Dance video game work-outs are the most versatile of all video games…that’s my opinion anyway. Looking for a work-out, a fun way to connect with the younger generations, something to kick-start your happy hormones, wedding dance ideas or just want to learn some new moves? Dance work-outs are the most versatile of all video games because they do all that.
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Ten years ago I was introduced to the Xbox 360 video dance games, Dance Central (shut down in 2019) and Just Dance, while hanging out with my sister. I was immediately hooked.
This was when I first became separated and had a lot going on in my head. Besides the heartache of missing and not seeing my children every day, the biggest side effect was I couldn’t focus. I couldn’t do any of my favourite pastimes like reading and taking courses. All I could do was walk. And I walked for hours, anything to avoid my quiet empty apartment.
That year, over the New Year, I did some house and dog-sitting for my sister and spent hours playing Dance Central and Just Dance. In an attempt to connect with my children, I shared my scores and excitement over these games.
the surprise
Next thing I knew, my children, and my son’s girlfriend – now fiancée, surprised me with my very own Xbox game console and games. You can’t imagine how emotional I was receiving this extravagant gift – isn’t it parents who give their children presents like this?
Those teenagers cared enough to spend a chunk of their minimum wage earnings on me. This came at a time when I felt like the bad guy; it was fresh that I had broken up our family. Receiving that gift smothered any fear I had of my children not wanting me in their lives.
The Xbox and dance games are one of my most memorable gifts and were just what I needed to get me through those rough times. This activity gave me something to look forward to after work and got me exercising so I had lots of endorphins, happy hormones, running through my system.
work-out
Since having children, there’s only been two times in my adult life when I was in exceptional physical shape. First, was when I was training for my black belt in Taekwon-Do and did the whole black belt test every day for the six months prior. The second time was playing those dance games after work and on weekends passing the hours I was alone.
Playing these games by myself, I felt like the main characters in Ant-Man, and The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Someone home alone killing time.
increasing intensity
There are so many ways the dance video games keep it interesting. Initially, when I began playing I was like a toddler learning a new skill. Whenever I learnt a new song I played the easiest level over and over till I got the moves down. When that became easy I moved up to the next level.
To this day I’m still beating my highest scores but there’s room for improvement. One time I tried the hardest level but that didn’t last long! All I could do was wave my arm or kick my leg the odd time when I caught a move. It was all so fast. Some day I’ll revert to toddler mode and give it another try. For now, I’m doing the geriatric easy work-out to prevent my old problems, back and hip pain, from coming back.
playlists
The playlist is one of my favourite game features which I discovered on Dance Central 3. Playlists took my work-out to a whole new level because I could practice all the songs I enjoyed without stopping and looking for them. It was a good work-out since my heart rate stayed up with less down-time standing around. I was also able to incorporate easy songs for warm up at the beginning and cool down at the end.
World Dance Floor
My least favourite feature was playing live on the “World Dance Floor”, an online platform to dance against other people around the world. I don’t even recall the song, but I’ll never forget the comment that came across my screen at the end saying I sucked and needed more practice.
After seeing that comment the feral mother in me was set loose. There was a reason my son use to call me the tormentor, my children would have paid a huge price if they said something like that. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the technological know-how to chirp back the sad truth, that person needed way more practice on their social skills than I needed practice dancing.
But that didn’t put me off…
spreading the word
When I find something I like I tell the world. One time my mother was visiting and after hearing all my ranting about the dance games, she gave it a try. Like me, she was immediately hooked. Back in the 1980’s she did Sweatin’ to the Oldies by Richard Simmons so was no stranger to dance work-outs. I returned the favour my children did for me and bought her the same Xbox set-up I had. Then she introduced our Sarnia family to it and they got hooked too.
an activity connecting all ages
If you want to connect with Millenials and younger generations you’re best doing it through technology. Over the years we’ve played with five year olds to family in their 70’s, and so far, everyone has had fun.
