Cheesesteaks vs. PlayStation showdown
by Vladimir Cole 
{ Mar 6th 2006 at 9:00AM }
Will frequent use of the PlayStation EyeToy:Kinetic game chisel my formless flab (left) into a sleek, muscular, body-ideal (right)?
Following our poll that asked readers to rank themselves on a scale of skinny to obese, I'm conducting an experiment to assess the potential for games to have a positive influence on a gamer's health.
I'll be using an EyeToy: Kinetic for the PlayStation 2. The marketing hype for the product promises a "Body by PlayStation" via a "full-body fitness program like no other." I'm testing that premise with a $500 wager. Read on for details.
I'm skeptical that the EyeToy workouts are going to do anything for my beer-, pizza-, and cheesesteak-fed body. Heck, I'm a 30-year-old student in a full-time MBA program where weekly pub events are considered part of the core curriculum, so I've got that going against me. Plus, I'm in Philadelphia, a city that frequently ranks in the nation's top three fattest cities. I've gained 20 pounds in the seven months that I've been living in Philly. My waistline's fat, but my chances are slim.
I'll blog about my progress periodically as I endeavor to take the pounds off. I'm not going to be changing my beer-and-cheesesteak lifestyle, but I will dedicate at least four hours per week to the EyeToy for the next three months, starting March 12. Maybe the game will prove to be so boring that I'll give up. Maybe it'll work. Maybe they'll eventually release the laser-hair-removal attachment that will complete my transmogrification into the hairless wonder pictured in the advertisements. Then again, maybe I'll fail miserably, destined to remain a fatty forever.
To motivate myself, I'm going to offer a prize. If I fail to drop 25 pounds, then I'll give $500 of my own money to one of the Joystiq readers ranked in the top 20 list at right as of June 15, 2006 (selected via a roll of the d20). In other words, I've set a goal to lose 25 lbs. If I fail to achieve that goal, then I lose $500 to one of Joystiq's most active (and valuable) contributors.
- Current weight: 200 lbs
- Target weight: less than or equal to 175 lbs
- Primary mode of exercise: PlayStation EyeToy: Kinetic
- Judgement day: June 15, 2006
- Height: 6'
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dan Choi @ Mar 6th 2006 5:08AM
Ambitious... revealing... DDR-inspired... it's the gaming reality show I can't miss! (I can see it now: Vlad versus The Poundage. ;) Can't wait for the first status/progress report, man. Add a video recording of a workout or two and you could be the next Internet phenomenon... you could be bigger (or, er... smaller?) than William Hung! Okay, maybe not, but it could still be both amusing and painful to watch, which would result in some serious EyeToy action, dude (and quite the commitment to a serious game). I feel oddly proud somehow.
LuckyL @ Mar 6th 2006 9:11AM
You need to burn the candle from both ends, exercise AND diet. If you ignore the diet part of this equation, don't blog ill of the effectiveness of Kinetica as an outlet of exercise, since results will likely be limited with ANY exercise routine if you completely ignore diet.
Playing regular eyetoy games has always been a good way to get the heart pumping, in my experience, and while that will be good for you even if you ignore diet, don't expect miracles in terms of a change of body shape if you keep up the cheesesteak/beer/pizza lifestyle.
Singe @ Mar 6th 2006 9:12AM
I guess you'll be losing $500. Eye Toy: Kinetic didn't work for me after using it on the advanced difficulty.
My thoughts @ http://kma.me.uk/?p=378
vc @ Mar 6th 2006 9:23AM
Ruh oh, Singe! You've got me worried now. I don't want to cut back on the food of the gods, but reading your account of the EyeToy ... has me rethinking that approach.
Zachary @ Mar 6th 2006 9:26AM
I just picked up an Eye Toy with Eye Toy Play 2 and some of the games in there(unless i'm just horribly out of shape) are a workout in themselves, knockout and the soccer game have me falling onto the couch and downing a bottle of dasani pretty quick.
The1 @ Mar 6th 2006 9:33AM
25lbs by June, that's doable.
