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Stronger, Faster, Smarter: A Guide to Your Most Powerful Body
After a decade behind bars for a murder he did not commit, Ryan Ferguson learned that physical strength and confidence are keys to survival – he now shares his strength secrets in Stronger, Faster, Smarter --the smartest, realest, and most doable fitness guide you’ll ever read.
How many of us really understand that every moment counts, and that physical strength and confidence enable our mind and spirit to make the most of our lives? Ryan Ferguson does. He survived nearly a decade behind bars for a murder he did not commit.
An innocent collegian imprisoned at nineteen, Ferguson’s disbelief turned to resolve after his father told “Son, do whatever you can to get stronger, faster, and smarter. This is now your number one priority.”
In his darkest hour, even after countless appeals and disappointment, in a place that threatened physical violence, malnutrition, and offered almost no medical aid, Ferguson knew his physical health was paramount.
In this startlingly elegant, authentic, and inspiring guide, Ferguson shares his simple, universally attainable recipe for health and power.
How many of us really understand that every moment counts, and that physical strength and confidence enable our mind and spirit to make the most of our lives? Ryan Ferguson does. He survived nearly a decade behind bars for a murder he did not commit.
An innocent collegian imprisoned at nineteen, Ferguson’s disbelief turned to resolve after his father told “Son, do whatever you can to get stronger, faster, and smarter. This is now your number one priority.”
In his darkest hour, even after countless appeals and disappointment, in a place that threatened physical violence, malnutrition, and offered almost no medical aid, Ferguson knew his physical health was paramount.
In this startlingly elegant, authentic, and inspiring guide, Ferguson shares his simple, universally attainable recipe for health and power.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2015
42 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 19, 2014
I received this book for free from the Goodreads First Reads program.
There's an unlimited number of exercise/healthy living books available and, since many seem so similar, it is hard to find a useful one. A distinguishing characteristic of Ryan Ferguson's book, Stronger, Faster, Smarter: A Guide to Your Most Powerful Body, is his personal story that is both inspirational and makes his suggestions/theories much more plausible. Ferguson candidly discusses his imprisonment for a crime he did not commit, his efforts to stay safe and sane in prison, and his eventual release. Ferguson weaves this undercurrent throughout the book, using it as the basis for why he chose to live a healthier lifestyle and how he developed his GQ body.
Overall, though I don't think the book breaks any new ground, this is an excellent introduction to how to become more fit. Ferguson is clear that it is a mix of lifestyle changes, diet choices, and physical activity that result in a body like his, not a fad diet or magic machine. And this is refreshing - he's not a snake oil salesman trying to prey on your fears, instead he comes across as an honest, likable person who wants to make a positive impact in the world. That's an honorable thing and I think his book, though it might not have the mass hysteria appeal of certain diet books, will eventually do many people good by showing them the path to a healthier life.
There's an unlimited number of exercise/healthy living books available and, since many seem so similar, it is hard to find a useful one. A distinguishing characteristic of Ryan Ferguson's book, Stronger, Faster, Smarter: A Guide to Your Most Powerful Body, is his personal story that is both inspirational and makes his suggestions/theories much more plausible. Ferguson candidly discusses his imprisonment for a crime he did not commit, his efforts to stay safe and sane in prison, and his eventual release. Ferguson weaves this undercurrent throughout the book, using it as the basis for why he chose to live a healthier lifestyle and how he developed his GQ body.
Overall, though I don't think the book breaks any new ground, this is an excellent introduction to how to become more fit. Ferguson is clear that it is a mix of lifestyle changes, diet choices, and physical activity that result in a body like his, not a fad diet or magic machine. And this is refreshing - he's not a snake oil salesman trying to prey on your fears, instead he comes across as an honest, likable person who wants to make a positive impact in the world. That's an honorable thing and I think his book, though it might not have the mass hysteria appeal of certain diet books, will eventually do many people good by showing them the path to a healthier life.
December 19, 2015
Gyms are intimidating. Weights are off-putting. If your like most people who have a gym membership, when you do go, you go with what you know, and stay in a fairly comfortable range of exercises.
