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Newest Rage: The Pilates Video Game

Shannan Powell | May 14, 2008

Those who are looking for a fun and interesting way to exercise have a great new tool to use in their Pilates workouts. Konami Digital Entertainment has released a new video game for the Nintendo DS platform called Let’s Pilates! which is now available in stores across the United States. This release coincides with a similar game, Let’s Yoga! which caters to those who prefer that form of relaxation and exercise. This move has brought exercise into the twenty-first century with an exercise program that is available on a portable gaming system. The introduction of this game will introduce Pilates to an audience that may have never attempted this form of exercise before and promote fitness within the gaming world.

How the Game Works

Let’s Pilates! is not what most gamers would call a traditional video game. There are no levels to beat, no puzzle to solve, and no monsters to defeat. Instead, this is a portable version of a Pilates instructional video, which gives people the option of taking their workout along, wherever they go. Instead of being stuck at home, in front of the TV or tied down to classes at a Pilates studio or gym, you can take your Nintendo DS and game along with you to the park, the beach, or even on vacation and consistently follow your workout plan.

The program consists of forty different Pilates exercises and provides detailed instruction of the techniques of each. You can use the stylus of the Nintendo DS to change the angle at which you view the poses and positions, plus allowing you to zoom in for a close up look. You can also watch videos of each exercise, from beginning to end. This gives those unfamiliar with the techniques of Pilates a chance to see how to properly perform each exercise. The routine focuses on conditioning and toning the muscles, while relaxing the body and mind. The makers of the game have tried to put general Pilates principles in action with their creation.

Other useful features included in this video game are a workout planner and scheduling component. The planner feature lets you track your progress and tailor the exercise routine to fit into your current daily schedule. The calendar can set up reminders of planned workouts and keep you on top of your fitness routine. The game itself can be customized by changing the outfits of the on-screen character performing the exercises, switching between the three programmed instructors, or choosing one of the different mat styles, to make the game visually appealing.

Konami’s Mission

The game developers at Konami are the masterminds behind the “Dance, Dance Revolution” craze that has swept the country since its introduction in 1998. The company strives to create games that provide a fun way to incorporate fitness with the ever-increasing popularity of video games. A recent company press release quotes Anthony Crouts, Vice President of Marketing for Konami Digital Entertainment, as saying, "We believe that both Lets Yoga! and Lets Pilates! fit well with our current initiative to incorporate health-conscious videogame content into our product lineup."