Scythe @ Mar 6th 2006 9:35AM
How bad is it that people need a Game to make them get off their Fat@sses and work out. Man I sware Americans are getting worce and worce. I bet some people would buy a game that promised to do the same thing but you just use the controller to work off those pounds. I'm american I work out and play games and have a full time job, plus two side jobs. This is what you do Stop taking the Elevator stop parking right next to the Wal-mart. Stop asking for more food! When you get to wal-mart don't use the nice stroller carts Walk. Also don't say but my feet hurt because I'm so fat... B.S. You walked to the fridge to get like that you can walk to take it off. Also if someone asks you if you want desert...It's ok to say NO! The same goes with Biggie sizes and super sizes and King and Sonic and Blah blah blah.
Two simple things "Eat Less and Move Around More!"
SpotAnime @ Mar 6th 2006 9:49AM
I tried something similar using Yourself!Fitness on the Xbox. I didn't look quite as bad as you do ;) but wanted to do some aerobics to lose a few pounds off the hips and love handles.
I did a Y!F program for about two months, five days a week, and I didn't lose any weight. Not a pound. As a matter of fact I think I might have gained a couple, maybe because I gained some muscle weight. But I did notice my stamina increase, to the point where the program really didn't do what I wanted it to do.
My point is that I think these are good diversions, but not a replacement to "true" exercise (i.e., treadmills, elipticals, etc.).
Voodoo M @ Mar 6th 2006 10:04AM
#7, what is a "stroller cart"?? I'm from the uk. I'm prepared to be scared.
Ipsum @ Mar 6th 2006 10:29AM
Wow, that ain't no happy trail you got going on there. That's more like a happy ocean.
And with that, I've just destroyed any chance of me being in the running for this contest, so good luck with getting your weight losing groove on!
guises @ Mar 6th 2006 11:39AM
Like the other people have been saying, you lose hardly any weight from exercise. You change your diet to lose weight and you exercise to keep from losing muscle mass - when the body is burning fat, it is burning fat and protein (muscle) indiscriminately. That's what makes exercise so important while you are on a diet.
Danny Lee @ Mar 6th 2006 11:41AM
I've tried to lose it with DDR - didn't work since I still ate the same amount of chips and drank the same amount of Cherry Cokes...:) I think that has to be dropped before the work out begins...But Good Luck!
Mark Bellou @ Mar 6th 2006 11:47AM
Greetings, Beefcake. I'm sure you're just big-boned like everyone else. I'm an exercise science senior graduating from college in June. Needless to say I am very poor and in debt for mucho dinero (and yes, I realize where sympathy lies in the dictionary).
You would be surprised how much difference an hour of aerobic exercise makes for a sedentary individual such as yourself. I would encourage you to be more concerned with your health and fat free mass rather than just how much you weigh on a scale. Although it could happen, I don't think you'll reach your goal just by the eyetoy alone, although you might if you gave yourself more time. I think you are crazy to try to lose 25 pounds in 3 months with the same old exercise routine 4 hours a week. You'd have to burn 7300 calories a week while maintaining your normal diet.
Four hours of low impact exercise burns about 2200 calories. Thats less than a pound (3500 cal) a week. Also, odds are you'll just end up eating more to compensate. On the bright side, you'll be taking a step towards becoming a more fit and healthy individual unlike a couple hundred million other Americans.
As a side note, changing to a healthy diet may save you big $$$$ in the long run on health insurance and medical bills...
Good luck and rock on, Mark
Piddy @ Mar 6th 2006 11:52AM
I can't get far enough away from the camera :(
Rabid Pancake @ Mar 6th 2006 11:55AM
This is how the DDR diet is supposed to work.
Step one, get DDR. Cost? 15-30USD.
Step two, get igntion pad. Cost? 100USD.
Step three, work your way up to heavy mode only to find out that your igniton pad isn't the arcade experience. Cost? None.
Step four, spend 20USD a day at the local DDR machine. Cost? 20USD a day.
Step five, realize that you only have .25USD in your pocket left over from your DDRing and you buy ramen instead of actually eating anything else. Cost? .25USD.
Step six, get sucked into the DDR culture only to come back out 70lbs lighter and capable to do paranoid on heavy getting at least a AA. Cost? Priceless.
