Gamer Resolution: Getting In Shape For 2011

January is the biggest month of the year for new gym memberships, and the #1 resolution - especially in this increasingly unhealthy society - revolves around personal fitness.

And of course, one of the biggest negative stigmas revolving around the gaming community is that those who love the hobby are also out of shape, and rarely see sunlight. And although the Wii and the emergence of PlayStation Move and Microsoft's Kinect will get more gamers off the sofa, this hobby remains a mostly sedentary pastime. Therefore, if you're one of those avid gamers who plan to get in shape in 2011, here are a few tips from someone who takes health quite seriously.

Saying you don't have time is a lazy cop-out

While I do acknowledge that some people really don't have the time, 99% of anybody who makes this claim is simply making a lame excuse. If you budget your time correctly, anybody who works less than 60 hours a week can find time to exercise during the week. Even 20 minutes could be highly beneficial, especially if you're just starting out. Also, as a sub-rule to this tip, you really won't get far with the "weekend warrior" routine. You'll always be sore because you're not letting your body get accustomed to exercise, and you'll likely just end up with a lot of minor - yet still painful and annoying - injuries. You'll have to make it work during the week.

Fast food isn't food

It isn't. Nobody is really sure what it is and I'm telling you, it's inevitable that over-indulgence will absolutely destroy your insides in a dozen different ways. In all honesty, I would recommend staying away from it entirely. The argument that it's cheap is another cop-out, as none of it is cheaper than a bag of rice or any number of decent things you can pick up at any supermarket. The sheer amount of cholesterol, saturated fat, salt and oh yes, calories, involved in the fast food sh** that has absolutely decimated our country is out of control, and likely even more dangerous than you know. You can get away with it when you're young but I would advise abstaining forever. Seriously.

Weight and abdominal training don't burn calories

Okay, they do, but not anywhere near enough. If you're overweight and you buy one of the trillion ab-building machines, it won't matter if you use it two hours a day. You'll form those abdominal muscles, sure...but they will remain buried and invisible beneath the fat. Even a pretty hefty lifting session won't burn enough calories to matter much if you need to lose weight. It might work the heart, but not for endurance purposes. Therefore, it's best to do both: cardiovascular and strength training. It's harder but unsurprisingly, the hard way is the best way. So for instance, run every other day and on the in-between days, lift. You will also give the relevant muscles 48 hours to rest, which is good.

Side note about weightlifting- Novices should not use free weights if they're alone. Machines are the best way to go; they're designed specifically so novices can't hurt themselves. You need a lot of discipline with free weights, and without proper instruction, you can really hurt yourself.

Cost is rarely a barrier

Eating healthy and exercising is not only for the rich. It's true that those with money tend to be in better shape because they have more time (and cash), and can therefore exercise more and spend more money to get better food. Better food comes in smaller quantities from better restaurants, and typically include good things your body can actually use. But you don't need to eat at the five-star restaurant and have a personal trainer to be healthy. Running is free. A whole lot of cardiovascular stuff is basically free (basketball, soccer, tennis, etc.), and even a relatively expensive gym membership isn't beyond the means of most. You will have to make the good food on your own if you don't want to pay for the prepared versions, but that's a sacrifice you'll have to make.

Gaming and exercising can co-exist

It's actually a lot easier than you think. Say you game for an average of 3 hours a day. Take 1 of those hours away and spend that time bettering yourself...not difficult. Also, when Aristotle extolled the virtues of...well, virtue, he was talking about balance. The middle is where you want to be; i.e., if you spent a few days playing many hours of the latest big game, you can compensate by laying off for a few days and focusing on health. It's best to get into a give-and-take routine with your body, though. Lastly, diets are pointless. You need to change the way you live and it needs to be permanent, and the only way to do it properly is the natural way.

It can take time. You'll get sore. You'll sweat and be uncomfortable. But believe it or not, it won't take long before you'll want to do it, because your body craves it. I feel like crap if I miss a rowing session, and it annoys me when I miss a weightlifting session. You don't have to do what I do (5-6 days a week, about an hour a day). You really don't. Just about any effort, provided it's a continual effort, pays off. :)

1/14/2011 Ben Dutka

Put this on your webpage or blog:
Email this to a friend
Follow PSX Extreme on Twitter

Comments (90 posts)

Toggle Scrolling | Reload Comments

PasteNuggs
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 9:59:41 PM
Reply

Or do what I do. Work with pigs. It's a great workout. I'm 6'1" weighing 200lbs. I don't ever workout because my job brings keeps me in shape.

