Yellowknife (Aug 25/03) - So you want to get fit and trim, lean and mean without the whole gym knowing you've grown a bit fluffy around the waistline. Fear not.

Store shelves await those who privately want to battle the bulge.

From the minimal to the max, creating one's own workout is a popular way to stay fit.

For those less inclined towards activity, consider the electronic absolution total body toning unit.

Terry Hartwright, manager of the sports/seasonal department at Canadian Tire in Yellowknife says this battery-operated device uses an electric current to stimulate one's muscle.

Suddenly, relaxing on the sofa has never been so guilt-free.

But do not expect miracles with this item, Hartwright warns.

"It won't make you lose weight, but it will tighten up the muscles you do have," he says of the belt-like device.

For those wanting to stretch and tone, clearing a floor space is all that is required.

Yoga kits for the soon-to-be limber will have one stretching like a cat.

"Yoga makes you more flexible and it's a full body exercise and relaxing," he notes.

But now the fun has just begun for those adventurous, exercising souls.

We have the torso track, the weight benches, the hand grips, the free weights.

Don't forget the exercise ball, exercise wheel and the mini-trampoline.

Getting sweaty yet?

Surely the exercise bike, boxing gloves or treadmill will get one's heart pumping.

Hartwright says winter is by far the most popular time to exercise at home, when it is just too chilly to venture outside.

Summer time in the north means enjoying every moment of sunshine.

"Most people would be outside enjoying the weather."

But an option to languishing on the beach could mean buying a bicycle.

"In the first two weeks of the season, about 100 per day were being sold," an amazed Hartwright says.

One more little item for when you discover your favourite jeans are a squeeze: the attitude adjuster stress ball squishes away the stress of knowing you really should begin to exercise.