TURN-ONS AND TURN-OFFS IN CURRENT HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASES : VIDEOCASSETTES : Excellent Good Fair Poor

Times writers take a look at a new batch of exercise videos released in time for the ’86 Christmas season. Why do workout/fitness tapes keep on coming? Partly because they sell, and sell big. Beyond that, the growing emphasis on “low-impact aerobics” incorporates alternate and newly developed methods (the “body band” is one of the latest crazes) and takes into consideration safer and more efficient ways of shaping up the old bod. Above all, exercise videos make good sense and--if they’re used properly and regularly--healthier people, destroying the conception that all TV watchers are couch potatoes.

“Body by Jake Volume 2: Energize Yourself.” MCA. $19.95. Imagine Richard Simmons in Sly Stone’s body, subtract their obnoxious edges, and you’ve got Jake Steinfeld, trainer to the stars. This highly energetic but sensibly framed follow-up to Jake’s first hit tape offers a multidimensional 30-minute workout. You also get a warm-up stretch that (unlike some exercise tapes) is as long and detailed as it should be, plus a “quicky” version of the workout--great when you don’t have time for the 30-minute version. “If you’re late, you gotta date, pop in that quicky,” advises Jake, who keeps up the good-humored chatter throughout, pushing hard without annoying. Intense, fun and useful. Information: (818) 777-4315. 1/2