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.

“Callanetics.” MCA. $24.95. This may be the most effective home-exercise video yet. With no bounce or flounce, the program delivers on its promise to significantly tone and tighten the entire body in 10 hours--using a series of gentle, precise movements developed by 47-year-old teacher Callan Pinckney. Pinckney and models ranging from 20s to 60s, flabby to fit, demonstrate exercises that look easy but introduce never-before-used muscles. No wonder her book of the same name spent more than nine months on best-seller lists. Excellent for all ages. Information: (818) 508-4315.