While today's home game consoles hold out the potential to promote aerobic activity, some studies have found that many programs fall short of putting players into a target heart zone. That may change, however, with the advent of software designed to kick the cardio aspect up a notch or two.

Sports and fitness programs continue to dominate best seller lists in the U.S. and abroad this summer. In the United Kingdom, for instance, Zumba Fitness is holding its own in the wake of the release of the Transformers movie video game tie-in. No small feat, considering that some technology pundits predicted exercise releases would amount to little more than a historical footnote on the electronic gaming scene.

If you like your cardio on the martial arts tip, you'll want to check out this summer's hot ticket: A mixed martial arts workout for home gaming consoles. This June, software maker THQ released UFC Personal Trainer: "The Ultimate Fitness System" for Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. Handheld controllers, sometimes cited as a limiting factor in game development, are starting to be joined by hands-free sensor systems that open the way for a full range of motion for users. That's exactly the sort of a freedom promised by "The Ultimate Fitness System".

According to THQ, the program features more than 70 Mixed Martial Arts(MMA) and National Academy of Sports Medicine-approved exercises. They include "moves from disciplines such as wrestling, kickboxing and Muay Thai and 51 unique routines each specialized to target specific muscle groups, as well as factor individual skill levels and fitness goals."

As a selling point, THQ proudly mentions that UFC Personal Trainer was designed by the NASM along with MMA training gurus Javier Mendez (AKA), Mark DellaGrotte (Sityodtong), and Greg Jackson (Jackson's MMA).

In addition, the software offers dedicated options for losing weight, building strength or improving performance. These 30- or 60-day programs are backed up with an interactive journal to allow users to track specific routines and their progress.

Whatever Happened to Arcades?

While the paradigm shift toward home gaming consoles may have led to a decline of the stand-up video game arcade, a new concept in New York City's trendy Tribeca district aims to take the popular enthusiasm for technology and fitness beyond the living room.

According to its website, ExerBlast "is dedicated to being the pre-eminent provider of fitness to children and their families by offering interactive, research-based exercise programs that entertain the participants as they play their way to better health." The 6,400-square foot facility features an obstacle course and rotating climbing walls, among other challenges. To play, children don iPods that keep track of their steps, their heart rate and the number of calories burned while they perform avatar-led exercises.

Gaming sessions here cost a bit more than a quarter per play, though. A single session at Exerblast costs $25, and a year-long membership of of nine visits a month is $1,667.

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