FIT TO LEAD: The Proven 8-Week Solution for Shaping Up Your Body, Your Mind, and Your Career

As more people search for helpful hints on how to get and stay in shape, these authors offer their blueprint for success, a formula that's been used by hundreds of prominent figures, including President Bush. They base their philosophy on a quote from President John F. Kennedy: "Physical fitness is the basis for all other forms of excellence." The authors have extensive knowledge of the subject: Neck is a management professor, Mitchell served on Bush's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, Manz is a consultant and author and Thompson teaches a course on fitness for executives. While most of their material is meant to inspire people to start exercising, change their diet and overhaul their mind (using mental imagery and self-observation), their underlying message is that if readers get their bodies into shape, their minds will soon follow. And when their minds are sharper, they become stronger leaders. The copious examples of both individuals and companies who have answered the "fit to lead" challenge validate the book's basic premise (e.g., the founder of Domino's Pizza runs four miles a day; Columbia/HCA Healthcare's CEO uses time between flights to jog around airports). Procrastinators will especially benefit from the chapter "No More Excuses," where the authors give rebuttals for every possible exercise excuse. Even the busiest executive who claims she or he has no time to exercise will find a way to change lifestyle here, and while the book is geared towards business executives, workers of all stripes will find it rewarding. (May)

Forecast: St. Martin's will send the authors on a seven-city tour to promote the book. That exposure, along with national broadcast, radio and print publicity, may yield strong sales.