Not interested in allowing your child to play video games? Dance video games may be where you want to make an exception. These games are fun, it socializes children, encourages team-work, and helps burn off excess energy. Just avoid the World Dance Floor unless you create a private group.
creating happy hormones
Whether you need an escape or a pick-me-up, if you like dancing, then dance video games may be just what you need. Exercise is something we have to do, our bodies need to move. As someone who works at a desk all day, exercise is essential for me to keep aches and pains at bay. Even more important, it keeps me upbeat. When I don’t exercise I get the blues.
my blues prevention and cure
Since I need to move to prevent the blues the dance games are a fun way for me to keep active and give me something to look forward to. But it also works the other way. If I get a bit down I know that if I push myself to do just one dance I can pretty well jump-start a more positive disposition. Not an easy thing to do when you’re down but so worth it.
movement for mental health
My own self care, especially when it comes to physical exercise, is a major red flag of mental health problems in our world. My favourite podcast these days, The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon SHOW, has this come up in many of her conversations. The most recent one I listened to, Defy Aging: Get Fit at Any Age is an interview with Pauline Adeleke, who swears by exercise, and like me, exercise has saved her, helping keep her sanity through some devastating life challenges.
Suffer from mental health problems and like to dance? Do a check-in with your medical doctor about adding these fun dance video games to your lifestyle. My guess is, unless you have serious health issues, you will get a thumbs up to move forward. But again, always check with your medical doctor first and never stop any prescribed medications.
wedding dance
While in that extreme dance work-out mind set all those years ago, I met my husband, Mike. Like me, he’s someone who has to keep active; even he got into the dance video games for a while.
When we got engaged and were planning our wedding we had great plans for our wedding dance but never found time to practice. We kept having to lower the bar. Eventually, we decided do the Xbox Just Dance Despacito routine. We got dressed as the characters and danced in sync with them and the video playing behind us.
It was the easiest thing we could come up with and worked out perfect. We could practice together or apart since Mike worked long hours and often seven days a week.
We did have a major glitch, we practiced the routine backwards. By the time we discovered this we had a week to un-learn and re-learn the dance before the wedding. As awkward as I felt doing the routine backwards it didn’t matter. It was a hit! We still have people comment on how creative, fun, and memorable our wedding dance was.
new year’s work-out
Now that we’re officially into the first week of 2024 I’ve implemented my winter work-out regime. Weekday Pilates and walking, and dance video game work-outs on the weekend. Last year I ended up having to take a break from that regime to prevent my hip and back problems from returning. But, after doing the basic dance video work-out last weekend, I’m good to go.
For now I’ll hold back, sticking to lower intensity…okay, geriatric style exercising till I know for sure I won’t hurt myself again. That’s what works for me as I just want, and need, to keep moving.
If you’re interested in trying a dance video game there are lots of Just Dance videos on Youtube. Just do a search using “Just Dance” as the key words, and find a dance video to follow along with.
Who knows, this may become your new favourite exercise. Just take it easy till you get warmed up and if you aren’t already exercising do a check-in with your medical doctor to be sure you’re healthy enough to start this regime because it’s addictive. When you’re good to go, have fun!
Looking for a new work-out, a pick-me-up, party game, wedding dance, or just want to learn some new moves? Dance work-outs are the most versatile of all video games and are a great way to shake things up!
Cheers,
Vickie Girolami
January 6, 2024
#middleagedteen #mentalhealth #exerciseformentalhealth #danceexercise #partygames #party #partyideas #dancecentral #justdance #xbox #wedding #weddingdance #weddingideas
Resources
The Dr.Gabrielle Lyon Show (September 13, 2022). Defy Aging: Get Fit at Any Age – Pauline Adeleke
https://open.spotify.com/episode/77SrFRpSBI5nuRlBHyQ1Ak?si=JL4pfor2SJOqlbJdzB3Emg
| The information shared in middleagedteen.com is personal experience meant for entertainment and educational purposes only. Always consult the relevant professional for each topic covered, especially for health and well-being since it is not a prescription, diagnosis, healthcare, or treatment for any illness, disease, or lifestyle. Any business related to middleagedteen.com, including the author and publisher, are not liable for any outcomes from misuse or misunderstanding information and no client relationship is created. |
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