2 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:04:30 PM

What are ya doin to those pigs?

4 up, 0 down

PasteNuggs
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:13:37 PM

Chasing them around the pens to get 'em sorted to load 'em out. They like to fight and its a challenge some days.

2 up, 0 down

GuernicaReborn
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:23:53 PM

I work with pigs as well, someone brings in doughnuts and it's feeding time at the trough. I should record it one day and put it on youtube.

5 up, 0 down

PasteNuggs
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:27:19 PM

@GuernicaReborn
Do you work in farrowing, a nursery, or a finisher?

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:29:47 PM

Guernica talking about cops?

2 up, 0 down

GuernicaReborn
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:30:15 PM

lol Retail manager. My coworkers are large, hungry people. Just takin a dig at em. I did work with horses for a summer, about 10 years ago. That was fun.

Last edited by GuernicaReborn on 1/14/2011 10:33:00 PM

1 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:39:56 PM

You can chase pigs in Zelda Windwaker.
The greatest pig chasing game of all time

2 up, 0 down

PasteNuggs
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 11:26:58 PM

Wow, can't believe I didn't pick up on that.

3 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:08:22 PM
Reply

I never could reach that place where athletics enthusiast say that it feels really good and you get all sorts of endorphins and whatnot. So working out just sucks. At least I haven't had fast food in over five years.

Oh well, never mind all that, I need to go on a gaming diet this year. Lots and lots of things to do that supercede gaming so I'm gonna slim down on what I play and what I pay day 1 prices for. So don't get on my case if I'm a bit late to the Killzone 3 party k? ;)

2 up, 0 down

HighLife
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:09:11 PM
Reply

Great read and very true. At 42 I wake up up and go to they gym every morning at 5:30 before work so I can spend the evenings with my family. I fit gaming in when I can and because of that my backlog is really bad.

I work in a pharmacy and most people we deal with are overweight and take several meds because of there weight. It saddens me to see all the young children in our nation overweight and the parents not caring about what they are doing to there kids.

This is brief but I could go on, but will not bore everyone.

7 up, 0 down

matt99
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 11:25:01 PM

Please do go on, we should all go on and let people know that being overweight is not just a vanity issue, it can cause serious health problems. And I think the same thing every time I'm in the supermarket and I see parents loading their carts with sugar and fat filled foods for their kids, it makes me want to yell at them, but I am Canadian and therefore too nice to do so.

6 up, 0 down

GuernicaReborn
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:18:09 PM
Reply

Running is the best hobby in the world :)

I run at least 5 times a week. I also eat terrible. They balance themselves out. If I ate a healthy diet, I would be 150 pounds. I'm 185 and 5' 10" which is a little heavy for my height but my cholesterol level is 54... which is awesome.

0 up, 0 down

Norrin Radd
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:18:51 PM
Reply

While weight lifting may not burn a lot of calories, it does increase muscle mass and in turn that new mass requires fuel, i.e., your body's metabolism will increase and you will burn calories more efficiently. That is why for quicker weight loss, including weight training and building that muscle mass is extremely helpful. Yeah, you can get to the same place just doing cardio, but it will take a lot longer. In my experience, the quicker people can see results, the more likely they will be inspired to stick with the program.

Agree with all you said Ben. Nice work!

Last edited by Norrin Radd on 1/14/2011 10:20:49 PM

3 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:29:41 PM

One thing you have to remember- weightlifting without cardio can also be dangerous, because lifting is a lot like sprinting with the heart. And if the heart isn't healthy enough...

6 up, 0 down

Norrin Radd
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 8:21:54 AM

Absolutely! Weight training should always be supplemental to cardio. You definitely need good cardio conditioning to lift - do a few sets of squats and you'll know what I mean! Yep - if you can exercise only one way - make it cardio.

1 up, 0 down

Shams
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 9:42:04 AM

If you can't put up with boring cardio, stick to a sport you'll enjoy (like b-ball, swimming, etc).

2 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 10:06:33 AM

That's still cardio, Shams. ;)

3 up, 0 down

Shams
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 11:17:46 AM

Yep, just not as boring (as treadmill, jogging, etc...).

A hidden secret about b-ball: It's great for abs.

4 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Sunday, January 16, 2011 @ 11:10:34 AM

Don't forget Blitz Ball =p

1 up, 0 down

kevinater321
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:20:33 PM
Reply

i'm 6'1 and 120 pounds. I'm a lanky son of a b*tch and no matter how much i work out i won't gain a single weight. It's a terrible curse.

