Destination Spa Vacations with Michelle

Video Game Exercising

While visiting Canyon Ranch Spa Club a couple of weeks ago, I noticed some new exercise bikes with computer screens. Everyone on the bikes was engrossed in their workout and sweat was flying off of them. My curiosity peaked and willing to try anything once, I jumped on the only available Spark bike. Video gaming meets indoor cycling is the best way to describe the experience. Don't let that be a turn-off. I am not a fan of either, but together they make a winning fitness combination.

As indicated, the Spark cycle by Expresso Fitness is basically an exercise bike interfaced with video game software.  The on-screen directions were very easy and had me pedaling away within one minute. I was able to choose the course that I wanted to race (country hills) and the music (dance)that I wanted to listen to for my exercise session. There were several other functions (tracking, ghost riding, etc...) that I didn't bother with as it was my first time. Manuevering the moderate hills and country roads was quite fun and fairly realistic. The best part was continually passing the other riders and making sure that I was well ahead of the pacer. Thirty minutes flew by very fast. I don't remember every looking at that time or wondering when the workout was going to be done, all that I was focused on was being at the front of the cycling pack. I think ExpressoFitness is on to something.

The state of West Virginia certainly thinks so too! A year ago, West Virginia became the first state to incorporate a video game (Dance Dance Revolution) into the gym-class curriculum as part of a study with West Virginia University. And just this week, researchers announced that a 24-week test of students age 7-12 proves that "Dance Dance Revolution" has made the state's kids more fit. Maybe this is part of the obesity solution...

Several other companies have joined the craze and created video-fitness products. Here are the ones I found most interesting:

• Arcade 6EX Platforms by Cobalt Flux - top-flight set-up for dance, exercise and entertainment.
• Exer-Station by Powergrid Fitness - interfaces with all major game consoles. Therefore, it is possible to interface with XBox, GameCube and other PC-compatible gaming technology.
• 3 Kick by FitInteractive - 3 Kick provides a full-body workout for youth and adults alike. Designed for the martial arts industry, it has application to the general fitness industry, as well. The user strikes, kicks or punches one of three pads appropriate to the flashing light within the pad. Once contact has been made, the light goes out and another is randomly lit with a corresponding sound. The score is based on speed. The faster the user moves, the more points are accumulated.
• Trazer by Cybex - clients interactively control life-sized 3D games with their body movement. While playing Trazer, users control their on-screen characters' location. To operate, clients wear a transmitter around their waist, which emits an invisible infrared signal (similar to that of a television remote control), enabling Trazer to calculate the moment-to-moment position of the body as it moves in front of Trazer's video display.

If you are looking for some motivation for your exercise routine, try these new "Cyber Exercise" Machines. While arcades have had this technology for a while (dance games, basketball, sharp-shooting) it is just starting to blend with the fitness industry. Soon, more Destination Spas, fitness clubs, and home gym outfitters will have these machines available for you to try. Trust me and just try them - they are easier than you think, a lot of fun, and something to talk about and/or share with your children.

   

5K - a race is in your future!

Have you ever thought about participating in a marathon? As an avid runner (3-5 miles/day), it has crossed my mind several times. And then something or someone talks me out of it. Actually, I think it’s most accurate to say some body part – hip, ankle, back, or knee – has convinced me a marathon is best left for “others”.

One of those “others”, Tom, recently competed in the Carlsbad (San Diego) marathon and did so well that he qualified to run in the Boston marathon – Congrats, Tom! While I already know that a 26.2 miler is not for me, Tom has motivated me to run some shorter races in 2007. It will help mix up my exercise program and benefit some local charities at the same time. 

Care to join me? If you are not already exercising regularly, check with your doctor and start with walking first. If you are a regular exerciser and ready to run your 1st race, let's get started.

The 5-K is a great distance for every level of runner, especially beginners. It is short enough to finish and long enough to offer a challenge. Like so many things in life, training is the key to success with running. A great way to get started is to consult a trainer and hire a coach. Several of the Destination Spas (Golden Door, Canyon Ranch, New Age Health Spa) offer training programs and special running weeks throughout the year. At home, talk to other runners and consider joining a running club. Here is a beginner's training schedule from Runner’s World to prepare yourself for 5K success!

Week	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
1	rest or jog/run	1.5 mile run	rest or jog/run	1.5 mile run	rest	1.5 mile run	60 min walk
2	rest or jog/run	1.75 mile run	rest or jog/run	1.5 mile run	rest	1.75 mile run	60 min walk
3	rest or jog/run	2 mile run	rest or jog/run	1.5 mile run	rest	2 mile run	60 min walk
4	rest or jog/run	2.25 mile run	rest or jog/run	1.5 mile run	rest	2.25 mile run	60 min walk
5	rest or jog/run	2.5 mile run	rest or jog/run	2 mile run	rest	2.5 mile run	60 min walk
6	rest or jog/run	2.75 mile run	rest or jog/run	2 mile run	rest	2.75 mile run	60 min walk
7	rest or jog/run	3 mile run	rest or jog/run	2 mile run	rest	1 mile run	Race

On your mark, get set, go… See you at the finish line!