Dance Dance Revolution Universe 2 Bundle (with Dance Mat)

After reading a story that one girl lost 95 pounds by playing this game, I was a bit skeptical, but I believe it now. I think it beats the treadmill workouts. After 30 minutes on Power Mode(6 minute fast tempo tracks,) I literally drench in sweat. It really is a good cardio workout. I dont think I ever sweat like this during treadmill workout, but then again, nobody really does any aerobic movements while running on a straight conveyor belt.

While this shouldnt replace your gym workouts, it is certainly a good alternative once or twice a week. Think of it as drinking orange juice as opose to eating an actual orange: While orange juice will give you Vitamin C, it shouldnt fully replace your fruit intake.

Some tips for beginners: Do not place the mat on the carpet as it will gradually move underneath you and will cause you to step on wrong controls after a while. The bottom of the mat is slightly-rubberized and made to stand on non-carpet sufaces...Read more

I am new to this kind of game, so I am still getting used to it. But this sure is an addictive way to get exercise. The only problem I've had has been with the mat which tends to slip and bunch up a great deal on our thick carpet. After experimenting with a slip-proof pad for a throw rug and two-sided carpet tape (not much help) I hit on the idea of putting a chairmat (like those used under a rolling office chair) under the mat. I purchased an "ulta durable" one with "AnchorBar technology" from Staples (not the bargain-price kind that can be rolled up) and this has made a tremendous difference. No more slipping!

This version of DDR has my teenager and her friends competing with each other. They are able to use the dance pad from her older version so that two kids can dance at once. The kids say the steps are more in line in with the beat of the music and feel more like dance steps than the older version.The selection of songs is a hit as well. My teen tells tells me that the techno songs are the most fun to dance to.
My pre-teen and her friends have tried this as well and while they are not as impressed by the changes as the older kids, they have found a great way to have some active fun during these dreary winter afternoons. Even our neighbor's 8 year old spent an hour trying out the songs and steps without being bored or frustrated.