If movies portray potbellies as an unofficial part of police uniform, an emerging breed of super fit top cops with 6 packs is a fitting rebuttal. Leading the pack is Dr.M.Ravi, IPS, whose rippling biceps reflect quotidian gym sessions despite his hectic schedule as the Commissioner of Police of Tambaram. The Director General of Police rank 1991 batch officer is on the verge of retirement but could easily pass for a cop in his forties. Having played badminton with him in the past, I can vouch for his raw power, stamina and agility on the court, what with those smashes that would send shockwaves to your racquet!
Be Fit Be Aware.
Dr.M.Ravi, IPS, Director General of Police\Commissioner of Police – Tambaram.
Punnagai Books
Rs.390.
Keen to pass on his fitness mantra, this ‘Rambo cop’ as I had once labelled him in a column in the past, has finally brought what was a work in progress for many years to fruition. That Ravi has an exercise gene in his body, is more than evident from his horse riding from a tender age, yoga and pumping weights effortlessly. The rigorous training at the National Police Academy was smooth sailing for his chiseled physique. ‘Be Fit, Be Aware’ is his veritable magnum opus on health & fitness. What sets it apart from other works in this genre? The author walks the talk, all the way. Few are as fit to reveal these secrets. Spread over 9 parts, the book has exclusive chapters ranging from diet, obesity, strength training, cardio exercise, to lifestyle diseases and even sexual health, stress management, digital detox techniques and coping with covid.
The sheer encyclopedic range of sub topics covered bear ample testimony to the author’s first-hand tryst with fitness. From busting myths on cholesterol, anti-oxidants, free radicals and alkaline intake to metabolic rate, calorie count with easy-to-use charts on food that must be sparingly eaten, moderately and regularly consumed, to Pilates, the much hyped six pack, the toss-up between walking and jogging, the use of treadmills versus elliptical machines, marathon running, food supplements and caring for our vital organs, this is a ready reckoner that deserves everyday reading or a place in your gym kit.
Not surprisingly, the work came in for encomiums from another fit public authority, none less than Chief Minister M.K.Stalin. Published by Punnagai Books, run by veteran journalist R.Thirugnanam, it is available at book stores and through amazon. The tagline: ‘You have only one life’ can jolly well be bolstered by ‘been there, done that.’
