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10 HIGH-TECH WORKOUTS
By Rebecca Viksnins (August 5, 2004)
Gamers typically aren't thought of as the most physically active bunch, but a handful of new titles and gaming devices may lure some folks from the couch. From a muscle-building isometric joystick controller to Donkey Kong bongos, the gear listed here is pretty, er, eclectic, but as long as it gets your heart rate up, it makes the list. For those of you on the bleeding edge of gameplay, we also added a couple of inspired wireless games for GPS-enabled handhelds. |
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The skinny: This Xbox title features Maya, a buff computer-generated personal trainer who will kick your rear into gear with customized diet and exercise programs. Workouts include aerobics, pilates, strength training, yoga, and meditation. In order to advance from one level to another, you have to reach the specific fitness goals Maya outlines for you. We're not entirely sold on this new-age Jane Fonda--Maya kind of creeps us out, actually. But the program has novel customization options; you can choose your workout music, for example. Yourself Fitness debuts later this year.
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The skinny: Burn fat and build muscle with this innovative shoulder-height joystick controller from Powergrid. The KiloWatt works according to isometric principles, so you feel the burn by applying force, not motion. It's compatible with PS2, Xbox, GameCube, PC, and Mac. We haven't had a chance to test it out, but the KiloWatt looks like a fun if expensive ($1,200 list) way to cut the bloat.
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The skinny: Get a hot bod by dancing like a maniac in front of your TV with this video game for PlayStation 2. Groove works with Sony's EyeToy device, which essentially mirrors your image on the TV screen, allowing you to interact with graphical elements that the game overlays on the screen. You rack up points by accurately mimicking a series of programmed dance steps, though the game also gives you credit for just, well, getting your groove on. Our compatriots at GameSpot had a few complaints about the game--less than desirable performance in low light, poor resolution, and somewhat cheesy graphics--but overall, Groove looks like a highly entertaining way to get in shape.
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The skinny: The only way to improve your golf game is to play as much as possible, but not everyone lives close to a course or can afford to pay green fees on a regular basis. With Qmotions Golf, an indoor golf simulator, you can work on your stroke from anywhere. You'll need a display (a CRT, a LCD, or a high-def TV will do) and EA Sports Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 software on your PC to perfect your swing on 3D replicas of famous courses from all over the world.
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The skinny: Tiger Telematics is expected to release its eagerly anticipated Gizmondo before the year is out. Gizmondo combines gaming, music and video playback, a GPS locator, text messaging, and a digital camera. Its GPS capabilities have inspired a unique series of titles that incorporate a player's location into gameplay. Stockholm-based Indie Studios is developing a multiplayer game called City that promises to give the phrase go play in the street a whole new meaning.
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The skinny: Bored with the stationary bike in your gym? Liven up your workout with the Cateye Game Bike. Hook it up to your Sony PlayStation or PS2 and compete in virtual car, off-road, speedboat, and motorcycle races. You can also hook up other Game Bikes and cycle against your friends.
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The skinny: The DDR craze isn't showing any signs of dying out soon. This dancing game is especially popular among the teenage set--so much so that schools are considering incorporating it into physical education programs. Essentially, players amass points by accurately following the steps on a large dance mat. Catchy tunes and graphics add to the fun. The game also has a Diet mode that keeps track of the calories you burn.
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The skinny: This game might not get you in superior physical condition, but hey, any activity is better than zoning out on the La-Z-Boy, right? Due out in 2005, Donkey Kong Jungle Beat is played by slapping bongo drums and clapping your hands. It may sound hokey, but our game editors went bananas for the preview they saw at E3.
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The skinny: Designed by New York University graduate students, PacManhattan takes the popular '80s video game to the streets. Aided by cell phones, Wi-Fi, and customized software, 10 players (nine ghosts, one Pac-Man) engage in large-scale urban gameplay. Pac-Man tries to collect virtual dots while the "ghosts" attempt to track him down. The little yellow guy definitely gets the toughest workout of the group, but ghosts will surely take a lickin', too.
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The skinny: Like Qmotions Golf, Electric-Spin's Golf Launchpad allows you to play golf, no matter what the weather outside. A swing analyzer and a golf ball replace your mouse for controlling EA Sports Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 software. Practice your short and long games with your own clubs on beautiful courses around the globe.
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