MrHoju @ Mar 6th 2006 12:02PM
Dieting is way more important that excercising in your case. Ideally, you want to do both. But if it is true that you are eating and drinking that much, then 4 hours a week with a probably light to moderate workout plan like the eye toy isn't going to do much.
It is all about burning more calories than you take in. I would imagine that 4 - 6 times a week, you are taking in at least 4,000 calories a day...
dvddesign @ Mar 6th 2006 12:12PM
#7, Scythe, lemme fill you in on some stuff.
>How bad is it that people need a Game to make them >get off their Fat@sses and work out.
I applaud any motivating factor to get people to exercise more. It's not an instinct in most people to do things "the hard way" when you're offered an easier way to get it done.
>Man I sware Americans are getting worce and worce
I bet some people would buy a game that promised to do the same thing but you just use the controller to work off those pounds. I'm american I work out and play games and have a full time job, plus two side jobs.
Are you fat? Hmm? Because if you are/aren't, it's not at all relavent to if you work 3 jobs, play games, and work out.
>This is what you do Stop taking the Elevator stop >parking right next to the Wal-mart. Stop asking for >more food! Wh... ...King and Sonic and Blah blah >blah.
Okay, clearly, if "you're" not fat, you have NO insight on the psychology on your average fat person.
Fat people go for convenience, they go for comfort, they go for flavor. I'm fat, have been for over a decade, and am working on taking the weight off. I've learned the hard way, how weight loss works. It's not a simple "oh, I'll just stop eating McD's and I'll be fine"
Fat people have a severe psychological dependence on food. They associate it with all the good things and events in their life. You're going to remember that B-day party you had when you're ten eating ice cream, and rationalize in your mind why you should buy it. This is a really loose example, but it's a model for almost every fat person's eating habits. It's eating by positive memory association. They can follow a diet plan for awhile, but then come the "rewards" Every diet plan is littered with "reward yourself for doing well" advice. And this will invariably lead to a backfire in the diet.
As for exercise, sure, most should be out doing more, raising their heart rate, but again, you're not fat, so you misjudge based off of your own physique. I tried a regimen of exercise that someone like yourself might follow. You know what happened? I got so sore, I couldn't move for a week. I modified my exercise to take into account my physical shape (which was pretty poor to start) and worked on it over time. I'm two years into this, and my endurance is easily triple where it was when I started. It may seem second nature for you, but there's that 400lb person out there that's wheelchair bound that is because they have no other option. They can't hold themselves up. Their options become even more limited. As disturbing as it may seem, that person likely cannot exert themselves enough to exercise properly. They'll sweat like crazy to get around, but that's daily movement. That's not exercise to a person that big.
Anyone who's over weight needs to follow some pretty simple advice. Don't over exert yourself. But push yourself. Do an extra ____ every day you do the exercise that suits you best. If you walk, go an extra 5 minutes each week. Swimmer? Do 3 extra laps a week.
Most fat people get real disappointed with weight loss because proper lifetime weight reduction is not fast. It's probably the most excruiatingly slow process you'll ever endure. And it's in part because you'll go up and down constantly, but you're maintaining when you go up and down. You'll go down 3 lbs, then up 2, then down 3, then up 2, etc. But it does come off.
As for diet, stop eating fat. Eat better grains, take some vitamins. Cut beef and pork completely from your diet.
Sorry if I got on a rant there, but people if someone's never been fat and randomly assaults fat people for being fat for no good reason, that's a very stupid, uneducated statement for a person to make.
bv @ Mar 6th 2006 12:17PM
This is a pretty cool idea. Good luck to you, make sure you're eating a balanced diet and try to stay off the carbs.
Scythe @ Mar 6th 2006 12:34PM
Your fat because you eat to much it's the comfort zone, your body knows what it's likes. It doesn't like working out and staying thin so that makes it hard. Well your right I'm not fat I'm cut I do Karate and Gym. I couldn't stand to see myself get like some of these people that just let them selves go and then complain about their weight while they chew back a footlong hot dog.
Also a Stroller Cart is a motorized buggie that is made for handicaped people that mostly the Fat 300+ pound people use rather then walk.
Also at what point do you look in the mirror and say you know what I think I'm fat? When is it? When the size 32 pants are being held up only by a size 45 belt? Or when you haven't seen you privates in 4 years?
