Journey from beer boep to six-pack to inspire 'old farts'

FITNESS FOR OLD FARTS by Tim Plewman, published by Struik Random House

TOO many South Africans head for an early grave due to lifestyle diseases, so this book's promo blurb makes sense: "It was after the death of yet another friend in his 50s due to heart failure, resulting from lack of condition and too much weight, that Tim Plewman ... formed a 'fellowship of old farts' ... to ensure the same doesn't happen to them."

This book is the result of that partnership, where the star of Defending the Caveman provides practical and honest help to men over the age of 50 to resdiscover good health and a "respectable" physique

The rather brave "before" and "after" cover pictures, showing Tim as a beer-boeped "old fart" and a sexier fit guy with the proverbial six-pack, prove it can be done. As former rugby star Nick Mallett notes in the foreword, "male vanity and stubborn pride" can be a powerful motivation to go to the gym and it is heartening to know you can teach an old dog new tricks: Plewman lost the equivalent of 20 packets of butter over 12 weeks and shares the photographs.

His fun book gives hope to families that perhaps they can get their "old farts" to follow suit! – Gillian McAinsh