You Don't Need a C Cup to Work on Your A Game

Q I'm a male in my 70s who goes to the gym five days a week to row 30 to 40 minutes, ride the bike for 20 minutes, do 12 sit-ups at a 75 percent angle, and work the weight machines for 10 to 15 minutes. I also play 18 holes of golf three days a week (I used to play four times a week for several years prior to this), so I'm in good shape except for the fact that I've developed a set of boobs over the last few years. What exercises can I do to make them go away? I notice that a lot of PGA golfers seem to have the same problem.

-- Anonymous

A I guess I don't watch enough golf, because I had no idea about these perturbing protuberances, but your on-green observations are spot on, according to Jason Meisch, the director of fitness and training at Gaithersburg's Clubgolf.

The facility, which focuses on exercises and techniques to improve one's game, often deals with clients facing this same annoying jiggle. In most cases, it's a result of too much leaning over (either a golf ball or a desk). With the chest and shoulders curved into a C, any excess flab in your upper body becomes exaggerated. And it doesn't help that "as you age, the skin begins to stretch and sag," Meisch says.

But there are moves that can combat this look -- and even improve your handicap. Meisch would start you with dumbbell rows, lat pull-downs and something to stretch out the chest and upper spine. His favorite? The squat and arch, which has you sit atop a Swiss ball with your arms raised over your head. Then you bend your knees and let the ball run up your spine, and then push your hips up so that your back is arched over the ball.

Or there's always plan B: Buy a bra.

I am happy to report I'm officially off the couch for good! I am interested in training for a sprint triathlon. Can you recommend any races that are good for beginners? I know Danskin has women-only, newbie-friendly ones, but there don't appear to be any races in the D.C. metro area.