Game plan A proven approach to work, live, and play at the highest level possible--for as long as possible

Personal trainer Mancias debuts with an invigorating health manual detailing the dietary and exercise advice he gives to such celebrity clients as LeBron James and Usher (who contribute a foreword and afterword, respectively). The nutritional guidance emphasizes eating for longevity and physical performance rather than weight loss, recommending that every snack and meal contain at least one serving each of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Photos illustrate correct form for the 26-step workout, which is designed to be completed with virtually no equipment in roughly 20 minutes and involves a mix of stretches, core work, and strength building. Describing how to recover from an intense exercise session, Mancias encourages taking 10-minute ice baths to reduce soreness and meditating, which has "been shown to significantly improve energy levels, brain function, and decision-making." The emphasis on performance (recipes for a berry quinoa breakfast bowl, coconut butter salmon, and other dishes are designated for either high- or low-activity days) will appeal to athletes, and suggestions on holding oneself accountable to a dietary regimen exemplify Mancias's practical bent (he encourages sending pictures of meals to loved ones to ensure the food matches one's nutritional goals). It's a robust program for improving one's health. Agent: Byrd Leavell, UTA. (May)

A veteran sports trainer serves up a challenging plan for succeeding instead of just trying to get in a good workout. How-to-build-a-better-body books litter the landscape, but Mancias has a built-in advantage: LeBron James follows the author's program, writing in his foreword, "I'm staying in the game for as long as possible by being consistent with my training, my recovery, and eating as clean as I can--and a big part of that is because of Mike." Mancias reinforces these key points by dividing the book into sections devoted to eating, moving, and mending. Before all that comes the mind--intention and commitment. Afterward comes the stretch. James stretches when he wakes up, before a game, and before going to bed, knowing that keeping the body flexible and tuned means longevity. Mancias counsels eating nutrient-rich foods that both allow movement and promote healing and recovery. As he notes, there's no promise that his program will help a person shed weight, but if that's a goal, it can be adapted to accommodate. One thing readers will notice is the author's devotion to drinking water constantly; another is his view that five or six small meals are better than two or three big ones, since they provide "a constant level of energy that keeps your blood sugar levels even all day." His repertoire doesn't require superhuman ability, and some exercises seem downright fun (compared to, say, walking a treadmill) while reinforcing the maintenance and strengthening of the core muscles. Interestingly, those exercises require no equipment, and the author is humane about them. If you're not used to exercise, Mancias allows a two-days-on-one-day-off schedule instead of a boot camp regimen. Finally, the author insists on recovery through sleep, meditation, and massage, among other things, reassuring, "None of these tactics are ineffective or self-indulgent." Sensible and demanding, training both mind and body. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.