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Roseville Fitness Club Helps Girls Battle Fears

ROSEVILLE (CBS13) - At-risk youth are learning to work out their fears at a local non-profit that is using fitness to teach young women they can do anything.

They call themselves Fire Breathers, but they don't actually breathe fire.

"It refers to someone who approaches a workout with indomitable spirits ready to take on any challenge," said Executive Director Cecilia Tsang.

Sixteen-year-old Danielle Rodriguez didn't start out as a fire breather.

"I couldn't do any of the stuff; it was too hard for me," said Rodriguez.

Now, "I can't" is no longer a phrase in her vocabulary.

"I can do it," said Rodriquez.

Conquer their fears; it's the mentality of the F.I.T Club of Roseville.

"Climb up high, go upside down, jump on boxes, things people are afraid of everyday," said Tsang.

The group reaches out to at risk and underserved youth.

"I think girls face a lot of peer pressure issues and I want to help address those in the program," said Tsang.

"When I first came here I was scared. I can't do this; it's too much stress on you when you first have to climb the rope," said Shania Haas.

Now Haas can.

"What we try to focus on is getting the girls to look at their bodies differently as athletes so they see themselves as what their bodies can do and now what they look like," said Tsang.

But more than just getting fit, the program teaches you to never give up.

"I can do this. I just need to work through this, try harder. I can get through this," said Haas.

F.I.T Club is always looking for volunteers and new members.

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