Last edited by kevinater321 on 1/14/2011 10:20:53 PM

4 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:31:42 PM

You sir, should eat more fast food.

4 up, 1 down

GuernicaReborn
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:36:46 PM

That just sounds painful. I think I was 120 when I was in 6th grade.

1 up, 0 down

ZettaiSeigi
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 11:15:54 PM

At least I'm not the only one who hardly gain any weight. So nice to know! LOL

0 up, 0 down

Bugzbunny109
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 11:47:59 PM

I know what you mean... I stuff myself with various foods everyday, and I end up losing weight! I have even tried junk foods but to no
avail. Its ridiculous. I am tired of people telling me how skinny I am.

2 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 12:21:29 AM

Bugz: Won't last forever. When you get older and your metabolism slows, you can't eat like that.

4 up, 0 down

Bugzbunny109
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 7:16:54 AM

I hope......

0 up, 0 down

Shams
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 9:38:03 AM

Ben's relaying to you a guaranteed truth, kinda like death and taxes.

Basically, after a certain age, the only people who remain helplessly skinny, are the malnourished, the ill, and drug addicts.

1 up, 0 down

kevinater321
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 10:21:16 AM

It's definitely not the way i eat. I tried junk food too but alas, no more weight. The only thing i can do i wait for my metabolism to slow. The same thing happened to my father when he was my age. The only problem is it took him till he was 25 to gain some weight. Oh geeze i have a long time to wait.

0 up, 0 down

spiderboi
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 2:24:43 PM

I can relate, kevinater. Although not gaining weight, mine stay relatively the same. I've been more or less 140lbs since high school albeit during college I got into health and fitness and gym'ed up. After college, work happened. While I still am 140, its because I regulate what I eat, and the lack of exercise transcended to my now-semi bulging stomach.. *sigh*

Move, I have great plans for you this year that's why I invented on you. Don't you and Move games let me down, OK?

Last edited by spiderboi on 1/15/2011 2:28:02 PM

0 up, 0 down

Teddie9
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 3:10:14 PM

Yeah I can't seem to gain any weight or muscle either, I'm also 120 but only 5'9

0 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:30:03 PM
Reply

Great read and great advice. I have tried almost everything to build muscle, but for some reason, I just can't stick to it. I can do cardio no worries, but when it comes to weights, or even basic exercises like sit-ups and push-ups, I can only last a couple of weeks tops before I throw it in again. It's a problem with myself that I've never been able to solve.

And yeah, fast food is absolutely horrible. I don't understand how some people can have it every day. Chinese food, cool, but McDonalds and all that, no. In general I eat healthily, although probably not enough, and that may go some way towards explaining my lax attitude towards working out.
Peace.

P.S. In case anyone is wondering, I'm actually 5'7" and 46 kilograms, so I think my desire to put on a bit of weight is understandable.

0 up, 0 down

Shams
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 9:22:09 AM

Generally speaking, people with fast metabolism have difficulty adding both good and bad weight. But if you're younger, even if you're a mesomorph as opposed to an exomorph (mesos are regular types, exos are the skinny ones, and endos are the heavies), you could still have this issue (which is really just a nonissue).

As one gets older, and the daily life becomes more sedentary, one fondly remembers that problem as a blessing.

0 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:32:01 PM
Reply

Educational stuff.

Ben's right, Kratos wouldn't be badass if he looked like the average gamer...

We at psxe must become the most badass looking guys and gals out of any v-game community.

And remember guys/gals, pics or it didn't happen ;)

0 up, 0 down

GuernicaReborn
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:35:47 PM

Too bad Xboxnerds wasn't still active, we could have a giant battle between the two sites. Kinda like biggest loser or something.

Hell, maybe we could challenge a random xbox site that's about as big as PSXE.

3 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:37:15 PM

Oh gods... Is that a 4chan reference? RUN AWAY!

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 11:10:10 PM

Or just call it the Old versus the Young.

0 up, 0 down

BTNwarrior
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:38:04 PM
Reply

well you could do what I did and just join the military, that will kick your ass into shape

0 up, 0 down

GuernicaReborn
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:49:24 PM

lol my buddy did that, although he joined because he couldn't find a job after he got out of college.

I always tried to get him to run with me, but he never would. He always said he had mild asthma and it hurt his lungs. After he finished basic training, he was running 6 miles a day. I was happy that I could finally run with him. Now, he's stationed in Hawaii. I haven't seen him in 2 years.

