The Core Program: Fifteen Minutes a Day That Can Change Your Life Reviews

• The Core Program

  
  By A2XQAXPI308HID on 2001-09-02
  As an orthopedic physical therapist, I found Peggy Brill's program to be sound and complete.Most importantly, focus is paid to balancing the body's muscle strength and flexibility while strengthening muscles most important to good health and wellness. Her asides are excellent and the pictures of her exercises look great. I have already used some of her examples ie posture and correct ergonomics while at the computer for home exercises for my patients. She has pulled some of the best Pilates based exercises and Yoga postures to make her program current, unique and fun. She is a great advocate for the physical therapy profession, and I will highly recommend this book to my own patients.
  
  

• WHAT A PLEASURE

  
  By AQ0Q2LLMT7Z4B on 2001-08-30
  AT LAST A BOOK THAT ACTUALLY HELPS ME. EVERYONE SAYS THEIR PROGRAM WORKS, BUT I'VE ACTUALLY FOUND SOMETHING THAT REALLY DOES WORK. PEGGY SPEAKS MY LANGUAGE, I CAN RELATE TO HER STORIES. HER EXERCIES ARE EASY AND NOT BORING, THE PICTURES OF EACH EXERCISE REALLY HELPED TO DO THEM CORRECTLY. SHE KNOWS HER STUFF. I'M SO PLEASED I FOUND THIS BOOK. I THINK OTHER WOMEN WILL BENEFIT FROM IT ALSO.
  
  

• Body Alignment for Women-Gets to the root of problems

  
  By A3QLQB0FBL3Q8J on 2002-01-27
  The Core Program is a progressive series of stretches and exercizes designed specifically to strengthen key areas on a woman's body: neck, shoulders, abs, lower back, pelvis, hips, knees ankles and feet.

  The goals of these exercises are:
  1. Strength and Toning, Balance & Alignment
  2. Injury Prevention
  3. Making Sense of Discomfort (seperating injury pain vs. misalignment pain)
  4. Helping Various Injuries (Carpal tunnel, arthritis, etc)

  Now, this is not a quick fix weight-loss program. In, fact, weight training is recommended as a complement to the Core Program. So I would not recommend this for anyone looking to just tone up a few problem areas or to lose 10-15 lbs. by summer or is mainly concerned about physical appearance.

  Though it can easily be used in conjunction with a program focusing on any of the above (and maybe even produce those results alone!) this is for someone interested in long-term health; someone interested in aligning their body correctly and becoming healthier, more balanced and moving more easily and with more grace as the human body is designed to do. There is a basic, intermediate and "ultimate" program designed to do just that. Anyone who has passing familiarity with any type of bodywork discipline (yoga, martial arts,pilates) will feel right at home and for novices, the exercises are well explained and the pictures help as well.

  I highly recommend "The Egoscue Method" by Pete Egoscue for another take on body alignment and mechanics.
  
  

• A firmer reader

  
  By on 2003-04-07
  Wow! I can't belive how much better I feel after only three weeks. When I was growing up, my dad was always pulling my shoulders back and telling me to sit up straight. After the first week of the Core, three co-workers complimented me on my posture. Two of them are now reading the book.

  There are clear instructions and good photographs of each exercise. I had to refer to the book the first two or three times I performed the program (which was annoying), but quickly got the hang of it without refering back to the book. There are modifications for every exercise to match your current abilities.

  Just so you know, I'm no altheltic, small thing. I'm 30 lbs overweight and was not exercising at all before I began this program. After the second week, I started on the next level, the Intermediate Core. The third and final level is the Ultimate Core with progressively 'harder' exercises. For those who know yoga, Peggy Brill recommends and shows the moves for the sun saluation. For those not familiar with yoga, don't be afraid.

  Peggy explains her life experience and physical therapy training. She talks about injuries: how to avoid them, and how to recuperate from them. She walks you through a self-test to determine your own core areas of weakness. One of the last chapters covers weight training (free weights and gym equipment). My only complaint about that chapter was that she did not include alternatives to using gym equipment. She, ever so briefly, recommends healthy eating, sleeping positions, sitting posture, and the standard 20-30 min 3x/wk cardiovascular workout.

  One thing that I noted right away with her introduction was that she didn't say you "should" or "might" feel better, but that you "will" feel better. I cannot deny that, for me, that is so true.

  I took my body measurements at the end of the second week and then again at the end of the third. I've lost 3/4" in my waste and 1" in my hips in one week. That's all the motivation I need to do this for 15 mins 5x/wk. I'm actually doing it closer to 7x/wk because I've felt so much better since I started.

