Working out with the XBox and Kinect.

[Sugarhill]

I saw the thread about Zumba and the Wii, so I thought I would provide an option for those of you that have an XBox.

The two options that I have personally used are Your Shape Fitness Evolved and UFC Trainer. I would suggest them both. I know some men lean more towards UFC as it seems to be a little more physical than Your Shape, but don't underestimate Your Shape.

UFC seems to me to have a lot more body weight exercises that feel effective both cardio and strength. Bear crawls, cage pick ups, ankle picks and punch and shoots, should all get you going after a few reps.

They also have a Hit The Mitts section that has about 30 different variations. I would start there so you can get a grasp of the overall feel of the game.

You can also use weights and have the game account for it.

There is a lot more to it and if you have any questions. I'll answer.

In regards to Your Shape. I know a lot of people believe this is more geared towards women, but I think it was more well rounded in that it would work for both sexes.

They have a cardio boxing class that would rival some of the things in UFC. They have yoga classes. Three fun activities, one of which would also rival a lower level Hits the Mitts routine in UFC.

Their exercise classes are of good length and activity level.

Once again, I'll answer any questions that you may have about the games.

[fitnessk]

Thank you for the post. I do not currently have an XBox but have been thinking of getting one. I think that the fitness programs would be fun to use. I would not use them as my main source of exercise but rather an extra.

[Sugarhill]

No problem with the info. I won't say that they can't be used as a main source, because they are very involved and if you put in the right kind of effort, they can be of great benefit. Especially for those who are reluctant to workout around others or in a gym.

But, probably for someone like you, they are a supplemental routine or a substitute for days that you can't do your main thing.

Also, I have to say that with a lot of the Kinect games, they also provide a lot more movement than one would initially imagine going into it. Even the game that comes with the Kinect, Kinect Adventures will have you crawling around gasping for air if you aren't in some sort of shape. I've also heard of a lot of people losing weight with the dancing games.

[dmeagher]

What about with something like WiiFit? Do you think it'd give you a good enough amount of exercise throughout a day? Please answer!

[DENPAZ0R]

The UFC Trainer looked cool for me, because I used to train in MMA.
But nothing compares to the Gym, it is simply just a video game.

[Sugarhill]

What about with something like WiiFit? Do you think it'd give you a good enough amount of exercise throughout a day? Please answer!

I've never played anything on the Wii, but from what I understand, you need to actually need to use a WiiMote for it to detect movement. So, going in, no I don't think it would be as effective as the Kinect.

The Kinect will see your full body, if positioned correctly, so all you would need to focus on is actually getting the work done.

[Sugarhill]

The UFC Trainer looked cool for me, because I used to train in MMA.
But nothing compares to the Gym, it is simply just a video game.

Is it going to be the same as kicking an actual bag or hitting a speed bag? No. But, to just dismiss it as nothing more than a video game gives me reason to believe that you really didn't actually play it for a period of time as it is a well put together game that can give many a person a good workout.

But, to each their own.

[AvalonX]

I have both. Wiifit isn't even close to Kinect because you can cheat. I had the first Your Shape and Dance Central. Your Shape can kick you butt a little. It can see when you are getting those knees high enough. They build in a lot of squat motions and stuff so you get a burn. I like Dance Central, they have a great catalog of song, especially if you get the first one and import.

Kinect requires some room to work right. There is also a ton of demos on Xbox live to try for free. I wouldn't replace weights with this but you could easily get your cardio in.

WiiFit was ok, it was more games than fitness. It worked you out but not to a great degree.

[Sugarhill]

Thank you! There are so many more ways for a person to get in shape nowadays that it's ridiculous to just dismiss a method off the cuff. Your Shape is so strict that you will either get in shape or fail miserably according to the game. Either way, you will know why you look like you do at the end of a 30-60 day period with it.

Avalon, do you have the Cardio Boxing classes? The G-Fit class is no joke either. Your Shape will take you through the paces even in the Zen classes.

For the Kinect, I've noticed that the more lighting I had on, the better it picked up. That may help anyone with space issues.

[AvalonX]

Lighting helps, if space it tight they sell this add on from a third part company (Nyko) that helps with people with limited space. I do not have the cardio boxing, I never got this year's 2012 game. It looks like they are going the annual route with Your Shape. The only thing is the DLC from the older game doesn't work in the new one.