1 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 10:42:19 PM
Reply

I have a great exercise plan for gamers. Make it a goal to match every minute of game playing with a minute of exercise. If this happened, game players would be some of the fittest guys around. The whole social stigma of gamers would go from reclusive nerds to attractive males who get chicks.

3 up, 0 down

matt99
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 11:18:55 PM
Reply

Don't see many health editorials on gaming websites (or any website really), it's good to see someone cares.

4 up, 0 down

ZettaiSeigi
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 11:31:17 PM
Reply

Very funny timing. This came out just when I put a note on my to-do list to call the gym and cancel my subscription since I never used it. Yup, I've been paying it for more than a year and never used it for a single second.

Now before I get a telling-to, I should let you know that I travel 2 hours to get to the office and another 2 hours to get home. Yep, it's that bad. LOL

1 up, 0 down

laxpro2001
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 11:43:07 PM
Reply

Oh man. So much I want to add to this thread but so little time these days :(

1 up, 0 down

Riku994
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 11:49:10 PM
Reply

Im not out of shape per se, but I do need to get back into running >_<
Fitness class in high school was the best thing that ever happened to me.

1 up, 0 down

Kevin555
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 12:33:40 AM
Reply

Exercise on a gaming site? Wtf are you lads playing at eh? ;)

My job is exercise, i work in age care so i am constantly moving up & down for 9 hours on end at ridiculous times of the day. My sleep pattern is utter shite too so that doesn't help.

Wii-Fit is all the rage where i work as it's a form of indoor exercise when it's raining outdoors, & i tend to try my hardest to stay clear of the Wii in general.

When i first saw this article i automatically thought "What the hell is the deal with a gaming site going all Windsor Pilades on us?" but it was a good read, you won't see anything like this on GameSpot or GameSpy, of that i am almost certain. Don't expect too much change in opinion from the general mainstream however fellows. If they live in a stereotype viewpoint now then they will most likely stay in one no matter what they read.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 12:53:55 AM

I have a bad feeling the guys at GameSpot and GameSpy and IGN are very...stereotypical.

5 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 10:04:59 AM

Blimpy boy, Jim Sterling, over at Destructoid should take heed.

2 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 10:47:44 AM

Doubtful.

1 up, 0 down

DazeOfWar
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 12:40:32 AM
Reply

I actually started eating healthier this year. I also plan on starting an exercise plan next week. I've also cut out soda and alcohol completely. The alcohol is only for a year at least that's the plan now but after a year who knows. The soda though is for good. So far I have lost 6 pounds. I feel 100% better and have so much more energy. I also have a physical job doing utility (water & sewer infrastructure) repairs and installs.

2 up, 0 down

Alienange
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 12:59:11 AM
Reply

How DARE you tell me to reduce my gaming hours! Absolute blasphemy!

Not only reduce it, but by 30% !

This is an outrage. And replace that gaming time with what? Exercise??

Let's face it, exercise is for the weak.

2 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 10:08:02 AM

Yes, it is. The weak REALLY need to exercise. ;)

7 up, 0 down

Culoslap
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 1:49:52 AM
Reply

I agree with the last point. I do circuit training with minimal equipment in my room Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Thirty minutes a night while listening to Pandora on my PS3 and I'm done. I run Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. I love to run and lift. It sounds like a lot of time but when added up it's less than three hours a week.

My resolutions are to dunk a basketball, bench my body weight, run two and a half miles in under 20 minutes, and earn a tenth platinum trophy. Almost there. Sweating bullets always feels much more satisfying than earning a trophy. I love gaming but I like exercise more.

0 up, 0 down

FM23
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 2:20:17 AM
Reply

Well I've been fit forever. I was blessed with a body that can easily make protein into long lasting muscle when I work out and a metabolism that has kept me the same weight forever...healthy or fast food diet. I'm only 23 so that helps alot, but I exercise constantly. I'm not going to lie...2010 was a very nonproductive year and as a result I gained a little weight in my stomach region like most males and those abs were definitely covered. Started working out again and well...their visible again. I do spend more time gaming than actually working out now, but I work with my Dad who's a contracter and work is pretty much a workout session strenght wise, but I can manipulate it into both resistance training and cardio. Yeah...fastfood is crap. Had a Mcdouble today, didn't taste like food at all. Crazy thing is most gamers aren't fat, well any of the gamers I know at least.

