Common Sense Media Review
By Chad Sapieha
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Workout program encourages fitness while advertising UFC.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
UFC Personal Trainer: The Ultimate Fitness System
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
UFC PERSONAL TRAINER: THE ULTIMATE FITNESS SYSTEM isn’t a game but instead a piece of workout software designed to help people lose weight, build muscle, and establish an ongoing fitness regimen. Users begin by entering data including height, weight, and age, then working through a simple fitness test composed of sit-ups, push-ups, and jumping jacks, which allows the software to track a participant’s progress. Users can then select the workout routine of their choice, engage in one-off activities, or begin a longer-term 30 or 60 day program. A few activities allow pairs of players to train simultaneously. Note: We evaluated the Xbox 360 version of the game, which requires the Kinect sensor. The PlayStation 3 edition requires the PlayStation Move wand, and Wii version is compatible with the Wii Balance Board.
Is It Any Good?
There is little doubt that, used as directed, UFC Personal Trainer: The Ultimate Fitness System delivers an excellent cardiovascular workout. We were panting and sweating within minutes of popping in the disc. What’s more, the variety -- there are dozens of routines and activities -- does a good job of keeping workouts fresh from one session to the next. The progress tracking system allows users to track their performance and delivers a visual representation showing improvement, which is key for keeping people motivated.
However, much will depend on your interest in UFC. While the game does not train users how to fight, many of the routines involve aggressive movements, including punches and jabbing with elbows. Plus, the UFC logo and UFC personalities are omnipresent. If you don’t enjoy the sport or what it represents -- people beating each other up -- you’ll likely walk away with at least a slightly sour taste in your mouth.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about other ways to stay fit. When possible, do you take the opportunity to walk or use public transportation rather than drive to your destinations? Do you participate in regularly scheduled physical activities, such as sports or workout programs?
Families can also discuss whether they think video games can be a valuable part of their fitness regimen. How long do workout games hold your attention? Do you feel as though you can take what you’ve learned in a game like this and use it away from the television?
Game Details
- Platforms : Nintendo Wii , PlayStation 3 , Xbox 360
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : THQ
- Release date : June 28, 2011
- Genre : Exergaming
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate