Last Updated on May 21, 2023 by Michael Brockbank
This morning, I decided to get back into playing Virtual Smash on the Xbox Kinect. And, again, I found it to be a rough experience! Mostly because it’s been so long since I’ve actively played the game.
But, that’s not going to stop me. I am determined to lose the last 40 pounds before September 4th, 2021. That’s because I started my 12-week fitness challenge all over again.
Yes, I am terrible at starting over. Well, I guess I could say that I excel at starting over…which is kind of sad, really.
Why Virtual Smash is My Favorite Exercise Game
In reality, Your Shape: Fitness Evolved is one of the most intense, full-body, workout games you can get for the Xbox Kinect. Almost every muscle group is targeted when playing something like Virtual Smash, a “Gym Game” in Fitness Evolved.
It relies on punching, squatting, and twisting as fast as you can to earn as many points as possible.
Take right now, for example. I can feel the last 28-minute workout across my shoulders, upper chest, abs, and thighs. Tomorrow, I’ll feel it in my biceps and triceps. That’s because I’m wearing weights while playing.
And, I’m a sweaty mess.
What I Used to Do in Virtual Smash
So, in March of 2019, I was able to handle 18 rounds of the game. The idea was to do 5 rounds of easy, 6 rounds of medium, and 7 rounds of hard difficulties. I was doing all of this while wearing 3 pounds of weight on each hand and wrist.
At one point, I was looking on Amazon to find 5-pound weighted gloves because what I was wearing was simply not enough.
And I could safely say that I was starting to look pretty good. Even my ex was getting impressed as she said she could see the “V” shape forming on my abs.
Well, today, that “V” is an “O.”
Again.
What Am I Doing Today in the Game?
This morning, I was barely able to push through 4, 4, and 4 rounds of each difficulty. And I was only wearing one pound on each hand.
That’s what happens when you take a prolonged hiatus from working out. You’ll eventually lose muscle mass, stamina, and most of your gains.
Essentially, I have to work my way back up to where I was. After such a long pause in exercise, I can’t expect to accomplish the same goals I had several years ago.
Last time, I kept track of my workouts in Virtual Smash such as calories burned, score, and the time it takes to complete a set. Once I feel like I can add one more round to the mix without passing out, I will do so.
This is how I progressed last time. Every two weeks or so, I was able to add one more round. And then, I started adding a bit more weight.
You can feel when you’re body is ready to take it to the next level. Sometimes, it will tell you something different than what you’re head will. When it comes to exercise, listen to your body, not your ego.
Why the Sudden Interest in Virtual Smash Again?
Well, I need to get back into the swing of things. I’ve taken too much time away from my health and fitness and gained 20 pounds since moving into my new house.
And basing everything on past experiences, Virtual Smash is one of the games that had the greatest impact on shaping my body.
Not to mention that I am in the process of proving a point to a few people who think they know better. I know what can be done because I’ve done it before.
I’m also a big fan of the game. I keep track of my scores and try to set personal bests. And keeping track of all that data makes me happy.
How Long Will it Take to Get Back to Where I Was?
It’ll take a couple of weeks before I can start adding more weight. I don’t want to push myself too hard as that is a surefire way to send myself to the emergency room.
I have a problem with hypoglycemia and often push myself to the brink of passing out.
I’ve never been one to ego-lift or push as hard as possible for the sake of clout. I just have a problem with realizing how fast I’m sinking once my blood sugar levels drop.
However, I’ve come to know myself fairly well over the last five years. I can usually see where the line is and haven’t crossed it as often as I used to.
It’s all about finding your limits and understanding where you are in terms of working out. You’re not in competition with anyone but yourself. Find your baseline in any workout and simply try to improve.
For example, once I’m no longer a bundle of flesh on the floor after 12 rounds of Virtual Smash, I’ll up it a round or two.
Will I Stick With It This Time?
I have a lot riding on this 12-week fitness experiment. Not only am I tired of being a lump sitting at my desk, but I kind of committed myself to a few things that have a lot riding on my performance.
This is aside from how good I felt physically and mentally back when I weighed 20 pounds less.
There’s no doubt that having a regular exercise routine made a vastly positive impact on my life overall. And I would love to get back to that point.
I’m more energetic, focused, and often perform better while working as I maintain a daily workout. The hardest part is simply breaking the bad habits I’ve developed over the year.
Like saying, “Eh, I’ll do it later,” and then never doing it at all.
Take this morning, for example. I literally had to yell at myself because I was on the verge of not getting up and playing. What finally drove me to strap on the gloves was the fact that I want to write an article soon about how I lost “X” amount of pounds in a week playing the Kinect.
I can’t really write that article unless I put in the effort.
Here We Go!
I’m going to start a new case study like the one I had going in 2018. It involved playing the Kinect twice per day and recording calorie burn for each game I have in my library.
This helped me keep motivated to actually put in the work and get off my ass in the morning and right before lunch.
That’s one of the most prominent keys to maintaining your fitness…finding what exercises and workouts that work best for you.
All I can really do is tell you what works best for me. It’s up to you to find what drives you to exercise.
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