Get ready to punch, kick, sweat, and have a good time, because a new breed of videogame has arrived and it’s here to stay. You get the freedom of designing your own personal workout while giving you access to elite martial art trainers such as Mark DellaGrotte, Greg Jackson, and Javier Mendez all at your convenience? Of course, there are a few kinks and technical difficulties that come both on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 alike, that can slow down your workout. However, I promise that you will be out of breath and sweaty if you give it a chance; this is definitely not a game that you can sit down and relax while playing though.

The UFC Personal Trainer is fun, organized and extremely detailed, as it puts you into actual exercises that have been approved by the NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine). If you’re ready to get fit and not afraid to move around, then this game is a must to have. Each workout is divided into several different sets with a warm-up and cool-down period, to ensure your muscles are loose and to prevent injury. Whether you’re looking to lose a few pounds or bulk up, they’ll have a workout for your goals and lifestyle, guaranteed! The only down side to this is the fact that some of the exercises and body reaction times come through as kind of sluggish or delayed. This causes your workout to move slower, so make sure you have some patience. Another awesome feature that this game has is the ability to save any designed, personal workouts so they can be easily accessed the next time you want to train like a pro.

There are also modes that appeal to the serious gamer type who want to feel accomplished and conquer objectives. The main activity for this style of play is Hit the Mitts. You will have to carefully follow arrows and successfully engage in kicks, punches, etc. Immediately, you start moving and sweating while also being given feedback and the ability to gain points in the process. People who are die hard and extremely motivated can put themselves through the 30 or 60 day programs that allows you to track yourself, which can be time consuming and feel more like a job than fun; remember, this is a videogame after all. I also found some of the commentary to be a little annoying because the dialogue script does not get changed up enough. Either turn down the volume with your remote or grit your teeth during the workout; your choice.

For those of you out there that have the Kinect, make sure to be in front of your sensor when doing your workout. Most movements are easily picked up, but some movements are a little tricky and may be difficult for Kinect to pick up if you are not right in front of the sensor. An added benefit to the game is you will have the luxury of the Kinect keeping tabs on the amount of reps that you do while also tracking the calories that you burn. I know most of you might not view this as a huge benefit, but it is much easier to keep track of your overall progress.

Blast Factor: UFC Personal Trainer is a very good game that promotes working out and gives you the motivation to better your body and endurance. It is very hands on friendly and gives you the tools to inspire a healthy lifestyle. Yes, there are some cheesy repetitive words of encouragement and technical issues that can hamper game play every now and again, but overall, a good buy for fitness gamers. This could be the beginning of the end for couch potato games, as it encourages a more healthy and active lifestyle. It might at least encourage you to stand up every once in a while; it’s your choice.

Losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions after the gluttony of the holiday season. If you’re pledging to lose some pounds this year by joining a gym, our friends at the Better Business Bureau recommend asking ten questions before signing on the dotted line.

In 2009 alone, BBB received 7,787 complaints about gyms and health clubs, putting the industry in the top 20 for most complained about businesses.  Not only does BBB receive a lot of complaints about gyms, but complaints increased by 21 percent in 2009 over the previous year.

“Regardless of how eager you are to start losing weight in the New Year, take the time to do your research before joining a gym and don’t give in to high-pressure sales pitches,” said Paula Fleming, BBB spokesperson. “Always check the health club out with your Better Business Bureau, inspect the facilities closely and read the contract carefully, making sure that all of the promises are in print.”

BBB recommends asking the gym and yourself the following 10 questions before signing up for a membership:

Questions to ask the gym:

1. What are the terms of any introductory offers?
   Gyms often use special introductory offers to lure in new members. Just make sure you understand the terms and what the price will be once the introductory period is over.
2. Will my membership renew automatically?
   Every year, BBB receives a large number of complaints from people who joined a gym and didn’t realize that their contract would renew automatically and that they would have to take specific steps to cancel their contract.
3. How can I get out of my contract? Getting out of a gym contract isn’t always as easy as getting into one so make
   sure you understand what steps you would need to take to cancel your membership
4. What happens if I move?
   Gyms have any number of different policies when it comes to how moving will affect your membership. It might depend on how far away you’re moving and if they have other locations nearby.
5. What happens if you go out of business?
   BBB often receives complaints from people after their gym suddenly closed up shop and took their money with them. Ask the gym to explain what will happen to your money if they suddenly go out of business.

Questions to ask yourself:

1. What are my fitness goals?
   Determining your fitness goals in advance will help you select a facility that is most appropriate for you. If you have a serious health condition, consult with a medical professional when setting your fitness goals.
2. Is this location convenient? If the gym is across town, you’ll be less likely to workout. Choose a fitness club that is convenient to work or home so the location is not a deterrent to getting exercise.
3. Can I really afford this every month? Monthly gym fees add up and, after any introductory periods are over, the price could jump higher than your budget can handle. Do the math before you join and make sure you can afford a gym membership.
4. Am I feeling pressured to join? Do not give in to high-pressure sales tactics to join right away. A reputable gym will give you enough time to read the contract thoroughly, tour the facilities and make an informed decision.
5. Did I get everything in writing? Read the contract carefully and make sure that all verbal promises made by the salesperson are in writing.  What matters is the document you sign, so don’t just take a salesperson’s word for it.

For more advice from BBB on how to be a savvy consumer all year long, visit bbb.org/us/Consumer-Tips/

Exercise is one of the top preventative actions one can take to decrease chances of developing breast cancer. Commonwealth Sports Club (1079 Commonwealth Ave.) couldn’t think of a better way to get involved than to hold our own Zumba and Spinathon to raise money for breast cancer research.

Instructors are donating their time to hold a 3 hour spinathon and a 2 hour zumbathon, with a suggested donation of $5 per hour per participant for charity.

Zumba is a high energy, latin dance class that can easily be adapted for people with a limited range of motion, and spinning burns the most calories of all our group fitness classes, at an average of 500 calories per class.

Commonwealth Sports Club is also holding a raffle to help raise money for the cause. The staff at CSC and Joint Ventures Physical Therapy have donated their time to offer raffle prizes such as an acupuncture session, personal training packages, pilates packages, and massages. Other prizes include CSC gear, $25 Visa Gift Cards, and a $100 gift certificate to The Kells Bar and Grill, Blast’s perennial party spot, donated by restaurant owner and sports club member Jerry Quinn.

There will also be inspirational artwork sold with part of the proceeds going to breast cancer research.

Be there from 6-9 p.m. tonight, and make your workout for a good cause.