Sorry for ranting I just can't stand it when people complain then do nothing to help themselves and expect others to feel sorry for them.
HiroProtagonistak @ Mar 6th 2006 1:18PM
WOW 17 I bet you lost weight just typing that long ass message.
I tell you what I went to college for 6 years; of course I dont work in my field, and I existed off beer and what ever I could find to eat when I got hungry, now those were great time, what was I talking about. Fat people are great they fill slightly fat people, like me, with a sense of warmth that there is some one out there thats bigger than me. Thank you Fat People every where dont listen big is well big.
Coffee and Cigs, that how you will loose weight, oh ya and a DIET Cola now and then.
Sitexplode @ Mar 6th 2006 2:52PM
I got the thing a week ago and can tell you that it works. I'm a bit out of shape and can tell you that this thing leaves you out of breath the first few times. Just make sure you follow the built in program and you should be able to get fit in no time!
Kamalot @ Mar 6th 2006 7:10PM
Try Yourself Fitness for the Xbox. It is a much better workout tool / personal trainer.
http://www.gametab.com/xbox/yourself!fitness/3460/
It does not use the gimmicky eyetoy either.
CheapyD @ Mar 7th 2006 9:37AM
Nobody downs a cheeseburger like Vlad can...nobody!
Good luck, man!
MacDaddy @ Mar 11th 2006 8:04AM
Good Luck dude. I opted for a Bowflex after quiting smoking more than a year and 18 pounds later. Swiyched to a better eating routine( not a diet). More salads, fish, chicken aaand the like. NO CAKE, COOKIES,ICE CREAM OR SUGARS!!!! Ice tea and green tea. Good vitamins and aerobic for 30 mins. 4 times a week. Have already noticed results after 2 weeks. I SLEEP MUCH BETTER. GAME ON.
Chad @ Mar 11th 2006 9:02AM
Good luck. Sounds like an interesting experiment and I'll be keeping up with your progress. I think changing your diet will be necessary in order to lose weight however I would love to see how far along the eye toy takes you.
As for the guy who posted comment number seven...I think people with weight problems are far less a threat than those without intelligence, especially those that can't spell either.
Captive @ Mar 11th 2006 9:21AM
Why is it always the people who've never been fat that choose to rant on the weight of others? Although, I must say, what I've noticed about the online community is this. The more someone denies something, or tries to push that something is a fact, particularly in the case of something they're trying to impress people with or cut other people down with, it's usually untrue. What's the point of telling the truth about yourself on some blog somewhere, where you're NEVER going to see these people again? Scythe, I will tell you this... From your biased comments, I can only come to the conclusion that you're pumping yourself up to be more impressive and seem truthful. The thing I've noticed about things of this nature, and has been proven in psychology is this: The more adament you are about hating something and stating that you're far from it, the more likely it's a part of yourself you really hate because you see a bit of yourself in it. In other words, Scythe, I get the feeling you're a fat jobless liar because of your apparent need to prove that you aren't.
Back to the subject at hand though, I think the eye toy could work as an excercize meathod for someone who normally doesn't do much as far as that goes. But I also agree that it takes a change in diet too. Fad diets aren't good though. Eating healthier should do the trick and will be better for you and less likely to regain the weight in the long run.
Mark @ Mar 11th 2006 9:52AM
I definitly agree with scythe, i cant stand it when someone is overweight and expects people to be sympathetic. I am 6'2'', 185lbs, 17 y/o, work out, and take karate. For my age and height and am about 10-15 lbs overweight, but thats not too much and i am working on taking it down. When people complain about their weight problems I get mad because its your own darn fault that your like that in the first place. Like most teenage guys, I also play video games, but while I can applaude the idea of getting in shape while playing a game, I would never sink to such a level that I would be dependant on a video game for my fitness. If you have weight problems, DONT COMPLAIN!!! Just get a gym membership, start a diet and (also like scythe said) WALK more often.
sleepy1 @ Mar 11th 2006 10:14AM
You just have to have to love it or leave. Not letting ego's get in the way,when i was 17 and 6' 2", 155 lbs there was nada PC or video or cable for that matter, gee am I showing my age like I care, you will never do anything till you do anything. I praise your efforts VC and will be checking on your progress GO FOR IT!!!!!
lynne boley @ Mar 11th 2006 10:57AM
can you buy JUST the game? Our son has the eye toy for his games. I just need the software. Any knowledge of intent to start selling it alone?
