to get a better full body workout. Is this a good strategy? Has anyone here tried this?

DDR is the only way I can motivate myself to exercise and I'd like to use that motivation to expand my workout!

Thanks

[xstatic]

I've done weights between songs, and crunches. It definitely works. I just didn't keep up with it.

[SSC]

It's not a bad idea, but if you want a full-body workout it's not quite the solution. The crunches will help your core control, but curls merely work out your biceps. If you really want to incorporate one exercise that will hit almost EVERY muscle in the body, try the Deadlift. It's one of the three hardest exercises out there, but if you want to truly reap the benefits, go for the Deadlift!

---But this should not be done after or during a DDR workout!

[abrannan]

I would strongly advise against deadlifts, myself, unless you can get the proper training in technique. Otherwise it's just too easy to lift wrong and mess up your back. Besides, the traditional deadlift does almost nothing for your upper torso and arms, with the exception of the forearms involved in gripping the barbell.

You might try to incoroporate some bodyweight exercises into your DDR workout. Pushups are one of the most utilitarian exercises, and there are almost infinite variations you can incorporate to work different muscle groups and adjust difficulty. Simply moving your hands 3-4 inches in any direction can vastly change what muscles are targeted. Crunches are okay for core, but you're ignoring the majority of your core muscles if you limit your work to that. Remember, you have a front and a back, and you should work on both sides.

[SSC]

abrannan said:

I would strongly advise against deadlifts, myself, unless you can get the proper training in technique. Otherwise it's just too easy to lift wrong and mess up your back. Besides, the traditional deadlift does almost nothing for your upper torso and arms, with the exception of the forearms involved in gripping the barbell.

That's true, I did overlook the fact that it's actually a really, really difficult exercise and should only be done with a proper belt, spotter, and as you said, training. Good idea with the push-ups though, there are so many variations.

[bramdon]

Thanks!

I incorporated push ups into my DDR routine and it felt great. I'd do 3 songs, 20 push ups, 3 more songs...etc. I did some DDR when I was in college three years ago, but never had my own system. Last week I decided to take it up again as a work out, bought a PS2, a copy of DDRMax2 and the dance pad. It felt great to be doing it again...I like DDR as exercise because 1) it is fun! 2) I can do it indoors (weather doesn't effect my exercise) and 3) I don't have to go out to a gym to practice.

This board has been a great tool for learning about other people who use DDR as exercise. I appreciate it!

[xstatic]

oh yay! You're older! I keep searching for the gamers that are more around my age range.

Glad you're finding what you need here.

[DDRMom]

bramdon said:

I incorporated push ups into my DDR routine and it felt great. I'd do 3 songs, 20 push ups, 3 more songs...etc.

Hmmm.....I usually do some crunches and weights after DDR, but I wonder if there is any advantage to doing them between songs instead.....

[luminalazure]

Wow! That is a great idea =3
Maybe I should try that with my mom.

[polymorph]

i do something kinda similar to this...
inbetween sessions of DDR, i pull out the wii and do some wii boxing. It's amazing how much of a workout that can be once you get past the pro bar on it