0 up, 0 down

PharaohJR
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 3:17:15 AM
Reply

great topic never expected it on this site or any gaming site..... stereotypes man i letem in 1 ear threw the other. my friends i know in person that play games as much or more then me are all slimer then me & not overweight. most are more athletic then me but not capable of my strength or workout routines.

i do 3 sets of 30 wide knuckle pushups & 3 sets of 30 inward knuckle chest pushups slowly u would swear im in the matrix. i do 3 sets of 30 dips on a chair slowly. last & most difficult workout is 3 sets of planks for the front then left & right sides followed with my abs workout the part i dont favor at all..... my legs are already built from great amount of BMX riding when younger & stay in NY now so its constant walks.

my diet.... fast food is every now & then if you eat alot of beef slowdown on it or jus eat turkey for substitute..... jus watch the portions of food u eat & make sure ya got some veggies & fruits threw the days. if u a late night eater eat no meat go for the fruits granola bars or something else thats not heavy on the stomach. fluids cut the soda if u jus cant resist cut the amount but really u should drink juices or water. for my chiefs with the munchies if u jus beginning it will be hard to maintain cause of enhanced tastebud for my occasional & vets u can controll ya eating habits.

last one.... activities... if your a family man now wheter establised or working on it & ya queen or empress cooks some of the best food & she getting u big let her know whats in the schedule for the meals. if u like big breakfast let her kno if its big dinners tell her cause u cant have big meals sun up 2 sun down...... if u dont want to excercise using your body or weights..... ya ol lady can keep ya fit ya understand.......

some of yall gone read this & think negative some will think positive..... but as a man i look out for whoever & give advice if asked or handout..... so gamers if yall overweight & this topic applies here go some advice for yall. enjoy

bk 2 GT5

0 up, 0 down

Ultimate_Balla
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 3:27:35 AM
Reply

I run 100m in 13seconds at most and 400m in 60seconds. I'm 6.34ft(1.95m) and weigh 100kg... With a body~mass index of 28 ('_'). Hahaha. Damn. You know what's messed up about it, aside from the fact that I was 17 with these stats? My body fat percentage is about 15.9% or, on my friends profile who's smaller than I am, 7.89%.

0 up, 0 down

Lionheart377
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 4:00:43 AM
Reply

When I was younger, gaming took priority and I did nothing but sit, eat, and play games. Since my metabolism is kind of slow, I gained weight pretty quick - I was around 200 pounds by the age of 15. So, I decided to get in shape - not as a resolution like Ben has above, just because I wanted to be healthy. I built-up to running a mile a day, went on a diet I still follow, and did other various exercises. I am now 18, weigh 145 pounds, and finally have the six-pack I have been working so hard for. I love the message you are spreading Ben - it feels great to be in shape, and it is really not as difficult as it sounds. I am still a huge gamer, and currently write for a website similar to your own. You can balance being healthy and playing games, and anyone can do it.

2 up, 0 down

StevieRV
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 5:18:01 AM

which site?

1 up, 0 down

Shams
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 9:30:07 AM

Bravo, LionHeart. It's unusual for a person to make life-changing choices for the better at a rather young age. Usually, people just exist as they are until well into adulthood, and many more even then just kind of stagnate. Good for you.

1 up, 0 down

Lionheart377
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 12:31:30 PM

Thanks! I am a very motivated person, and I knew I had to do something about my weight early. And the website is Reactiontime.co.uk - not trying to advertise or anything on your site Ben, I come here all the time as well as manage what I write! Your website is actually one that inspired me, so I would love if you could visit mine one day.

Last edited by Lionheart377 on 1/15/2011 12:35:00 PM

1 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 5:12:42 PM

Speaking of other websites...anyone else find the Polish PSXExtreme (no affilitaion, I believe)?

1 up, 0 down

Oxvial
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 4:18:16 AM
Reply

I'm running in the morning and doing some cardio and weigh training by myself 5 days of each week and stopped fast food this year, I have money atm to pay some months of gym but damn MvsC3 CE...or gym a month later..decision decisions.

Last edited by Oxvial on 1/15/2011 4:19:33 AM

0 up, 0 down

Pandacastro
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 12:27:16 PM

Get the gym membership and wait for Super MvC3.

1 up, 0 down

Sol
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 4:20:12 AM
Reply

I'm American...

I spent my childhood fighting with my ADHD martial artist older brother...

Last year I beat him in a sparring match...

