I Can't Exercise! How Can I Lose Weight Without Exercise?

Weight is a problem for a large percentage of Americans - and the biggest problem is how to lose weight when you're over 50. You can't do the same sorts of exercise routines that younger people have the ability to do. So where do you go for weight loss? It's simply not feasible to go out jogging, or lifting weights at the gym - particularly as you get older injuries become far more serious, and take longer to heal.

I understand the problem well - having spent many years in the Marine Corps, but then leaving the service, only to then find that my weight ballooned as I stopped the strenuous exercise routines that all Marines undergo daily. So I started running again, as you might know, Marines like to run 3 miles for the fun of it. But old injuries started popping up, and my knees and back couldn't take the long runs.

Yet I needed to lose weight... does this sound like a familiar problem?

The answer I found was two-pronged, I had to find another form of exercise that I could do with my tired broken down body - and I had to change the way I eat. The solutions that worked for me was learning about food - what was good for me, and what was not. (It's downright amazing what ordinary foods Americans eat that is simply bad for you!)

The exercise that I found, after a great deal of research, was a 'rebounder'. Sometimes known as a mini-tramp. The exercise you get simply jumping up and down on a rebounder is almost beyond belief... after my first 30 minutes, I had to stop - I was sweating as if I'd just finished a three mile run! Yet my knees felt no pain, and my back was in fine shape. So for me, a combination of relearning what and how to eat, and finding an exercise that I could do with no pain was my answer. I dropped close to a hundred pounds, and am still losing weight. What about you?

Original Article by Steve Laws available at http://ezinearticles.com/?I-Cant-Exercise!--How-Can-I-Lose-Weight-Without-Exercise?&id=3207546. 

Interested and want a rebounder for yourself? For your own rebounder, go to HERE.

10 Video Games That Will Help You Lose Weight

Losing weight is a combination of a well maintained diet and a regular exercise routine. Finding the balance between diet and exercise can be a challenge, particularly when time is limited and gym memberships are too costly. Exercising from home has become a practical option. A variety of interactive video games combine constant activity with sensor and motion controllers to create a complete workout in your own living room.
Video games as a fitness alternative may seem like an oxymoron. Playing video games are often equated with a lack of physical movement and laziness. With the advent of more participatory, motion sensitive, video game controllers, the physical movements of the player are required to progress the game. Fitness video games take the movements one step further to engage the players in various types of fitness routines and workouts while measuring physical abilities and progress.
When shopping for fitness and exercise enhancing video games, it is logical to start in the video game section of an electronics store or in video game stores. These stores will not only carry the video games but the video game equipment required for play. Shopping online is also an option for researching and finding the most fitting video game to help with weight loss. An online marketplace such as eBay offers a wide variety, with the ability to comparison shop and narrow searches categorically.
The following 10 games will help to enhance a fitness regime and help with weight loss.

Where to Begin

The following table details each of the 10 active video games, the types of game consoles that are required, any special equipment that may be required to participate in the activities, and the rating of the game. Utilizing the details in the table will help to discern which games work with certain consoles or which games may not be useful without certain equipment.

Game	Console	Equipment	Rating
Your Shape	Xbox Live	Kinect	E
Active 2	Xbox, PlayStation, Wii	Kinect, Body Tracking, Balance Board	E
Wii Fit	Nintendo Wii	Balance Board	E
Dance Dance Revolution II	Wii, PlayStation, Xbox, TV Plug and Play	Dance Pads (come with the game)	E
Biggest Loser	Xbox, Wii	Kinect	E
NFL Training Camp	Wii	Balance Board, heart monitor included	E
Zumba Fitness	Xbox, Wii, PlayStation	Kinect for Xbox and Move for PlayStation	E
Dance Central	Xbox	Kinect	T
Gold’s Gym Cardio	Wii		E
Kinect Sports	Xbox	Kinect	E

Because video games are designed for various types of game consoles, a player may decide to either pick fitness games designed for a specific console or games that may be based on a specific type of exercise regime for maximum results. Should the purchase of extra equipment be a concern, focus on the games that either come with their own special equipment or that have a variety of programs that do not necessarily require additional equipment.

1. Your Shape: Fitness Evolved

Created by UBISoft, the Your Shape video fitness program is designed specifically for Xbox Live. The game offers over 90 hours of activities for players to design their own workout. Players can choose from boot camp, boxing, jump rope, yoga, and dance. Workouts are completely customizable so that beginners as well as advanced users can tailor their own levels, goals, and preferences. The Kinect sensor is required to participate in the various workouts and programs. The motion tracking and projection technology that is built into the game with the use of the sensor provides feedback specific to the player (even projecting the player on to the screen) and his or her body, so that movements can be guided and improved for optimal results.