  I don't know you or your lifestyle, but I'm recommending some of these exercises to my 85 year old grandma who is hunched over from osteoporosis. She'll be so thrilled that I am activly seeking a way to prevent that disease from affecting my future!

  Good health!
  
  

• Finally, a program that delivers what it advertises!

  
  By on 2002-07-15
  I was very pleased with the content of this book. I've spent quite a bit of hard-earned money on fitness books and videos that boast of amazing results.

  I've tried it all: weights, yoga, pilates, & various forms of cardio workouts, but haven't been able to stay consistant due to time constraints. As a busy women, I usually don't have time to spend on hour plus videos and books with long, complicated instructions. Before this book, I was racking my brain trying to incorporate yoga, pilates, and strength training. I just became stressed out instead.

  The Core program mixes some yoga & pilates with strength work, so I experience well being in addition to toned muscles. I also walk regularly, go for a spin on my bike/inline skates, and do some extra yoga. I find this combination fits easily into my schedule; I don't have to stress about when to do it.

  In short, I would suggest this book to anyone. Also, for those readers who find Peggy Brill's explanations complicated, I recommend taking a look at Pilates Body by Brooke Siler. Lots of people LOVE this book, but I found it very time consuming; I've owned it for two years and haven't used it much for this reason. Peggy Brill's Core Program is much easier to comprehend, & the participant can't become injured (I think that if someone wants to learn pilates, a certified instructor is the only way to go!)
  
  

• Finally an exercise program that delivers what it promises
  By on 2002-01-20
  When I first got this book, I had high hopes from all the reviews and from reading the first few chapters. The first time I did the workout, however, I was slightly disappointed and thought maybe this isn't for me. Then an amazing thing happened. The next day, after just one workout session, I actually felt a difference! Now I am a believer and recommend this book to everyone. The reason I was mildly disappointed the first time doing the exercises is that they are so easy, I felt like I wasn't "doing" anything. That is one of the great things about this program--it is very relaxing with a lot of gentle stretching and just a few strength building exercises--it is not rigorous, traditional exercise so there is no excuse not to do it as part of your daily routine. In fact, I think you will look forward to your Core exercise time. I will say that the first time I read through the exercise descriptions, it seemed a little overwhelming to be able to remember all of the steps and tips she gives you. But once you start doing the exercises you will realize how simple the movements are. By the second or third time you will be able to complete all the exercises with little more than a glance at the book to see what exercise is next.

  Aside from the exercises, the author gives a lot of information about how the body functions, proper postures when sitting, sleeping and lifting objects, and lots of other really useful info. This book is a MUST have.
  
  

• Excellent set of exercises for most people
  By on 2002-02-12
  As a physical therapist in private practice, I was happy to see a book in print that would be suitable to recommend to most of my clients. I must take issue with the reader from Michigan who obviously DID NOT READ the book. Yes, Ms Brill IS pregnant and I noticed that in the photos. When I first looked at the book, I noticed several questionable exercises in the photos--I had to READ the book to realize that some of the photos were examples of what NOT to do! I suppose the professionalism of the photos (ok, she IS looking at the photographer) is a little less than perfect, but the Michigan reader should relax her critical spirit and write her own book...then we could all chop it to bits. For everyone else looking for a good program--this one covers the basics and is probably the best start for other forms of activity.
  
  
• Hey,guys this is for you,too
  By A232426GFPCLAN on 2001-10-02
  Peggy Brill can change your life. The exercises work for everyone and can make an enormous difference. I strongly urge you to buy the book. Her descriptions are clear, her "tests" work for all sexes and the results are phenomenal. Fifteen minutes a day is a small investment to be pain free.
  
  
• Gets you to the Core!
  By A2ENFE6F5QKZGQ on 2001-10-23
  I started the Core Program four days ago and started feeling results after the first session. I already feel better aligned and much stronger. I can feel muscles forming too. The only "complaint" I have is the amount of reading prior to the exercises but realize the importance of the information. I can't wait to get past the first three weeks so that I can start on the next level. This book is wonderful and very timely for me. I am very glad I purchased it.
  
  
• Just What I Needed
  By A2WVS5N1LJ14UA on 2001-11-29
  I had back surgery earlier this year and had resigned myself to living with a certain amount of pain. This book really changed that. After following the program for 3 weeks, I feel better than ever. I'm sleeping better, have no pain, am standing taller and walking straighter. I have recommended this book to every woman I know. I believe in it. Any woman with pain should at least give this a try. (...) It is written in easy to understand language and the exercises are easy to follow. And there are no sit ups!!!
  