There is always room for improvement and I could use more stamina, but I think I'm half decent shape-wise. I'm about 6'3" and weigh about 180-190 lbs. Meh, I'll still find time to work out, even if it's only to prepare me for my next fight.

1 up, 0 down

Ludicrous_Liam
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 6:04:07 AM
Reply

I don't excersice much, my gaming to excersice ratio is about 10:1 :P I also pig-out alot, but to my surprise I'm only 7 & a half stone...which is CRAZY considering how much I eat!

However, I don't think I'm out of shape, I can do 35 push ups without stopping right now If I wanted to (I'm not sure if thats bad or good though ha) & the other week in P.E, we had a competition to see who could balance on their arms and toes, in a lying down position but no touching the floor. I manged to stay up the longest, so I guess I'm not that much outa shape :)

0 up, 0 down

sirbob6
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 7:43:35 AM
Reply

What I do is combine the two. I will run (and I do run at max) while gaming. I found that running does not take your mind off the game, instead the game takes your mind running, this then allows me to run further as it is starving off of psychological fatigue. I also do some crunches, which is slightly more distracting, but still works.

0 up, 0 down

Norrin Radd
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 8:18:30 AM

I'm assuming on a running machine and not just in place? Or am I mistaken?

0 up, 0 down

sirbob6
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 5:01:26 PM

Tour assumption would be correct. I was able to find a few different exercise machines at garage sales for obscenely low prices, allowing me to alternate and get a more diverse work out.

0 up, 0 down

Robochic
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 8:30:59 AM
Reply

I eat really healthy due to being a diabetic when i was pregnant with my daughter so i watch everything i put in my body, I also exercise 5 days a week. I have a tough road ahead to loose the baby weight but I'm getting there. Determined to get back to 130 before i had the kids.

2 up, 0 down

DTyler
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 8:47:00 AM
Reply

Been using EA Active 2 for about 8 weeks now. 4 times a week, 45 minutes each. Haven't exercised this much since 1992 and I feel great about it. I think I am keeping it going because of 2 reasons:

1. It's a PS3 Game
2. I am a trophy whore (which I usually don't admit) Nothing like getting trophies for exercising.

Whatever works!! I would recommend it to anyone.

1 up, 0 down

Danny007
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 9:05:26 AM
Reply

I'm a good 140 pounds and 6 foot 1 inch.
I don't eat at McDonalds, Burger King, or Taco Bell, etc, but I can't get enough of Wendy's. I love that place.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 10:08:58 AM

Well, sorry man...but Wendy's is the same sh**.

But you're young. Like I said, you can get away with it. For now. ;)

0 up, 0 down

SixSpeedKing
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 3:20:06 PM

Haha, man I used to work at a Wendy's and I loved that stuff too, especially getting a discount, but realized pretty quick it was s**t.

I stopped eating it, started exercising more, lost some weight and now maintain a good level of weightlifting/cardio exercise.
I have never felt better and plan to continue this way the rest of my life.

Last edited by SixSpeedKing on 1/15/2011 3:21:38 PM

0 up, 0 down

SixSpeedKing
Sunday, January 16, 2011 @ 2:42:34 AM

I forgot to say I have a good balance of exercise and video game playing and plan on keeping that up the rest of my life.

0 up, 0 down

Abidan13
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 9:35:24 AM
Reply

Hmmm... sorry just thinking.
I really don't have any free time anymore...
I am a Game Design student. Most school days I am up 5am and get home at 7pm. On top of that there is all the homework and projects that need to be done, too.

Even with all that I can make time for the other things that are important. I am a classical musician (I play with a local orchestra), I play semi-competitive tennis (best workout ever) and ice hockey, and I can still play the video games I love and carry a part-time job.

If this can be done, no one should have any excuses about not having the time to exercise. The trick is to treat Time like your finances... BUDGET THAT SH*T!!

3 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 10:08:23 AM

Truth.

2 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 10:14:08 AM
Reply

One last thing: a good indicator of being in shape isn't necessarily your performance, but your recovery time. If you're done with a standard workout where you really pushed yourself, and within 5-10 minutes you're breathing normally again, you're in decent shape.

Also, while everybody has different bodies and different chemical make-ups, two truths remain for all:

1. Bad food will get you eventually. Even if you don't gain weight from it, it will give you a host of other health problems. There's just no way around it.

2. Vanity can be a powerful motivator but bear in mind that your health is paramount. It's nice to have the arms and the abs and whatever but what matters most is you resting heart rate, your mobility, the strength of your core, etc.

