Virtual Fitness

The newest thing to make waves in the exercise world is the addition of programs catered to those who own a video game console, such as PlayStation  or Xbox.  For example, Yourself! Fitness offers the most advanced personalized workout program available without hiring a trainer. The virtual instructor, Maya, helps you personalize a workout program, leads you through it, and lets you pick music and a setting to go with the workout. She also helps you develop a structured diet program to go along with your exercise plan. There are tutorials and progress reports as well. All in all, it is a more than impressive "game".

More fitness options that are game-oriented include the following:

• Dance Dance Revolution (DDR): Talk about a fun and challenging game even for the seasoned dancer. You have a special floor pad that you use to match the stepping moves on the screen. Change the music, speed, and difficulty. Unlock levels as you complete rounds and fight against the computer or play against a friend or family member. Trust me -- this will definitely help you work up a sweat. Just keep in mind that although it's a dance program, it's not really low impact.
• Eye Toy : There are two versions: Play and Groove (coming out soon). They are similar to DDR but they use your hands more than your feet. You can choose different games though, such as dance, kung foo, boxing champ, and more. It includes a camera with a USB port that plugs into your PlayStation, which you place on top of your television set. Then you move to the beat, hit the targets, and win points. However, this program is less of a workout than DDR. It would be a great exercise tool for a kid who might be slightly overweight and in need of some physical activity.

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