Timothy Ferriss — author of The 4-Hour Work Week — has treated himself like a human guinea pig to discover the most efficient and least time-intensive ways to lose weight, gain muscle, increase fitness, improve sleep and enjoy sex. The fruits of his extensive experimentation are documented in The 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman. Follow the author’s advice and read only the sections that address your current goals. After all, why waste any time getting where you want to be?

Get in shape: Cost for hardcover is $27, softcover is $18.35 and Kindle edition $9.99. Available from Amazon.com and local bookstores.