| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that UFC Personal Trainer: The Ultimate Fitness System is a workout program designed to help people lose weight, build muscle, and stay in shape. It's a spin-off product tied to the UFC, a mixed martial arts professional fighting league. Expect to see plenty of logos, names, and personalities associated with the sport. However, aside from some repetitive workout activities that emulate fighting moves -- including aggressive punching, kneeing, and elbowing movements -- the software does not encourage players to engage in fighting or teach them how to be a mixed martial arts fighter.
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.
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.
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?
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
| Platforms: | Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Exergaming |
| Developer: | THQ |
| Release date: | June 28, 2011 |
| Price: | $49.99 |
| ESRB rating: | E for Violent References |
Contact us to give us more feedback on our learning ratings.



Tell us what you think about our new Learning Ratings. We value your feedback.