Other people’s thoughts may turn to love in springtime, but mine turn immediately to love handles.

Usually, I’m not one of those people who obsesses over her weight. But when I tried on a few bathing suits last month, I noticed that a winter’s worth of hibernation didn’t do much for my figure. I was less than thrilled with the pale, pasty, padded new me I saw in the mirror, so it’ll be a while before I write about bikinis. But, ever the optimist, I saw it as a perfect opportunity to shop for workout gear.

And what timing!

For starters, the weather is perfect for a walk in the park. And the clothes are just cute enough to lure my butt off the couch.

Take, for instance, the bright and beautiful yoga gear at Old Navy. A coral tank with a built-in shelf bra ($12.50) and matching brown and coral pants ($22.50) are priced low enough so I can truly relax. The same can be said for the loose lounge pants ($12.50), which are also just right for stretching.

Add the beautifully wrapped yoga mats from T.J. Maxx ‘n More ($14.95), and you’re om free.

T.J.’s is loaded with great name-brand workout gear, including the white and coral track suits by Nike and the ultrasupportive Adidas running tanks, which are a steal at $9.99.

On a recent visit to Caribou, I stopped into Sleeper’s and wanted everything I saw, including the adorable North Face running shorts for women ($35). Unfortunately, they didn’t fit. But I did find a wicking layering T for ShopGuy so he can be comfy while he runs. At $15, it was comfy on my wallet, as well.

I checked out the exercise balls and workout machines at Maine Fitness on Stillwater Avenue, which has a great selection. But I know my limitations. Treadmills and I just don’t get along, and I’d use the ball for about a week before it started to gather dust in my closet.

One thing that wouldn’t gather dust is the new North Face windbreaker ($98.95) at Epic Sports. It’s so stylish I’d wear it even if I weren’t working out. Part of the Flight Series line, these soft shells are light, comfortable and versatile. Runners may like to try the conditioning tights by CW-X ($94.95). They’re engineered to support key muscle groups in the thigh and calf, which means less strain – and less bounce – on your muscles.

If only my muscles were bouncing, I wouldn’t have a problem. But everything else is instead, so I’ll stick to the new, looser line of gear from Under Armour. Same great wicking without the sticking, and the $19.95 price tag is equally appealing.

Speaking of appealing price tags, swimmers will like the practice suits from TYR at Epic. They’re only $28.95 because of their wild prints, which aren’t quite as popular as, say, straight black or navy blue. But whether you’re sporting a Lichtenstein-inspired comic book print or a cowgirl and American flag themed suit, you’ll certainly make a splash.

About the only thing I’ll be making a splash with this spring is my water bottle. And that’s OK, because I’m crazy about the Sigg aluminum water bottle – think cold – at Epic for $21.95. I’m tempted to fill it up with one of the powdered packets of Gatorade I saw near the counter. At 99 cents a pop, they’re a budget alternative to the premixed stuff.

I fear it will be a while before it’s warm enough to need sports drinks. The upside is it’ll be a while before it’s warm enough to wear a bathing suit. I need all the time I can get to shape up – and for those love handles to ship out.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to kandresen@bangor

dailynews.net, by U.S. mail to Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329, or by fax to 941-9476. Tune in to ShopGirl at 5 p.m. Fridays on WLBZ-2.

ShopNotes

. This weekend, two Bucksport businesses will hold a “Sling Fring” sale – 30 percent off books at BookStacks at 71 Main St. and 30 percent off jewelry at Five Elements gallery at 83 Main St. The sale will take place today and Sunday.

. The Bucksport area is also home to a few great thrift shops. After reading my thrift shop article, Sharon Bray wrote in to recommend Talk ‘n Shop and Affordable Adorables on Main Street in Bucksport. Talk ‘n Shop is open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, while Affordable Adorables is open seven days a week. Bray also recommends the bargain barn at H.O.M.E. co-op on Route 1 in Orland. If you’re in the Machias area, she recommends Sue’s Thrift Shop, Bags ‘o Rags and Aloha Sun, all on Route 1. Thanks, Sharon!