Now that we’re through the holidays and well into 2018, it’s only a matter of time until the start of golf season. That means, even if we’re suffering through record freezing temperatures outside, it’s time to start getting ready for golf season. If you’ve never taken some off-season steps to keep in golf shape before, you’ll be surprised at the difference doing so just a few times a week will make in how quickly you get back to your peak game.

But, short of going to the golf dome or planning a trip down south (though their weather seems a little on the cold side too), how can you keep in shape on a day-to-day basis?

First, just about anything you do will help, so the most important thing is simply to do something. Try to set up a regular schedule which will help you keep on track.

Once you’re doing something, don’t overdo anything. Very often people will get into a routine of activity, fall in love with it and think that more is better. But there is an optimal point of activity that’s different for everyone. Not only will going past it end up in diminishing returns for your extra effort, but you run the risk of doing more damage than good and starting the season on the sideline.

While there are many ways to keep in great golf shape in the off-season, we make the following suggestions because of how easy they are to do, the fact that they involve little or no cost and that, together, they will help keep all or most parts of your game in shape.

1. Putt Everywhere

Whether you use a proper putting cup, which we recommend because they’re not expensive and most closely imitate the action of the ball around the hole, or a coffee cup, use them whenever possible on a carpet to practice your putting.

Mix it up by trying different locations and shot lengths around the house. Give yourself a challenge by setting up a mini-putt course, including obstacles like having to shoot through the legs of a chair.

You can also put towels under area rugs to create changes in elevation. In any case, try to practice your putting a few times a week.

2. Do Some Strength Training

You should always consult a doctor or trainer before getting into any kind of strength-training routine. But look for exercises that strengthen your core, arms, and legs – or just about every part of your body!

3. Take 100 Swings a Day

Like Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 hours, Hank Haney believes that the best way to build a great base for improvement is to make 100 practice swings with an iron every day. Yes, this might mean heading out in the cold, but you can handle that, can’t you? Especially if it’s in the name of improving your game. You don’t need a ball, and if you have a high enough ceiling, you don’t even have to go outside.

In addition to building muscle memory for your swing, you’ll also get a great golf-based workout that improves your strength and flexibility. It will also keep your hands tough to reduce the chance of blistering in the spring.

4. Try Some Yoga

If/when you get into yoga, you’ll swear it was created just for golf. Interestingly, golf and yoga are very similar, involving movement of the body through three planes of motion, side to side, front to back and rotational. That means that most yoga poses help some part o your game, while also improving your balance, core strength, breathing, and focus.

If nothing else, setting up a regular program of some or all the activities listed above will improve your overall conditioning and leave you in better shape.