Ferguson's story/workout guide is unusually intense for a motivational story. Ferguson having been wrongfully imprisoned put his efforts into guarding his body and mind from the very real dangers of prison life. Getting big was the only option to live without the daily fears of attacks or submission. The contextual wrapper around this fitness book is enough to make anyone consider a daily dose of iron pumping.
Ferguson's style is direct, approachable and comes across in his very authentic voice. His sections on calisthenics, the big six moves (squats, deadlifts, pull-up, bent-over row, bench press, shoulder press) and ab workouts are really great. There's not a lot of room for fluff here. The book is short, with excellent visuals and he focuses on the parts of fitness(weights and food) that are central to his transformation.
The truth is there's a lot of fitness info out there. I think Ferguson's approach to core processes and results-focused performance is the type of book a lot of us will be better for reading. His book is not dry or academic. It's breaking down at a very personal and practical level all the benefits of these routines. Also Ferguson's gratitude and appreciation for life remind me that sometimes the writers with the most to say come from the most unusual places.
Ferguson's story/workout guide is unusually intense for a motivational story. Ferguson having been wrongfully imprisoned put his efforts into guarding his body and mind from the very real dangers of prison life. Getting big was the only option to live without the daily fears of attacks or submission. The contextual wrapper around this fitness book is enough to make anyone consider a daily dose of iron pumping.
Ferguson's style is direct, approachable and comes across in his very authentic voice. His sections on calisthenics, the big six moves (squats, deadlifts, pull-up, bent-over row, bench press, shoulder press) and ab workouts are really great. There's not a lot of room for fluff here. The book is short, with excellent visuals and he focuses on the parts of fitness(weights and food) that are central to his transformation.
The truth is there's a lot of fitness info out there. I think Ferguson's approach to core processes and results-focused performance is the type of book a lot of us will be better for reading. His book is not dry or academic. It's breaking down at a very personal and practical level all the benefits of these routines. Also Ferguson's gratitude and appreciation for life remind me that sometimes the writers with the most to say come from the most unusual places.
Read
August 29, 2016solid info on diet/ exercise, no-quick-fix attitude, not overly excessive use of all caps, terrifying indictment of US prison culture (lack of health care, insensitivity to basic human needs, the bureaucratic machinery which pains us all), a little bit will-to-power! but I have not read Nietzsche.
November 8, 2020
As someone who followed Ryan Ferguson's wrongful conviction case with great interest, I was thrilled when I learned he had written a book about getting into shape with minimal resources (IE: from prison). The premise holds a lot of promise...
Unfortunately, this book doesn't play to the author's unique experiences and in the end it doesn't know what it wants to be. There's tantilizing tidbits about life in prison, but those stories are never fleshed out. There are bits and pieces about working out in a minimalist environment, but they quickly devolve into a very generic workout book that involves supplementation, gym equipment, and other conveniences that Ryan probably wouldn't have had until he was released.
A more compelling structure for this book would have been alternating chapters, dedicating odd chapters to life in prison, his mental state, interactions with the other inmates, the appeal process, etc... and then even chapters where he ties those experiences into the mental and physical exercises that helped him overcome those challenges.
Ryan's got a great story to tell, but in this format, the information is all very cookie cutter and left me wondering why he held back so much of the interesting stuff.
Unfortunately, this book doesn't play to the author's unique experiences and in the end it doesn't know what it wants to be. There's tantilizing tidbits about life in prison, but those stories are never fleshed out. There are bits and pieces about working out in a minimalist environment, but they quickly devolve into a very generic workout book that involves supplementation, gym equipment, and other conveniences that Ryan probably wouldn't have had until he was released.
A more compelling structure for this book would have been alternating chapters, dedicating odd chapters to life in prison, his mental state, interactions with the other inmates, the appeal process, etc... and then even chapters where he ties those experiences into the mental and physical exercises that helped him overcome those challenges.
Ryan's got a great story to tell, but in this format, the information is all very cookie cutter and left me wondering why he held back so much of the interesting stuff.
June 8, 2018
Somebody passed this book to me. The premise is intriguing:
(1) Ryan Ferguson claims he spent 10 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit.
