[.ca] The Core Program: Fifteen Minutes a Day That Can Change ... (ISBN 0553380842)

From Amazon.com:
Exercise books often make grandiose claims of improving everything from your sex life to your cholesterol level. At best, these claims are harmless; at worst, annoying. Every so often, however, a program is developed with attention to specific issues, backed up with strong medical knowledge, and presented in a plain and helpful manner. Peggy Brill is a physical therapist who has created just such an exercise program. The Core Program offers numerous ways to improve deep muscle strength in women, which can lead to improved posture, strength, and energy levels. Brill's program is designed specifically for women and built around easy exercises for the torso area, starting deep with the pelvic floor and working its way out from there. As it is a no-impact program that takes just a few minutes each day, it's easy for every woman to incorporate into her schedule, and equally appropriate for teens or senior citizens. She emphasizes that "the Core Program is supposed to relieve stress, not cause it," so a skipped routine or two is not the end of the world. The exercises are similar to those taught in physical therapy visits. Muscle groups from head to toe are gently warmed up before moving into yoga-inspired stretches and lift-and-hold exercises. Each one is shown with photographs and detailed written instructions, and all are easy to follow, even for a novice. With a few simple tests, you can easily determine the exercise level appropriate for you out of the three different levels shown. Amid all the instruction are plenty of stories from women with chronic fatigue or injuries who have successfully improved their stamina and strength. Whether this is the only fitness program in your life or an addition to your regular workout, you'll find this book informative and educational, with achievable goals and straightforward routines. --Jill Lightner

Two thumbs up for any training level:
I am a personal trainer and was actually introduced to the book when one of my elderly clients brought it to me and asked me to help her learn and remember the exercises. I was totally impressed with the program and bought the book for myself. I have since incorporated this program into training with most of my clients. I haven't found anyone, yet, who cannot benefit from at least some part of The Core Program. What a well written book!! I'm excited to see what her new book holds in store!

Over 15 Minutes and No Relief:
This book falls short of its promises. I have followed the core and weight-lifting programs for two months & continue to suffer the same wrist/finger pain I had when I started. Based on the reviews here as well as the author's claims, I would have expected relief by now. Second, I have yet to do the core or weight-lifting programs in 15 minutes--both claims the author makes. Lack of exercise alternatives for weight machines is also a complaint. On the positive side, I have gotten more limber and certainly stronger due to following this program. I have also learned that some of the exercises I was doing may have caused more problems. All in all, I think there are better books out there focusing on Pilates/yoga or weight lifting that are more flexible. Their programs may not take 15 minutes, but neither does this.

Not for Everyone:
I have been doing Pilates for a year now, but decided to try this book based on many of the good reviews I read about it. I definitely believe core strength training is beneficial for everyone and I know many people have benefitted from the exercises in this book, but for me they caused more harm than good. I have a chronic muscle spasm problem in my back and a previous back injury (ligament) and when I attempted the exercises in this book, the cobra sent my muscles into such severe spasm that my pelvis and back were pulled out of alignment and I ended up with a hiatal hernia. It took a session with an osteopath and chiropractor to correct the problem.I also find it difficult to follow from a book and much prefer exercising to a video/DVD. If you have back problems, be careful. I'm going back to my Pilates with Ana Caban which has benefitted me with no injuries so far.

Interesting concept:
While I agree with the other reviewer that Brill's book should not put down pilates and yoga when a number of her exercises have roots in each, and I haven't actually done the workout yet, I thought the book had a lot of interesting points to make about body balance, and core strength. The test for core strength was enlightening, although I suspect I probably would have put more emphasis on how to correct core weaknesses closer to the test (or maybe do a "If you have difficulty doing this test exercise, refer to page ___"). While I checked this book out of the library, I suspect I will be buying my own copy in the future.

I never thought exercise could make such a difference.:
I tried the Core program with a bit of skepticism. After all, how could these simple looking exercises make an impact on this non-exercising individual. Well, I was shocked when my neck and back pain were virtiually a thing of the past after two weeks of these exercises! I was amazed and encouraged at the way I was feeling. I have tried every exercise program that has come out and bought numerous books on different exercise programs with nothing to show for it but a lighter pocketbook and flabby abs!! This was great. And I am still doing the program. Amazing! This book delivers.