[Bagger Lance]

Bucket

Let me pump ( =D> ) you up.

I'm coming up on the mid-century mark and hadn't visited the gym since my mid-twenties. I've been on a heavy see-food diet since then. Two years ago I tweaked my lower back going for a 280 yard drive, which I could still execute once or twice in a round. The injury kept me in bed for a few days and it took over two weeks before I felt comfortable bending over to tie my shoes.

I thought, "here I am, middle-aged and I injure myself golfing, what have I done to myself?" So for the first time, I visited the clubhouse gym determined to at least strengthen my core to prevent the back injury. So with humble beginnings, watching men and women my age lift heavier weights than I could handle, I swallowed my pride and started working out very, very slowly.

Fast forward; this week I have hit some personal goals on Bench Pressing and Squats, both over 300lbs for reps. When I work out with the guys from the local High School football team they are trying to keep up with me. My body fat is peeling off rapidly and I'm seeing muscles in my mid-section I hadn't seen for almost 20 years. I wear a heart monitor to track my aerobic and anaerobic status during the 1 hour sessions and for the most part, the workout is aerobic. I also keep a log of each exercise.

Now, has this 18 month investment paid off in golf?
I noticed after my 9th month of training that I added nearly a clublength to each iron. I haven't tested my distances lately and I'm curious, so I'll hit the range this weekend and try to give you an objective report. My main issue is that I've taken a break from golf for about 3 months now, so it will be leakage city until I regroup on my mechanics.

Just Do It! See you in the Fit for Golf section.

Bagger