I'm 6'3 and about 225 but without constant work after the age of 30, things go south fast. Get determined YOUNG and you'll stay determined. :)

7 up, 0 down

Sol
Sunday, January 16, 2011 @ 5:14:59 AM

Excellent tip Ben!

0 up, 0 down

tes37
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 10:33:13 AM
Reply

I get a lot of exercise at work each day, but I'm not sure if it's enough. I'm constantly up and down ladders or stairs and walk at a fast pace around the job site. I probably come close to walking a mile or more by the end of the day which usually ends around 3:00.

I don't always eat right, though you can't tell by looking at me. I may be about 5 pounds underweight and if I gain that weight, I know it needs to be muscle and not a bigger waist size. I really need to eat healthier and avoid the fast food crap.

0 up, 0 down

RadioHeader
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 12:04:16 PM
Reply

Just move to the UK. Our measuring unit is much more flattering than anyone else's. Anywhere else I'd be 100's of Kilos or Pounds, but here I'm only 17 Stone.

...and 20 Hands tall :)

2 up, 0 down

Pandacastro
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 12:32:52 PM
Reply

Dont forget to stretch, it hurts when your lifting weights.

0 up, 0 down

RebelJD
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 5:37:05 PM
Reply

Great article Ben and thanks for bringing a positive health awareness to all our gamer friends who need a boost. I too take health seriously, and I say that in general. I not only care about my health but also care about our populations health as well.

A stretching and abdominal strength routine can be easily accomplished while sitting on the floor watching TV or even during some of that downtime while playing a video game.

Jogging shouldn't feel like a chore, it's one of the most enjoyable forms of exercise. You don't have to hurt yourself, jog at your own pace and simply relax while you put in a few laps, feel good about yourself.

Weight lifting is important but never assume that it means you have to hit the weights like Mr.Universe. Push-ups, chin-ups, squats, light dumbbells even, are all good forms of weight training.

Now, if you're the type of fellow who loves the ladies and has been wondering how to be more social when it comes to the lady long legs of this world..they love dancing and that's a great activity to boost up your social dose as well as burn calories.

2 up, 0 down

BrillantED
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 6:08:50 PM
Reply

Great article Ben!

1 up, 0 down

Nerull
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 9:45:29 PM
Reply

I've always had to fight to keep any weight I've built up from slipping away as well but I'd like to think I'm presently as fit as I've ever been.
Still only about 150 and am 5'11 but at least none of it's fat.
My job keeping me in decent shape is one of the few good things about it. The pigs I lug around are already boxed up for lifting convenience and I have to keep moving to stay warm when I go from a few below, to just past -25 about a 3rd of the time.
I don't do as much outside of work as I should but don't avoid my free weights and pushups, even during the week when I'm in the right mood.
Had to lay off this weekend and last though since I pulled my shoulder slightly but have been working through it anyway. Luckily it hasn't been that busy.
I'd get a lot less new games if I had to shell out a gym fee though and I hate the public transpo I'm reduced to.

Last edited by Nerull on 1/15/2011 9:46:53 PM

1 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 10:06:12 PM
Reply

My gaming friends and I destroy that reputation in our circle of friends.

Of the 3 other guys I regularly play online with, only one is out of shape. And it's not because of gaming. It's because he got lazy after high school. He actually used to be on my volleyball and track teams in high school. Once upon a time he was a prime athlete.

But of the other 3 of us, my friend Jesse is a phenominal hockey player and in excellent shape due to the high end teams he's played on.

My friend Mason is a great baseball and soccer player and has played for numerous clubs. He works for a feed company and keeps up good work.

I work a desk job now, but I played for two varsity teams in university that included soccer and volleyball in the OCAA. I played soccer for various premier leagues, and I was offered a scholarship for full to run cross country. (Used to be top 5 in the province) Now I just play soccer a few times a week to keep up.

Anyways, our friends know we're all gaming nerds (a term we allow fondly), but they know we're not incapable of other things.

0 up, 0 down

YoMega
Sunday, January 16, 2011 @ 10:58:07 AM
Reply

Ha. I cheat on the workout thing. My job (cart pusher at Walmart, don't laugh) is my daily workout. Pushing 16 carts at a time is heavy as hell. But, my legs are as strong as ever, and I'm happy with the way I look. 160 pounds, 5'5". Yeah, that seems heavy, but muscle weighs more, don't forget that. I'm also a brown belt in Tae Kwon Do. I'm sure that also helps.

