Bella, the Fitness Pup!

Fun, Friendship, and Healthy Habits for Kids

A health coach and her lovable Yorkie pup introduce children to lifelong habits to lead healthier lives

Traverse City, Michigan—As a health coach, personal trainer specializing in self-treatment techniques for chronic pain, and Pilates instructor, Maria Rigo has devoted herself to helping women over fifty become the healthiest versions of themselves. With her debut book, Bella, the Fitness Pup, Mission Point Press, (August 19, 2025), Rigo hopes to inspire young children to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle that will benefit them throughout their entire lives.

“Growing up in the ’70s, I spent time playing outdoors and our family had one television. While raising two boys who loved outdoor play and sports, I became acutely aware of the negative trends that many children experience—sitting behind screens, eating processed foods, little outdoor play—and the health crisis that it was creating,” Rigo said.

Life Lessons Can Be Fun

It was Bella, Rigo’s rescue Yorkie pup, that inspired the children’s story. “I’d be down on the floor doing Pilates or MELT Method moves and she’d jump off the couch and do her own version of down dog. I teased her, calling her ‘Bella the Fitness Pup,’” Rigo said.

Rigo believes that children learn important life lessons best through fun and loving experiences. As the central character in Bella, the Fitness Pup, curious Bella teaches children how to engage in healthy play and the importance of whole food. “I’m hoping she’ll inspire young children and parents alike to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors and preparing home-cooked meals together.” Spending time with her two-year-old granddaughter—playing imagination games and running around the house in winter and outdoors in good weather—Rigo hopes her debut title inspires all ages to embrace healthier lifestyles and have fun along the way.

Advanced Praise for Bella

Advance praise for Bella, the Fitness Pup, from David Labotka, MD:

“Bella exudes joy and movement. She reminds children that fun can come from simple, healthful habits. Every page made me smile.”

The Author

Maria Rigo is a health coach, mother, and grandmother who divides her time between the Chicago suburbs and Carmel, Indiana. With twenty-five years of experience as a personal trainer, MELT practitioner, and Pilates instructor, she is passionate about helping clients build healthy, sustainable habits throughout their lives—including menopause and beyond. Bares Rigo was inspired by her rescue Yorkie, Bella, to teach young kids the basics of healthy living: outdoor play, balanced nutrition, limited screen time, and making healthy habits fun and accessible through her stories. Visit her website at bellathefitnesspup.com.

The Illustrator

Elizabeth Josephine is a self-taught artist, born and raised in Chicago. Her childhood passion for art and nineteen years working with various artistic mediums inspired her to pursue a career in illustration. Visit her website at PhineArtistry.com.

The Book

Bella, the Fitness Pup

Maria Rigo

34 pages, 8.5 x 11 inches, Color

Juvenile Fiction, Animals/Dogs, Health & Daily Living, Health & Fitness

ISBN: 978-1-965278-37-6, $17.99 (Softcover)

Mission Point Press, August 19, 2025

Copies are available for preorder at Bookshop.org, Amazon, and other online retailers. On its August 19 publication date, it will be available for purchase wherever books are sold. For information or to arrange for signings and events, contact the author at bellathefitnesspup@gmail.com