Never thought you could actually get in shape with that PS2 or Xbox , huh? And I'm not talking about the Wii system, which will have you throwing controllers through the window and breaking coffee tables with your tennis swing. No, I'm talking about good old fashioned exercise, with the help of a personal trainer.

Believe it or not, I justified buying a PS2 because it's cheaper than hiring a personal trainer and getting a gym membership. All I had to do was buy the "game" called Yourself Fitness.

Maya, the personal trainer in the program, is a character you soon begin to think is an actual trainer in front of you and not a video game character. She starts by helping you set up your profile and guides you through a fitness test to determine your current level of fitness, cardiovascular ability, weight, and general health.

Then, depending on what you specifically want to accomplish (from losing the thunder thighs to developing more upper body strength), she will design a program customized to your profile, using the equipment you own (like hand weights, steps, or stability ball). You determine your workout schedule and length, and you'd better stick to it - Maya gives you grief if you miss a session!

You can also use the program to take advantage of yummy menu plans (customized to whatever daily caloric intake you wish), and yoga sessions in between or instead of scheduled workouts.

Your fitness level is measured and tracked as you progress, as you are required to retake the fitness test every 10 workouts.

Although I find the program to be fun and a great use for myself, there are a few things I would warn you about before you rush out to buy a video game system for this:

1: If you are in excellent health, you'll probably ace the fitness test, and not be able to track your progress particularly since there isn't anywhere to go but down. But it doesn't mean the workouts won't be challenging; in fact Maya asks you how each segment is and if you don't find it tough enough you can tell her to up the anti!

2: You have to like working out at home. Some people can't stand it. Others appreciate the time saved in not going to to gym and the freedom to exercise in their jammies if they like. (Not like I've ever exercised in my jammies. No siree. Not me. I'm hard core. Whoooaaah!)

Yourself Fitness is compatible with the PS2, Xbox, and PCs. So go ahead....justify that video game system you always wanted and cancel your gym membership - it's healthy!