Excerisizing at the Computer

[aquaryus]

This may be a strange question to all of you, but here it goes. After my shift, I go down to the gym to lift weights. I haven't started cardio, because I just quit smoking a month ago and I go into horrible coughing fits, but I am going to start soon. Anyway, when I get home, I play World of Warcraft for about 3 hours with some house work in between. Is there any sort of excerizes I can do while sitting. I was thinking about maybe a thigh master or maybe a contraption with pedals (like on a bike) that I can work the muscles in my legs while I play. It would be awesome if I could actually run in place to get my character where she needs to go on her quests (kinda like a Wii) but they haven't created anything like that for the computer as far as I know. Anyone have any suggestions?

[julirama723]

Re: Excerisizing at the Computer

Instead of a chair you can use an exercise ball (also called a Swiss ball) and this will help you use your core muscles the entire time.

But really, as far as exercise goes, there's no substitution. It's important to get moving and keep moving! A walk on the treadmill or outside counts as cardio, and it shouldn't be very taxing on your lungs.

[AZNick]

Re: Excerisizing at the Computer

Get away from the computer and hit the gym.

I go to the gym during my lunch hour, which is of course extended. My manager does not care.

I also go in the evening and week ends.

You need to get away from the screen. Nowhere can you workout better than out of your house, whether it be the gym, a playground or the trails if you bike.

[Grant]

Re: Excerisizing at the Computer

I used to play online roleplaying games 3+ hours a day as well, 8-16 hours a day on weekends. Started with Ultima Online, then Everquest then World of Warcraft. Quite an addiction, EQ keeps track of how many real time hours each character is played, I added them up one time and found I had played the equivelent of 6 months for 24 hours in a 2 year period. Made me just about sick of myself...but not enough to quit. Getting married helped me break the addiction. I don't know if you are as bad as I was but if so I hope that you can break it as well.

HOWEVER, thats up to you eh? To answer your question, I think Julie's exercise ball idea is fantastic, I would also suggest getting some light hand weights and working on specific areas as you play.

Good luck!

Grant
AKA Baeloron 60 night elf druid (formerly

[aquaryus]

Re: Excerisizing at the Computer

See, I can only play for 3 hours at a time and I play at night. I have a full time and part time job, and my full time company has a gym, so I walk a half hour to an hour on the treadmill after my shift, or on break and I lift weights as well. I'm not addicted to WOW, but I do enjoy escaping for a few hours a night. I do chores while I'm playing too.. Like, I'll fold the laundry while I'm flying to another part of the map or I'll sweep the floor. While I'm in play, though, I would like to do something like leg lifts, or the medicine ball idea (I'd have to sit far from the tower, cause if I tip and fall into it.... oh, my.. gaming computers are $$)

(Akwayrus, 26 Draeni Hunter)

[sadie147]

Re: Excerisizing at the Computer

I don't want to sound harsh, but if you are really serious about losing weight, I would say cut back an 30 mins (to start) on your gaming, and go out for a brisk walk, a bike ride, or do a cardio dvd program etc. I would, every week or 2 etc, keep adding another 5 or 10 mins to that 30, until you are out walking, bike riding, etc for an hour.

Is your health not more important to you than a computer game?

[Lyssie]

Re: Excerisizing at the Computer

As a former Mud lover, I totally agree with Sadie. Nothing replaces going to the gym and doing the time... I kind of have to say (sorry), that quitting smoking is not an excuse for not doing cardio. I did cardio while I smoked, during quitting, and afterwards... yes, you do cough a bit more.. chew some gum, or do lower intensity, or a combination. I guess it boils down to whether you want to take 5 years or 2 years to lose that 200lbs.