by Jeff Colbourne
Northern News Services

RANKIN INLET (Sep 17/97) - Just because summer's winding down doesn't mean you have to.

There's a fitness program beginning soon to make sure you burn off those excess calories and stay in shape as fall and winter sets in.

Marilyn Mackie, one of the organizers was gathering up aerobic music last week to co-ordinate a few work-out routines.

"I think it's going to be better this year," said Mackie who just completed a correspondence course in fitness and nutrition to enable her to better teach aerobics and organize fitness programs.

When Mackie started the fitness program last year she was happy with the turnout but after Christmas interest declined. Near the end, it was only Mackie and a friend.

This year she's hoping more people will come out and take advantage of the treadmill and stepper at the gym.

She plans to also get the weight room organized, something that failed to get off the ground last year.

Mackie is currently in the process of negotiating a schedule to get access to the school gym. She would like to have the program going Monday to Friday to make sure people maintain their interest throughout the week.

Getting a fitness program set up is no easy task, said Mackie, but this year she's hoping more people get involved instead of staying home.

"I can't see how people can just sit around during the winter months," she said.

A meeting was held last Thursday night to discuss the fitness program. If anyone would like to get involved they can contact Marilyn Mackie in Rankin Inlet.