  
• For all those people who thought they could never exercise
  By on 2002-01-25
  I bought this book last November and read it through completely. I also performed the basic tests that determine each person's level of fitness. This week I finally got around to starting the actual Core Program and I can't believe how good I feel after each session. The most appealing thing about the program is that you don't have to be young and fit to do it and it's designed particularly for women. I have experienced immediate relief of hip pain and discovered that some of the strength building exercises I had been doing with hand held weights are not good for me. This book is really life changing. I wish she would make a tape!
  
  
• Two thumbs up for any training level
  By A2B0BZU4T01K3T on 2004-01-24
  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!
  
  
• a reader from Ohio
  By on 2001-11-20
  I would just like to make a comment about the reader from Michigan's review. In their review, they state that the model looks like she just had a baby. If that person had read the text more carefully, they would have discovered that the model is actually 3 months pregnant! I'm sure that makes a difference in some of her postures. Personally, I find pictures like that much more realistic than all the books with the hard-body youngsters that the typical mother with children will never look like.
  
  
• Even for the Physically Fit!
  By A35YEKPE3FN66K on 2003-02-20
  I am 40 years old and have been running 20-25 miles a week for about 3 years. You'd THINK I was in great physical shape! And yet I was developing some nagging pains - sore lower back, constantly stiff left hamstring, intermittently painful right knee. I attributed this to running too much or too hard.... or me just getting old or not stretching enough. I tried yoga classes, but that just seemed to make my hamstring worse! and I am just not calm enough to devote THAT much time to deep breathing and such.

  Then I saw an article about Core Training in my running magazine. It explained how strengthening your "core" could improve your running and reduce injury by 'shoring up your foundation.' It made sense!
  Then I stumbled on Ms. Brill's book and decided to give it a try.

  Well, I have been doing the program for 4 weeks now (I am up to the intermediate level) and absolutely LOVE it! I feel so much stronger, I have no aches and pains, and my running HAS improved!Now I feel fit ALL over.

  This is DEFINTELY something that I will do for LIFE.
  
  

• Brushing Your Teeth for the Body
  By on 2001-11-01
  Most of us wouldn't think of NOT brushing our teeth on a daily basis and these exercises make you feel as if you have fresly brushed teeth, minty and smooth. Making this routine a habit is easier than you'd think because the exercises are, for the most part, easy and do not take a lot of time. Having said that, you may not like plowing through all the anatomy and the constant "advertisments" for the core program and the author! You can begin the exercises and start making them a part of your daily routine immediately, and then you can go back to read the rest if you feel like it. Just remember to read the introductory pages of Chapter 7, where some important information on form and breathing can be easily overlooked. If you have never done Yoga or do not know how to breathe properly while exercising, you may get confused.(But if you remember to breath out when you are moving into a position and to breathe in when you are returning to the starting position, you should be OK.) Although the content can be irritating (she's just too perfect), the regular practice of these movements has quick and immediate effects. I am glad I bought the book and use the program almost every day. I felt immediate gratification after the first session. Now, after about a week, the routine gets boring -thank goodness it's quick. So adding music or some other distraction is a must. But then, brushing teeth gets boring too.
  
  
• You CAN get a good workout lying down!
  By A38K5OR3CQVEAH on 2003-03-28
  I recently broke my ankle and could not get around as much as I would have liked for about 6 - 12 months afterwards. I was used to getting a lot more exercise and was disappointed that I couldn't find more books about how to work out the parts that I still had! Plus, once I did begin my physical therapy, my therapist concentrated mainly on my ankle - but gave me nothing to help improve my posture, or to help me recover from walking with a limp for a prolonged period ... putting my back, hips, knees, etc. so completely out-of-kilter. Well, this book is awesome! It fixed both of my complaints! The exercises can literally be done by anyone: if you can lie down, then you can do these exercises. They look deceptively simple - but they really are fairly challenging. And they make you feel like you've been put back together better: all those aches and pains in your back from being out of alignment go away. Thanks, Peggy!
  
  
• Still using the program after one year
  By A1BJELOT684XC8 on 2003-10-05
  I bought The Core Program a year ago after checking it out from my local library. Although I've been doing aerobic exercises and lifting weights for years now (I'm 46) this book caught my attention. Little aches and pains started to creep into my everyday life and I needed to address them. The Core Program was my answer. I've been faithfully using the program since last fall and have gotten rid of all those annoying little problems. Come to find out I was performing some weight lifting exercises that were not good for my body. She shows exercises you shouldn't do as well as provides a graduated 15 minute routine for you to follow. She incorporates Yoga to balance everything. I don't plan to ever give up my Core Program routine. It keeps me well oiled. I incorporate the program 5 days a week with my regular 3-4 day a week fitness routine. It feels good knowing that even when I'm short on time I can still fit in my Core Program exercises and know I did something good for myself that day. There are also examples for everyday lifting and bending, relieving muscle tension, pelvic floor exercises, and facial exercises that I use. Although I don't go to the gym to work out she gives advice to keep you injury free if you do use the gym. Thank you Peggy for writing this book. I highly recommend it to anyone of any age.
  