2. EA Sports Active 2

Developed for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii by EA Sports, this video game offers over 70 exercise routines complete with the guidance of a virtual personal trainer. The player is able to track heart rate on screen with various features for each type of game console. Because there are slight variations for each console, the features of each type are detailed below.

Xbox 360

The version created for the Xbox 360 includes a built-in heart rate monitor to track heart rate on screen. With the Kinect sensor, the game also includes wireless full body motion tracking to help with seamless workout experiences, creating hands free workouts. The Xbox version offers over 70 exercises and activities and the possibility to enroll in a 9-week program developed by personal trainers for optimal body conditioning and freshness of workouts. The player also has the option of using a built-in personal trainer as a guide and downloading new content.

PlayStation 3

The PlayStation version includes all of the features offered in the Xbox version. The only difference lies in the video game equipment. The Body Tracking wireless system for PlayStation uses motion sensors in leg and arm straps to track body movement.

Nintendo Wii

The version created for the Wii does not include the option for downloadable content. Unlike the Xbox and PlayStation version, the Wii motion tracking does require that the player hold the Wii remote, in addition to attaching motion sensors, therefore the player is never completely hands free. EA Sports also developed the aspects of the game to be balance board compatible, however the player much purchase the balance board separately.

3. Wii Fit Plus

The Wii Fit game developed completely for the Nintendo Wii gaming system tracks a player's weight, body mass index, and center of balance in 40 activities. The various activities include yoga, aerobics, strength training, and balance. The range of exercises is designed to accommodate advanced fitness gurus and beginners, alike. All routines can be customized specific to preferences and types of activities, even focusing on certain movements and body parts. Much like the Wii video games, the Fit Plus incorporates competition and fun into each routine type, even developing various competitive sports such as hula hooping for snowboarding around the various types of exercises. This game requires the use of the Wii Balance Board.

4. Dance Dance Revolution (various versions)

For those who may be seeking a physical workout combined with fun and dance, Dance Dance Revolution may be an entertaining alternative. The original game was developed in 1998 complete with a "dance platform" upon which the players dance to music and special routines produced by the game. Due to its popularity, versions of the game were released to arcades in a larger, interactive format. The game is not typically promoted as a fitness game; however, the rigorous dance routines set to top 40 hits offer maximum aerobic workouts complete with a calorie-counter. Versions are available for every type of gaming console, as well as a version developed for directly plugging into the television.

5. The Biggest Loser: Ultimate Workout

THQ developed this game, based on the NBC reality show of the same name, specifically for Xbox and the Kinect platform. The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout is hosted by the trainers from the television show, Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper, and offers over 125 exercises and routines. Players are able to work out with friends online and keep a video diary. Another version has been developed for Wii, but it does not include all of the additional features that are included with the Xbox, such as online workouts and video diaries.

6. Active NFL Training Camp

A football based training program, this video game includes training drills and workouts similar to those created for actual football training camps. The more than 70 drills and exercises were developed in collaboration with NFL training coaches to be just as effective and improve strength, power, agility, and balance. Players can track progress, choose a particular NFL stadium, and workout alongside some their favorite NFL players.

7. Zumba Fitness (various versions)

Zumba is a Colombian fitness dance program created in the 1990s which combines dance and aerobic elements. The choreography includes aspects of hip-hop, samba, salsa, mambo, martial arts, squats, lunges, and belly dance moves. As a way to bring the Zumba class into the home, the Zumba Fitness games combine the popular Zumba dance workouts to strengthen and sculpt the body while offering a well-rounded cardiovascular workout. Players follow various instructors in a variety of Zumba dance routines.

8. Dance Central

Much like Dance Dance Revolution, this game is primarily promoted as a dance only game, rather than fitness specific game. However, dancing can be a powerful ally in the venture to lose weight and stay in shape. This game includes an instructor who takes the player through individual dance moves as a measure to learning a full dance routine. Once the player learns the moves, he or she then participates in the full routine set to music from popular artists. Because the game was not developed purely as a fitness game, there are no progress trackers as offered with some of the other fitness and sports games.

9. Gold’s Gym Cardio Workout

Based on the "shape boxing" workout, the exercise video includes a variety of physical challenges aimed at enhancing cardio fitness. In partner with the Gold’s Gym fitness center chain, the game was developed as highly intensive, physically demanding workouts. Features of the game include cataloging workout schedules and helping to determine fitness levels depending on the way the player performs in initial workout routines.

10. Kinect Sports

The sports video game that is designed for the Xbox Kinect enables the player to become the game controller. Soccer, tennis, skiing, basketball, golf, baseball, and football are some of the sports that are included in the game which also allows for players to compete online with other players. Motion simulation brings the players into each game, simulating the participation into various types of sports with various performance levels and challenges. Players can also download additional content to expand the features of the games.

