Get ready for prom the healthy way

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Prom planning for girls invariably includes finding a date, choosing an outfit and then dieting to fit into said outfit. But rather than starve to fit into a dress -- which is how many teens approach it -- the friendly folks at O2 Max Fitness have a better idea.

They’re hosting a Prom Fitness Challenge, a 10-week online program that includes weekly workout, health and nutrition tips, plus access to trainers two ways: two phone coaching sessions and 24/7 e-mail availability. Exercises that target the whole body are easy to do at home with minimal or no equipment, and include bicycle crunches for abs, lunges for the lower body and push-ups for the upper body. Even if a prom isn’t in the picture, the program is great for summer shape-ups as well.

O2 Max Fitness is a Santa Monica-based gym for teens offering training, nutritional advice and a place to hang. Founder and Chief Executive Karen Jashinsky says that while guys can get in on the prom program, it’s geared to girls for a reason: ‘Before they even think about working out,’ she says, ‘they think they have to lose weight, which means dieting, which means not eating for a lot of them. I wanted to take a more proactive approach.’

The cost for the sessions is $10, and participants can update their progress on the O2 Max Fitness website.

-- Jeannine Stein

Photo credit: Elise Amendola / Associated Press