Be Fit or Be Damned! (Percy Cerutty Classic Revivals)

I'm delighted to see this book back in print, as I've been unable for years to find an affordable copy. Though it is intended for the mature man, it inspired me considerably when I was a teen, and I have found it encouraging to read again now that I'm past fifty and still keeping the fitness faith. Some of it is out of date, and Cerutty (like the rest of us) is not always right, but let's not insist on perfection. On the whole he is way ahead of his time, and this is a valuable book. One caveat: Cerutty sometimes is less knowledgeable about punctuation and capitalization than he is about physical training, and it can be a little jarring. He has a tendency, when seeking a bit of extra emphasis, to use punctuation that actually interrupts the flow. There were a good many sentences I had to read more than once because of awkward expression. There were also a good number of printer's errors for a while, especially on one particular chapter. Maybe the publisher has fixed that since I bought my copy in early 2015.

I've always been fascinated by Cerutty, living by the sea, charging up sand hills, plunging into the ocean in the nude. This book is less about him though and more a treatise on right living. That's OK but it gets a little preachy. He might have been the originator of some of these ideas or should I say the first to publicize them but there's really nothing new here now. But if you like running and enjoy it's history you will enjoy Cerutty in any form.

IMO almost everything in this over 40 year old book is still correct. I especially like the authors attitude. Any person, especially any older man can do himself great benefit to read and follow the health, diet and exercise advice offered by this book. I would have loved to had the chance to train with the author. Great book.

A great fitness book Percy was way ahead of his time. One of the great coaches. A lot of great ideas on how to step up your fitness program

Good book, solid ideas, but he was very head strong and opinions that may not be correct! I purchased this book just to get a better understanding of the author.

I agree with the review that has been posted. Percy Cerutty was well ahead of his time and it is great that his philosophy on fitness can continue to be shared among a new audience.

A must for anyone who wants to understand the human physiology. It can years to your life.