(2) He claims that prison forced him to learn about fitness in order to survive.
That's a pretty compelling story.
Unfortunately, there are 2 main problems
(1) The writing simply isn't very good. Ferguson tends to ramble and repeat himself a lot.
(2) The fitness tips don't sound particularly new or different.
My recommendation:
(1) I would be more interested in reading about life in prison. There are a lot fewer books about how to survive in prison than there are books on diet and exercise.
(2) He should get a co-author who is a professional writer for his next book.
(1) Ryan Ferguson claims he spent 10 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit.
(2) He claims that prison forced him to learn about fitness in order to survive.
That's a pretty compelling story.
Unfortunately, there are 2 main problems
(1) The writing simply isn't very good. Ferguson tends to ramble and repeat himself a lot.
(2) The fitness tips don't sound particularly new or different.
My recommendation:
(1) I would be more interested in reading about life in prison. There are a lot fewer books about how to survive in prison than there are books on diet and exercise.
(2) He should get a co-author who is a professional writer for his next book.
April 28, 2022
Really just wanted to read this book after learning about his story from amazing race and listening to his podcast. It’s a lifestyle and fitness book, so not a genre I’d usually pick up, but knowing that he wrote it while in prison and used this as a survival guide made it very interesting.
Definitely am interested in his story in general and appreciated those tidbits he put in the book. If he wrote another book about his time in prison I would definitely read it.
Definitely am interested in his story in general and appreciated those tidbits he put in the book. If he wrote another book about his time in prison I would definitely read it.
Read
April 6, 2020I read this to find out more about Ryan's story, it's fascinating and infuriating and I have a ton of respect for him. It did motivate me to start back on more regular weight lifting. As for the nutrition plan, it's super outdated and geared more towards a 17 year old boy, but hey it's working for him so far!
July 14, 2017
Well-written and well-thought out. The author does a superior job at balancing his personal story with the fitness goals of the book. More pictures detailing each exercise would have helped.
February 25, 2019
An enjoyable read...
January 1, 2022
Love this guy!!!
January 14, 2015
I love this book! I struggled not to cry during the preface and the 1st few chapters. I have followed Ryan's story for years and feel like I know him and his family personally (I'm sure many of you can relate to that). The struggles he has overcame are amazing. I overcoming my own struggles with health issues the last few years and his message really touched me. It's not about instant results, it's about determination and sticking with it. This message is exactly what I needed. Thank you so much for sharing your story Ryan. I hope you know what an inspiration you are.
June 10, 2015
Excessive and annoying use of caps and exclamation marks aside, this fitness book gives a good solid framework for a fit and active lifestyle. There are no magic bullets - consistency, attention to detail, and working smart are the central messages here. Ferguson's wrongful conviction and decade in prison provide a dramatic backdrop, but the book is all about getting off the sofa. Now, how to read while doing pushups, squats, and wall handstands....
January 29, 2016
Ryan and his story has always captivated me. This book is full of great exercise routines and nutrition tips. However, I hope he writes another book someday on his 10 years of incarceration and fight for freedom. He just glosses over it in this book but rightfully so since this was not the intended forum.
October 17, 2019
After following Ryan's story for almost the whole time he was wrongfully incarcerated I was so happy he was released and to read a little bit about his life in jail. More of a self help/fitness book which is not my genre. BUT I did love the little snippets of life in prison and hearing from him knowing he is FREE!
July 26, 2015
Well, this was an unexpected delight that I picked up at random at the library. The only thing I less-than-enjoyed was Ryan's habit of CAPITALIZING "important" stuff and his! overuse! of! exclamation points! !!!!!! Seriously, who edited this?
January 9, 2015
Great story about dealing with the circumstances you've been dealt and overcoming excuses!
July 7, 2015
A couple of good tips inside.
July 25, 2015
Fitness information is solid but the personal story is more gripping.
I'm looking forward to a autobiography!
I'm looking forward to a autobiography!
August 13, 2015
A solid primer on the basics. Some excellent advice about consistency near the end.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews