The Oldest N00B!!

trinsdad · Basic Member Joined: 25 Jan 2004

Hi everyone. I think after reading these boards I am the oldest N00bie here. I am 37 years old...I bought DDR because I had tried the controller version at a party and I couldnt stop..I kept thinking wow if they ever made a home version it would be a great way to forget that you are exercising.

Well I found it for my XBOX...my now wife and I decided to order it....I even whent ahead and ordered 2 CF boards (not becaue I wanted what most of you said were the best) but becasue I am a big dude.

I am 6'3 320 pounds (ex power-lifter) and now that I am older I have alot of aches and pains.

I have a few questions for anyone that can relate or have have had similar expirience.

I am afraid of a few things:

Joint problems. How is this game on the knees? Being heavy makes me a bit nervous about the jumping up and down part.

Pregancy and DDR. My wife is pregnant (yay!) is this similar to a step class? She was told she could do step and similar all the way through the 3rd trimester or is this WAY more impact and should be avoided (or ask a doctor)

Was it really hard but fun still in the begining?

What got you addicted to it?

And finally has it positivly changed anyones life?

Oops one more...sorry...is anyone here as old as me??

Slowpoke · Trick Member Joined: 28 Oct 2003

Hi there... believe or not, I've got some years on you... and my knees and ankles are pretty damn bad. I wouldn't even consider doing anything like jogging. But DDR has never aggravated those injuries at all. I think part of the reason is that even though there's jumping involved, the proper technique is to stay as low as you can. So unless you're playing incorrectly, the impact is far less than jogging or sports like basketball. The only physical problems I encouner are cramps in my feet and calves, and lower back soreness. But that's mostly caused by playing too long without resting.

bast_imret · Trick Member Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Savannah, GA

I just started recently and I haven't noticed much strain on my knees, but my feet are pretty darn sore. I weigh 193lbs and have been playing on a softpad modded with MDF underneath it, so it's a pretty solid surface. I don't know anything about the Cobalt Flux pads, but it seems like a worthwhile purchase. They should be sensitive enough to where you won't need to stomp on the pads to get a good response. the only time you should have to jump is when hitting combo arrows. As for your wife, I'd highly reccommend she stay away from PSMO 1.5x dark shuffle reverse for awhile, or at least until she has the kid

EDIT: oh yea, BTW, I'm 24. And your wife should be fine on the beginner and lite mode stuff. Wouldn't go much higher than that for now.

CourtJester · Trick Member Joined: 26 Sep 2002 Location: NY

Trinsdad!
Welcome to the world of ddr!

First-I have 2 cf pads for over a year now...you HAVE bought the best.

Second- Definatley start slow and work your way up. It CAN be a very high impact activity once you reach the most difficult levels.

Yes it's fun! And as addicting as heroin...but in a good way:)

And for the record I'm 27.

If you have any other questions feel free to contact me via email or AIM.

good luck!
Mike

Misaki's Midnite Blaze · Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2004 12:39 pm Post subject:

Very interesting facts indeed trinsdad, I don't think I know anyone else that plays DDR at that age

but we do hope you enjoy your stay here at least

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Osaka wants some love tooooooo

trinsdad · Basic Member Joined: 25 Jan 2004

Drenchfur · Trick Member Joined: 27 Feb 2003

I'm 30 years old, 220 lbs, and have been playing for over two years.

I've not noticed any adverse affects on the knees, except that songs with a lot of jumps wear me out quicker. My calves burned after only a few songs at first. After more experience, my ankles would feel weak and my feet sore after each arcade session. I usually walked with a slight limp the next day. Now the only way to tell I've been playing is from the sweat.

One night when I was new, I played for over an hour straight. When I got home, I noticed my right foot made a clicking noise with each step. I might have had it before I ever beagn DDR, but it became more noticeable that night. The doctor said it was nothing to worry about. I thought I did some permanent damage and vowed never to play again. Soon the click became less pronounced and, sure enough, I found myself back on the pads.

As for your pregnant wife playing, I would say no. Since the game is fun, you tend to push yourself without knowing it. Even without the jumps, there are faster step combos and turns and stuff like that. I would suggest she just use the controller for the time being. If she plays on the mat, she is going to get better, and will start to push herself... use your best judgement on this one!

DDR isn't really hard at first. You will find yourself picking songs and difficulties suited to your taste and current skill level. The most fun is those first few weeks or months though! Don't get me wrong, after two years, the game is still fun. It's the music combined with the beautiful flow of the steps which got me (and keeps me) hooked.

DDR has made a positive influence on my life. I've got to meet a few people who play. We've broadened our horizons by choosing more challenging songs, and those apart from our "usual". A 17-year old girl even gave me her grad picture last year because we had such fun playing together. I wish I was 18.

trinsdad · Basic Member Joined: 25 Jan 2004

So has anyone expirienced positive health benifits from this?

Dance · Trick Member Joined: 16 Sep 2003 Location: Louisville, KY

Im not a very big guy. im only 14 but i used to not be very healthy. I ate way to much junk. and my mom got me this for Christmas 2 years ago and i just received a metal pad this year for Christmas and now im also invovled in the arcades. And i got a lot of craps in my stomach at first but now i just get sweaty. IMPORTANT: Do not drink to much when you play between songs.

But, i keep a nice holsome bottle of waer to take a gulp or 2 between songs. After you get good, i suggeust you take a shower when your done playin DDR for the day.

You don't wanna smell like crap infront of your wife do you?
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Interests:Soccer, Track, Music
Hobbies:Basketball...
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wingzerogundamepyon · Trick Member Joined: 31 Aug 2003 Location: Rogue valley

well luckily when you start doing aerobic cardio activity (constant ddr playing) that muscle bulk from powerlifting will eventually turn into lean fast twitch muscle, just give it time, plus you build up more stamina and endurance. I have bad knees (at 16 mind you) from being larger as a kid, and from my plentiful bicycle incidents

and have also done more to both ankles than I would care to list, and ddr doesn't hurt at all

blatently off topic:

Prizm · Trick Member Joined: 07 Oct 2003 Location: Australia

Misaki's Midnite Blaze · Posted: Tue Jan 27, 2004 5:33 am Post subject:

trinsdad · Basic Member Joined: 25 Jan 2004

CourtJester · Trick Member Joined: 26 Sep 2002 Location: NY

trinsdad · Basic Member Joined: 25 Jan 2004

You are absolutely right...thats why I'll never be a Marathon runner and Rob de Castella will never be able to lift a Greyhound off its front axle.

However I am just hoping to drop the weight and size and get as lean and light as possible and make life easier for my heart and joints.