How to Buy Video Games for Weight Loss on eBay

When shopping for fitness and active video games, you may want to begin by evaluating which games work with which consoles. If you are limited by equipment or type of console, search only for fitness games that are developed for that particular gaming system. When shopping for video games online, the process can be a bit overwhelming considering the large number of choices available. Perusing the listings in an online marketplace such as eBay helps to narrow down choices and organize fitness and sports games by preferences.
To locate fitness and sports video games on eBay, begin in the Electronics section. From here, select Video Games, Consoles & Accessories and select Games to reveal all of the video games listings. From here the games can be categorized by console, genre, condition, or region. Selection Simulation or Sports will help to narrow down the listings to more sports and fitness related choices. However, to find specific games, a specific search such as "fitness video games" or "exercise video games" will narrow the search to games specifically designed for exercise regimes.
When shopping for a fitness video game, you may want to consider that most sellers, just like retailers, will not offer a return policy on a new game. Unless the game is damaged or not in working order, you may not be able to return your purchase. If you have questions regarding the return policy or any other aspect of the purchase, eBay has a convenient "contact member" portal that you can reach simply by clicking on the seller’s screen name.

Conclusion

Losing weight can be an uphill battle that may seem even more daunting with the prospect of joining a gym or fighting cold, rain, or extreme heat to exercise outdoors. Enrolling in classes only offered at certain times or hiring a trainer also put constraints on scheduling and the pocketbook. The fitness and sports video games developed for various gaming consoles offer an interactive alternative to fitness without having to leave home.
In addition to a variety of fitness and exercise video games that have been developed, there are a range of sports and dance videos that require the same amount of activity and commitment. If you are having trouble deciding on the type of fitness or exercise or video game to help you lose weight, first start by evaluating which types of activities most interest you. Depending on your abilities and interests, there are a variety of choices to help you on your quest.
When shopping for video games to help you lose weight, consider which games will work well with which gaming consoles. Shopping in an online marketplace such as eBay will help with evaluating and categorizing each type of exercise video game to narrow down your choices. Once you have focused on a certain type of exercise related to your interest, you will be on your way to goal kicking, cardio boxing, or dancing to a trimmer you in no time.

Available at: http://www.ebay.com/gds/10-Video-Games-That-Will-Help-You-Lose-Weight-/10000000177628511/g.html

30 minutes of exercise better for weight loss than longer workouts

Contrary to what you might have thought, just 30 minutes of exercise a day could help you lose more weight than daily hour-long sessions, according to Danish researchers.

They split a group of 60 moderately overweight Danish men into two groups and instructed them to exercise vigorously for either 30 minutes or an hour a day for 13 weeks.

By the end of the study, those who did half an hour a day lost 3.6kg compared with 2.7kg for those who exercised for an hour.

The researchers believe it's because those who scheduled less time for formal exercise included more incidental activity throughout their day, whereas those who blocked out an hour a day were more likely to put their feet up.

"The subjects in the test group that exercised the least talk about increased energy levels and a higher motivation for exercising and pursuing a healthy everyday life," said Associate Professor Astrid Jespersen from the Unviersity of Copenhagen.

"They take the stairs, take the dog for an extra walk or cycle to work. In contrast, the men who exercised for one hour a day, after training, felt exhausted, demotivated and less open to making a healthy change."

Australian exercise guidelines suggest people aim for 150 minutes of exercise a week, which is roughly 30 minute sessions on five days.

Professor David Dunstan, head of physical activity at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, told ninemsn this study proves that we all need to increase our movement throughout the day.

"I'm encouraging people to consider movement from the time they wake up until they go to bed," he said.

"It's great to get 30 minutes of exercise in the morning, but to sit on our backsides for the remainder of the day is not beneficial. Try to think about reducing sitting time throughout the day. We need to think of movement as an opportunity not an inconvenience."

Dr Nathan Johnson, from the Sydney University faculty of health sciences, told ninemsn that you don't need to exercise in solid chunks.

"Do at least 10 minute blocks and accumulate it throughout the week. For most people a brisk walk is enough. It doesn't have to be structured," he said.

Dr Johnson also said that it's a better idea for people to focus on reducing abdominal fat, than worrying about purely what's on the scales.

"If you can lose fat from the abdomen, your risk of disease improves, even if you don't change on the scales," he said.

"Weight loss is a good goal, but waistline reduction shows you're losing fat from the right areas."

The study was published in the Scandinavian Journal of Public Health.

For the video and article by Kimberly Gillian, look at http://health.ninemsn.com.au/fitness/8726562/30-minutes-of-exercise-better-for-weight-loss-than-longer-workouts or click on the video's picture.