“Iknow you can do this,” says Jillian Michaels. “Your team is counting on you,” adds Bob Harper. No, I am not watching a “Biggest Loser” marathon on television. I am playing the “Biggest Loser” video game now available for $49.99 for the Nintendo Wii gaming system.

“The Biggest Loser” (based on the hit NBC television show, currently in its eighth season) is the latest in a series of video games designed to promote fitness and provide ways to exercise without stepping foot into a gym. While compatible with the Wii Balance Board (sold separately), it can be used without one.

The mandatory task of any player at the start of the game is to create a profile complete with age, height, weight, normal amount of physical activity and choosing an avatar from previous “Biggest Loser” contestants. One of the biggest benefits of the game comes in your user profile, which states how many calories you should be eating a day. The next step is choosing a fitness program, which can be any length from four to 12 weeks.

The programs come in a variety of intensities to ensure that anyone can use the program to exercise without a hassle. Every week is planned with a fixed workout schedule, complete with scheduled exercise, a fitness log and a calorie counter to track what you eat, along with a challenge and weigh-in, similar to the show.

Overall, the game is filled with over 66 exercises, including squats, lunges, strength training, cardio and yoga. The trainers, which are avatars of Harper and Michaels, show you how to do all of the exercises and encourage your progress throughout your workout. As the game progresses, the workouts get more intense, and your avatar becomes more fit and toned. While the avatar might not mirror your personal weight, the game tracks it separately.

Another benefit of the game is that it isn’t just for exercise. The main menu allows you to obtain trainer and contestant tips as well as recipes from the “Biggest Loser” cookbook.

One of the biggest letdowns about the game is its demand of your time. While any exercise program requires dedication, even the simplest fitness programs in the game require that you participate four days a week, and penalize your position in the game if you were too busy to turn on the Wii.

Ultimately, the “Biggest Loser Fitness Experience” game for the Wii is worth every penny. The workouts are guaranteed to produce successful results, and whether you want to lose a lot of weight or get in shape, it will put you on the path to having a healthier lifestyle and feeling like a winner!

Mary Best is a senior at Alden High School.