I've dedicated myself to a small, manageable workout program this winter using just simple dumbbells. I bought a set of adjustable hand weights from Wal-Mart for about $30 and I found a dumbbell-only workout routine online. I've made myself a reference chart of about a dozen dumbbell exercises, and I plan to stick with it -- probably every-other-day (if possible).

My intent is to improve my upper-body strength -- more accurately, create some upper-body strength. I've never been one to have much muscle. It's pretty much just some skin and fat wrapped around bone. I was unfortunate enough to be born with my mother's bone structure. She's never been over 110 lbs. in her life, and she's nothing but bones now. My dad's side of the family is pretty meaty, and that's where I got the fat gene. I have a beer-type belly, but don't drink (I could as a card-carrying Catholic, just never acquired the taste for it).

I've noticed when golfing lately I just don't have much control of the club throughout the swing, especially the downswing. I don't feel "powerful" enough to hold on through the impact zone. I regularly drop the club in the slot, but my wrists release too soon, losing that important angle of attack created only with delayed wrist action. I really feel it's due to muscle weakness, and I plan to use this useless time of year -- the winter months -- toning up. I've never lifted weights before in my life, so I'm anxious to see the results in a couple of months, if any at all.

I have no plans to work the lower body. It's probably a mistake, but I feel I get a good enough workout when I do get to play. I've been walking and pushing a three-wheeled cart over a very hilly golf course, and I definitely know I get a great workout in the process. Most of the time it's difficult just to change shoes, load up the clubs and climb in my car after a round -- I'm usually pretty sore. I have a treadmill at home, but I hate it -- too boring, even in front of a TV. My wife's been using it and catching up on her soap opera episodes -- tightening up her body while turning her mind to silly-putty.

I still continue to use my impact bag from time-to-time. I can only use it in the basement, and the loud "pop" at impact scares the dog. I also have one of those weighted golf swing trainers -- it's about half as long as a regular club, with heavy, adjustable weights on the end, and a special grip molded to hold it correctly. It's good for swinging (I have a low basement ceiling) and for stretching the muscles. I can feel and hear bones in my back and shoulders crack when using it. I'm 42 and feel like I'm falling apart. Hope the weight lifting will tighten things up and hold me together for a little longer.