Bust a gut with "The Biggest Loser." It's like having your own personal trainer.

Based on NBC's reality TV series, this game is about losing weight, dieting, and exercising -- or just generally getting in shape. To me, wellness games like "Wii Fitness" sound like oxymorons. A game that helps you get fit doesn't sound like much fun at first.

Anyway, when I made my personal file, I used the name "Russell Crowe" due to my dislike for that actor's work. Then I got down to business. You record your birth date, weight and height in order to compute your body mass index and how many calories you should eat per day. Then you pick a four-, eight- or 12-week challenge to reach your recommended weight. The routines get exhausting, the further you go into the program.

You have to have dedication to meet your goal. Show hosts Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper are your animated (literally) trainers. They demonstrate stretches and exercises and say things like "Good job," "Nail those moves" and "Keep the rhythm going." The idea is to follow their moves (you really work up a sweat with the Wii version) and then copy your avatar's. You choose an intensity level and try to keep up with your character as he/she runs, pedals a stationery bike, jumps on a trampoline or whatever. You have tons of choices in your virtual fitness center.

An inset screen on the DS/DSi shows you how to duplicate real-time movements without the equipment. You log your achievements in the electronic manual. Don't forget to take credit going swimming or playing tennis in real life.

The game gives you plenty of help with a "Healthy Eating Handbook" with 50 recipes (the portabella pizza and the mini strawberry pies look good), tips, quizzes, and a personal calorie counter. On the show, the average contestant loses more than 105 pounds in a season. In the THQ versions, your avator slims down as you do at regular weigh-ins.

The graphics are good on both the Nintendo DI/DSi and Wii and the music is really catchy. So I'm coming around to the idea that a video game can get you in shape. "Biggest Loser" is cheaper than a gym and you can work out at home, too. I admit I just started my challenge and tend to lose focus faster than weight but I don't need to lose tons. I will give this one a solid three out of five stars. See ya!

James Gascoin, 17, one of the nation's youngest gaming critics, writes exclusively for The Times. Reach him at TheVidKids@aol.com.

"The Biggest Loser" by THQ

PLATFORMS: Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi, Wii

Rating: E

COST: $29.99-$39.99

GRADE: Three out of five stars