Keeping the fun in girls’ fitness

Television and computers are powerful lures that keep children and teens from exercising. Physical education courses, YMCAs and community programs sometimes include fitness classes, but they’re not always convenient. “MissFit” is an exercise DVD, geared to girls, that offers a variety of fun, challenging workouts that can be done at home.

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“MissFit”: This DVD, targeted to girls 10 to 17, is divided into three workouts: hip-hop dance, cardio kickboxing and yoga. Within each session, viewers have a choice of three music tracks. Although beginners are encouraged to try each exercise, these are challenging workouts. The yoga segment, for example, features detailed instruction on poses and breathing exercises, with a participant offering modifications for beginners. Those who have never exercised before or who exercise very little should not expect to complete every one.

“It will take you a few times to learn the hip-hop routine or to finish the cardio kickboxing program,” says Tearsa Coates, chief executive of Philadelphia-based Teruko Productions, which produced the video. “That’s part of our intention, to make it challenging enough that it keeps you coming back. If it’s too easy it defeats the purpose of exercising.”

Price: The DVD is available at select Borders stores for $14.99; a package, including the video, a fitness and nutrition guide, a yoga mat and a wristband, is $34.99 and available at www.missfitvideo.com.

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-- Jeannine Stein