Hollywood stars can buy a lot of things, but not a toned physique. Harrison Ford’s trainer tells Patricia Allen how hard the actor worked to get fit for the latest Indiana Jones movie.

DO you secretly yearn to be a male superhero, even though your body’s telling you that age and inaction have taken their toll?

Take heart from the appearance and performance of Harrison Ford, who at 66 and a grandfather, was still able to whip up a buff physique for the latest Indy film, Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull.

Despite the fact Harrison was reprising the role after a 19-year gap, he insisted on doing many of his own stunts, saying: “I’m probably as fit, or possibly fitter, than I was 18 or 20 years ago. Part of it is genetic, part of it is a willingness to work hard to keep myself in the best shape for an old fart.”

Jamie Milnes, the Manchester-born trainer who helped the star sustain the punishment meted out on set, says Harrison is always looking for new activities to try. As well as three regular training sessions a week, the star also plays tennis and skis. “We don’t include running because that’s not good for your knees and back as you get older,” Jamie explains.

Jamie rejects the myth that celebrity super-fit bodies and six-packs can be bought. ‘‘Believe me, the ones who have ripped, lean bodies have self-discipline and professionalism and work at it conscientiously. They view it as part of the job and have a great training ethic.”

He believes Harrison definitely proves the point that fitness needn’t wane with age. “There’s a view that beyond the age of 40 it’s inevitable that your fitness fades, but it’s perfectly possible to get fitter and look better by consistently doing some regular exercise.’’ NEVER TRAIN FOR COMPLIMENTS ‘‘Those who get on a treadmill simply to get rid of a belly, or just want to look ‘great’ are usually the first to lose motivation and give up training,’’ Jamie says. ‘‘It’s too vague an aim, and it’s far better to have a goal such as being able to run perhaps a 5k race.’’ MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT ‘‘Random exercising, and trying to devise your own workout rarely works,’’ Jamie says. ‘‘You need a planned workout to see improvements and maintain gains that help to keep you on track, and inspire you to continue. Having a gym buddy or a personal trainer to start you off, or give you a boost if you start flagging after a few months, can be really helpful.’’ DON’T OVERDO IT ‘‘Once you are in your 40s and beyond it’s vital to understand that your body takes longer to recover from just about every activity,’’ Jamie explains. He suggests taking it gently initially and building the pace. Avoid exercise that can jar the joints like long-distance running. Jamie also says it’s a good idea to aim for a mixed programme incorporating a cardiovascular workout, and perhaps regular Pilates or yoga. He advises against daily training sessions – muscles need to repair themselves after exercise or they will be more vulnerable to tearing and strain.

MIX IT UP ‘‘Many people make the mistake of focusing on one area of the body, like the abs,’’ Jamie says. ‘‘This never works and again you’re more likely to tire of it through boredom.

Instead, exercise the whole body, and perform as many different exercises as possible. Look at compound weight training, core training, as well as isolation exercises like bicep curls and crunches.’’ getfitgoplay.com ■ Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull is now available on DVD