Easter’s come early for me, it seems, for I have already found an egg where I know one wasn’t before. It’s my right bicep, and although most would find it laughable, for the first time in my life I have an arm muscle. Sure, there should also be one in my other arm, but apparently it remains a bit shy.

As I blogged earlier, I started a dumbbell workout routine -- something to do during the winter months. I’ve stuck with my schedule of working out every other day, and the results thus far are promising. I’ve been enjoying it, actually, even look forward to it -- makes me feel like I’m accomplishing something, with time I’d normally be dedicating to doing much of nothing. My son also joins me at times -- he’s started weightlifting and conditioning for high school football. It’s been hard to practice the correct breathing during the exercises because we’re making fun of each other so often, laughing at one another’s weakness.

I’ve talked with a few guys I know who work out regularly and got some good advice on what exercises to do, how to modify the exercises to work certain muscles, how not to injure myself (especially my joints),and how to maximize workouts through what I eat. I’ve started taking a protein supplement I purchased at Walmart, a vanilla-flavored powder I mix with skim milk, and with a friend’s recommendation, I add a little chocolate syrup to help with the taste. It ain’t half bad. A bit gritty, but if it keeps me from wasting time and energy with no gain, then I’ll tolerate turning a perfectly good glass of milk into spackle.

My friend said that with the protein supplement, I’d immediately begin to feel my muscles “bulge” more during workouts -- and he was right. Following my first set of reps, my arm muscles feel inflated, like I can’t even hold them straight to my side. It’s an odd sensation, but it’s good feedback to know the exercises and the supplement are working.

In watching the golf pros on TV, I’m paying closer attention to their build, especially their arm muscles. With Tiger being an obvious exception, most players have more muscle than I would have ever given them credit for, even the skinny guys. The latest issue of Golf Magazine has Camilo Villegas on the cover, swinging through with his driver. His forearms are ripped, and that’s got to be a big factor in why he rips the ball off the tee. He may look like a stick figure, but that’s because he lacks fat, not muscle. He’s one of the longest hitters on tour and I can see why.

As long as the weather remains cold and the days short, I’ll continue my flys, curls, presses, kickbacks and the like to get myself ripped and ready for the new season. Maybe by Easter I’ll find that other egg hiding in my left arm, and a few other muscles as well.