Stronger, Faster, Smarter: A Guide to Your Most Powerful Body

After being accused of murder and jailed at age 19, Ferguson took his father's advice and dedicated himself to becoming "stronger, faster, and smarter," in order to survive prison. As this warm, uplifting guide recounts, Ferguson entered prison in 2005 as a skinny kid and left, after his conviction was overturned in 2013, as a lean, muscular young man. Based on his own workout, he presents an approachable DIY exercise and diet plan that doesn't require special equipment or ingredients. Chapter topics include physical preparation; research; building lean muscle; cardio; a doable "forever" life diet; abs; and more. He also offers pertinent personal stories, such as, in the cardio chapter, the realization that he needed to turn the "unsculpted heap of muscle" he had initially focused on "into something more useful" than a physical deterrent to fellow inmates. He also covers exercises for different parts of the body and healthy food options (Greek yogurt or oatmeal with fresh fruit for breakfast and chicken or salmon with salads for lunch or dinner). Adding to the book's appealingly earnest tone, Ferguson includes a note to women clarifying that the lifestyle outlined here is intended for both genders, but with different results. Recently-liberated Ferguson will invigorate and inspire readers of all shapes and sizes with this accessible, interesting take on fitness. (Jan.)