THE BEST WINTER TOOLS FOR GARDENERS

Upper row : 5 lb. ankle weights
Lower row : 5, 8 and 12 lb. hand weights

The thing I miss most in winter is gardening and the exercise it gives me without having to do a daily routine in the gym. In winter I spend 3 or more days doing a garden fitness routine to keep my muscles in shape. Very little equipment is needed for the exercises. Visit the gardenfitness.com website for the wonderful illustrated 6 week shape up program created by personal trainer Kimberly Ridout .

I'm also staying in shape by lifting my 7 week old 12-plus-pound granddaughter Lea and climbing stairs cleaning a four story house . I don't do New Year's resolutions every January 1, I have a long term plan to garden until my last breath. It's just in my genes I guess. My Aunt Nell was a hearty healthy woman who kept house until she was in her mid-90's, even taking care of her 70 year old daughter who was in poor health due to obesity. Aunt Nell gardened all her life and ate a healthy diet of mainly vegetables and very little meat.

What are you winter weary gardeners doing with your extra time ?