Weapons of Fitness: The Women’s Ultimate Guide to Fitness, Self-Defense, and Empowerment

As a college freshman, Zeisler was sexually assaulted; her decision to “stop living [her] life as a victim” was the catalyst for her to create the Soteria Method and eventually this book, a guide to finding “your inner goddess of safety.” Even though the book’s focus is on empowerment, readers might want to pick it up just for its side benefit of improved physical fitness. Readers aren’t going to reap the rewards without a major commitment, however; the program requires six weeks and much effort to master. Readers will face a particularly steep learning curve without an in-person instructor, though Zeisler does her best for people unable to access or afford one, offering sequenced photos, drills, and inset explanations. This program is also not for anyone who lacks an aggressive attitude to self-defense. It emphasizes a bold approach, with moves like the “choke-hold release” and the “hair grab release,” and an entire section devoted to “Hitting Your Targets.” Zeisler is a patient teacher, dividing workouts into two-week segments and offering encouraging words along the way. Only the most motivated readers are likely to complete the program successfully, but those who do will doubtless come to share Zeisler’s mantra: “Attack life. Don’t let life attack you.” [em](Apr.) [/em]