Week One, and I Am Still Fat
You know the one you see on TV with the smoking hot brunette in a skintight outfit with that fashionable strap around her leg. I unpacked all the goodies it came with and got to work. AbleGamers asked Stephen Yang, Assistant Professor at SUNY Cortland, researcher of the effectiveness of using exergames or electronic games to achieve healthy benefits for his thoughts about my move to EA Active. And what others could do if they want to join me in my challenge.
"I am excited for you as you pursue your goals of increased fitness and weight loss through exergames,” said Yang.
“EA SPORTS Active is a hugely popular game with some great features for workouts of all types and lengths. EA Active is great for tracking your progress and varying the activities for different body parts,” he continued. “Whatever exergames product you decide to use, make sure you enjoy the activity/activities that you will be performing. Each game has its own strengths and weaknesses and it's important to find something that is interesting and meets your needs as well as your abilities.”
Here is my break down
Day 1 – Wii Sports – Did the “Step” class that is disguised as an elementary school dance program with an over-enthusiastic crowd of proud parents. The quality of the workout was good. Keep in mind I have some issues around my left leg, so it was somewhat of challenge for me to toss this massive girth around. After a few rounds of that I moved on to the boxing game. Again a little too slow; I didn’t feel like I was working out. Total time in my “Bank” was 17 minutes.
Day 2 – I was still using the Wii Sports. I was looking for something a little more intense, so I ran around Wii land. That got my breath up, and it scared the living day lights out of my cats. I heard one of them say, “Where the hell is he going? I would not get near him he might fall” …yes my cats talk to me, what?
I took some time to play around with some of the balance games. Given the nature of my disability these may pay off for me so I think I will keep at it. Total time in my “Bank” was 16 minutes
Day 3 – I did not work out using the Wii. My dog Luna has to go to the pool to help with her hip issues, yes I have a disabled dog too, and I end up doing a lot of walking around the pool. I am sure Luna would rather I just stay home and not drag her to the pool. Seriously, she is as lazy as I am.
Day 4 – I went out during lunch and picked up the EA Active. Once I got home I unpacked all the goodies it came with and got to work. Oh my god! What have I gotten myself into this time?
I am not kidding. If Wii Sports was a kernel of corn, EA Active is one of those giant cans of corn you saw in school. This work out kicked my butt. I chose one of the Pre-set workouts and promptly got started. About 18 minutes in I gave up… it was so hard and I was so tired. Damn you squat thrusts, you will curse the day you crossed me! I was beat down, sweat running down my face, and somewhere deep down inside I felt good, “This is what I have been looking for.”
Day 5 – I rested. My thighs were in so much pain… I still cursed the squat thrusts!
Day 6 – I rested again. Not because I was lazy, but mainly because I was busy.
Day 7 – Back to Wii Sports. I am a little mad at the EA folks right now. They must all be super fit over there because I am still in pain from the “Beginners” routine I did on Thursday. I really do like that step class thing on Wii Sports. I am doing the “advanced” one that comes with the Wii Sports Plus. I have noticed that I am a little more sure-footed as I move around.
We asked Professor Yang where he thinks I should be, ""I think you might feel a little sore in a couple of muscle groups that were previously inactive; however, as we all know it's not just settling into a routine - it's the planning and actual starting the workout that is often more difficult.”
“As you start to play more of the games and workouts, the results from playing will help to inform and motivate you to continue exercising," he added.
“Using social networking sites like Twitter, you can continue to get support and feedback from the EA SPORTS Active Community Manager by following Kathryn and using the hashtag #easactive whenever you post your results to Twitter,” said Yang. “I am also recommending that you to do the 6-week challenge as well as working out in Multilayer mode. The more social support networks he uses increases the number of people that can support you in your quest for increased fitness and health."
I am sore, damn those squats!
Final thoughts on the first week.
Honestly, I was not really looking forward to do this every day. I work during the day, and commute 50 miles one way to work. I spend a lot of my waking hours working on AbleGamers work, so really I mean it when I say I am busy.
That said after the 3rd day I was starting to look forward to taking the 20 to 30 minutes just focusing on me. I am starting to feel a bit better. I did drop a few pounds and I am sleeping a little better. I did not think that I would see positive benefits so quickly, but I am telling you that I am and I like it. I think I will keep it up next week too.
Now is the time to ask questions. If I can answer any of your questions or concerns, please ask below.
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Hey Mark,
Congrats! You know a website has excellent transparency when the editor in chief puts his weight on the home page! Great that you're getting fit - if you've already lost a few pounds you're well on your way. I use the old school exercise videos once in a while, and I'm jealous that you can be part of a social network with EA Active. I will have to look into this. Thanks for sharing!
Suzanne
Hi Mark
Well done. I'm following you on this, and might now get a copy of EA active myself. I've not got a balance board yet and enjoy Wii boxing the most at the moment. I'm trying to do a bit more exercise each day, but cutting down on food is difficult ( I ate half a haggis for lunch).
Keep it up mate!
Best wishes
Duncan
Hi Mark,
Okay mate, first thing, congratulations! You've started and that IS the hardest part. Listen closely to Stephen's advise as 'planning' is now what you need to keep on track. Use the social and support networks provided by EA and alternative fitness sites such as Traineo which have massive support group for Wii users and Exergamers.
Second, please please please get yourself a copy of any the Dance Dance Revolution games for the Wii or PS2 if you have one. They use that dance mat and really give an amazing and fun workout as they music itself can be very motivating, plus the score based system helps the 'inner' athlete to want to do better each time.
Finally, make sure you reward yourself with one game or part of one game you REALLY enjoy that still offers a physical component like the Raving Rabbids series of games. This is a great way to finish each session with a little activity and a lot of laughter 
Best of luck from Downunder, Brett.