Cindy I @ Mar 11th 2006 11:17AM
And when you get tired of the gimmicks, or starving yourself, or doing cardio every day and still no results, check this out:
www.physiquetransformation.com
jeverhart21 @ Mar 11th 2006 11:26AM
I just think it is funny to read everything that everyone has to say. I think that it is great that this guy wants to start exercising, no matter what method he should choose. I also agree with what #7 said, that people should walk more, but theres no need to attack fat people, because like someone else said, sometimes it is just too hard for them to do anything. Food is an addiction for some people, and it is hard work to change a diet regimen. Good luck to you!!
Anne @ Mar 11th 2006 12:28PM
Just wondering, are you going to be like Dennis Leary smoking cigarettes on the treadmill? Maybe a big fat cigar and Eyetoy. That would be a good photo for your blog.
You are a beefy burrito of manhood. I could get my arms around you, so you are not doing that bad.
L from Cali @ Mar 11th 2006 12:29PM
You obviously know nothing about the biological processes of the body nor anything about nutrition. Don't expect anything to happen for you if you are not going to change your poor nutrional habits at all. I think the eye toy has great potential for getting kids off of their butts and at least a bit more active but not to replace a proper diet and exercise routine. Your endeavor is rediculous and not well thought out, do some research for crying out loud.
Pookie @ Mar 11th 2006 1:52PM
Hey i think it will work i have been playing ddr and have lost 10 pounds so far in just a month and cutting down on all the fatty foods i think u have a chance go for it....lol.
Tara @ Mar 11th 2006 2:15PM
I can't stand when people care about other people's weight, when they don't actually give two cents about the person's well-being. What's it to YOU what other people weigh? It's not affecting you! I don't understand why people can't just mind their own business. Also, when they complain that other people's methods of exercise are not legitimate because they're not traditional. Playing DDR has been more help to me than any other from of exercise. Mostly because it's fun, and therefore I stick to it. I hate sports. That doesn't make me a flawed individual, a bad person, it just makes me different. I say go with what works for you.
That said, I think it's great that you're trying this out- it is true that you should probably modify your diet, but I wouldn't go as far as to cut out the fatty foods completely- it's all about moderation. Eat more healthy stuff and less unhealthy stuff, but you don't have to completely forget about unhealthy food. Completely denying yourself usually backfires. One thing I do suggest you mostly cut out (except on rare occasions) is soda and juice and stick to drinking water. Just doing that makes a significant difference. Also, drinking a lot of water curbs your appetite- ice water also gives your metabolism a boost.
John @ Mar 11th 2006 6:10PM
I have Kinetic and love it though since pulling over 50 hours a week working at my jobs, I've fallen off the wagon. I would say that my flatmate and myself both use the program however, and we've had a few of our friends make mention of us being more active. Just choose the British gal as your trainer; she's less annoying than the American guy.
I will say this. I'm not sure how much toning you will get, but as far as cardio, I have to agree that sometimes just playing the games leaves me breathless and motionless on the floor for a little while.
So, I wouldn't just wager on weight loss. I'd make the wager about general fitness. You may not lose 25 lbs, but you should feel better and have higher endurance.
Also, will you be doing the extra toning sections? How about extra yoga or meditation? Kinetic offers a lot of those extra options.
Finally, eat right, cut out bad habits and do your best to commit to the program.
Good luck.
Captive @ Mar 12th 2006 11:47AM
I have to say, there's more that goes into the shape of a person's body than just exercise and diet. Granted, those are the biggest factors, but there's also genetics, metabolism, and for a female whether or not she's had children and how many can be a factor. Also, big boned isn't an excuse, but it is an issue. If your hip bones are thirty six inches around, then face it. Regardless of how much or little you weigh you will NEVER wear a thirty four.
That said, I agree with John. It's more about the physical fitness and health than the actual weight loss and clothes size. I'd rather be a healthy 180 lbs, than a sickly 130.