When I'm not working, its either gaming, or out with friends.

1 up, 0 down

A2K78
Sunday, January 16, 2011 @ 3:15:21 PM
Reply

First and foremost, I'm very conscious about my health and its very reason why I don't smoke, consume alcohol moderately and most importanty don't overeat. Secondly all of this talk about obesity and how much its a threat to national security is nothing but pure political alarmism in the same line as global warming, overpopulation, bullying etc.

Other than that if someone want to live an unhealth lifestyle then its their right to do so just as its my right to live a healthy lifestyle.

"Fast food isn't food"

Fast food is food? If you consider fast food not be food on the basis that they pack so much cholesterol, saturated fats, salt and calories then you might as well include 98% of what we consume as unless it something grown. Overall there is nothing wrong fast fast food if its consumed moderately in the manner I do e.g. a burger and fries meal once a month.

0 up, 0 down

Nerull
Sunday, January 16, 2011 @ 8:31:53 PM

Global warming and overpopulation seem easily dismissed by the masses, simply because the real devastation won't be as obvious until the next generation or two.
Farewell penguins and polar bears, you were swell.
Other than that I agree.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Sunday, January 16, 2011 @ 8:46:40 PM

Yeah. Alarmism.

I'm paying for the moron who can't stop stuffing his face because it's been dubbed a disease, and we will absolutely crumble beneath the weight of healthcare we already can't support. And when the lack of motivation to remain healthy kicks in hardcore with universal healthcare, you may as well move to Australia. If they'll even accept you.

No, fast food isn't food. It doesn't qualify. It's like 98% of everything else? ...WTF do you eat? It's exactly the opposite; 98% of food, prepared or otherwise, isn't half as bad. How in God's name could you believe otherwise?

But hey, who am I to question someone who knows everything about everything? I don't think I've ever met someone who's so frequently wrong while remaining so supremely confident. Just amazing.

Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 1/16/2011 8:50:03 PM

4 up, 0 down

AbsoluteZer0
Sunday, January 16, 2011 @ 9:22:17 PM
Reply

Great article! I really want to get in shape, but one of my biggest barriers is that I'm a terribly picky eater. I have a really hard time swallowing basically any uncooked vegetable, I don't like seafood, and quite a few other types of food. And I really love Wendy's and making really fatty and unhealthy Macaroni and Cheese at home. I've started a walking/jogging routine with my dad but I'm quite worried about the eventual state of my health...

Last edited by AbsoluteZer0 on 1/16/2011 9:22:55 PM

0 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Monday, January 17, 2011 @ 5:23:59 PM
Reply

A2K78,

"Hey, put DOWN that Twinkie"!

"DO IT NOW"!!!!

0 up, 0 down

Please login or register to leave a comment.

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories cheats	PSP
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas cheats	PS2
Grand Theft Auto IV cheats	PS3
Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 cheats	PSP
Dragon Ball Z: Shin Budokai cheats	PSP
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories cheats	PSP
Tomb Raider Legend cheats	PSP
Downhill Domination cheats	PS2
Closure cheats	PS3
Vandal Hearts cheats	PS1

Do you plan to buy a PlayStation Vita this year?
	Yes, I'll definitely get one in 2013.
	No, but I'll get one eventually.
	No, I have no intention of buying the Vita.
	No, I've already got one.

Playstation 3

Playstation 4

PSP

Playstation Vita

Playstation 2

Playstation

Other

PSX Extreme

Site Stats

Gamer Resolution: Getting In Shape For 2011

Comments (90 posts)

Leave a Comment

Latest Updates

Popular Cheats

Recent Reviews

Recent Previews

Popular Sections

Extras

Sponsor

Our Poll

Resident Evil: Revelations review	PS3
Metro: Last Light review	PS3
Zombie Tycoon II: Brainhov's Revenge review	PS3
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon review	PS3
Star Trek: The Video Game review	PS3
Injustice: Gods Among Us review	PS3
Dead Island: Riptide review	PS3
Defiance review	PS3
Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 review	PS3
Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel review	PS3

The Bureau: XCOM Declassified preview	PS3
Time and Eternity preview	PS3
Ride to Hell: Retribution preview	PS3
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger preview	PS3
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon preview	PS3
Spartacus Legends preview	PS3
Payday 2 preview	PS3
DUST 514 preview	PS3
Dynasty Warriors 8 preview	PS3
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness preview	PS3