  
• THIS BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE
  By A2RDMXFZ7VW61S on 2004-10-31
  When Peggy Brill wrote "15 Minutes a Day That Can Change Your Life" on the cover of her "THE CORE PROGRAM" book, she wasn't kidding! I will give you a brief version of how my life changed:
  
  I was almost 40, thin (thankfully), smoked 2 packs of cigarettes/day, ached every morning from head to toe when getting out of bed... and although thin was in horrible shape. The pain alone in my neck & shoulder area drove me to tears. One day, after reaching an all time pain high, I grabbed this book (which I borrowed from the library) and started doing the exercises. I was not 5 mins. into them when the phone rang. Since I hated exercising, I got up to answer the phone. Just a few mins. into my phone call, I suddenly realized I was COMPLETELY PAINFREE.
  
  Now, I know anyone reading this will think I'm nuts, but I swear it is 100% true.
  
  THIS BOOK IS NOTHING SHORT OF MIRACULOUS!
  
  Since that day, I have gone on with The Core Program exercises, and I quit my 2 pack a day for 20 years habit!!! This was over 2 years ago, so I'd have to say I was successful! I swear replacing smoking with exercising is a HUGE help to quitting. And since the exercises were essential to me feeling better, and it's hard to exercise AND smoke, smoking had to go. And it was surprising simple too! I have since gone on to walking and lifting hand weights and I have never felt better.
  
  The plus of the Core Program is the majority of the exercises are done LYING DOWN... how much easier can it get!?
  
  Buy this book... and if you use it... your life WILL change.
  
  Peggy is MY HERO!!!
  
  I have told numerous people about this program and they in turn have purchased the book. I cannot stress enough how WONDERFUL and LIFE CHANGING this program is! I sing its (and Peggy's) praises to anyone who complains of being in pain.
  
  I now own my own well used copy of the book.
  
  My only wish is that there was a teacher training program for The Core Program cause I so BELIEVE in it, I would love to teach it for a living!!!
  
  Thanks Peggy 100 Million Times!
  
  
  
• My Chiropractor is Impressed!
  By A2CS5V2F1YEDD3 on 2002-01-14
  This book will do everything it says it will!

  I've only been doing Peggy's exercises for 6 weeks, but the results I've seen - and my chiropractor has seen - are thrilling!
  Before I started, I was seeing my chiropractor twice a week for my lower back problems. After a short time, I dropped to once a week. As of my last visit, my back was holding so well that he said I could drop to once every 2 weeks. This is an amazing progression in only 6 weeks!

  I feel strong and my body fat around my waist, thighs and hips seems to be melting away. I was sore at first but in a short time I am doing exercises well that I originally rolled my eyes at when I started. The book is easy to understand and follow because at the end of each section of exercises, she has a pictorial review on 2 pages of all the exercises in that section.

  My chiropractor said that the vast majority of people need these exercises for their "core". If everyone got this book, alot of health practioners would be out of business!
  
  

• I never thought exercise could make such a difference.
  By on 2004-02-24
  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.
  
  
• Greatest gift for yourself and others
  By AJQXO0BMQ33C2 on 2005-08-23
  The Core Program is the best gift you can give to yourself and any of your friends. I started doing the program five years ago and, as soon as I discovered its tremendous value and how quickly and easily it can be done every day, I wouldn't think of starting the day without it. It may take an hour or two to learn it well but, once learned, it can be done easily in ten minutes. I do it in my bed (because I hate a cold floor in the morning). So even those who are bed-ridden can do it.
  Having had a horseback riding accident at the age of twelve which resulted in a couple of fractured vertebrae, I was troubled with back pain and numbness in my hands my whole life until I began doing this Core Program. Now I am totally pain free and able to lift my grandchildren, cut my own firewood, and lift other heavy objects with ease. Another wonderful "side-effect" is the fact that it has totally toned and shaped my body. I'm sixty-eight and I have to say that my body looks and feels better than when I was in my twenties. There are absolutely no aches or pains anywhere, anymore. And I feel totally flexible, strong and fit. I've become strengthened from the inside out and I've only just done the beginning program.
  This is the program that can keep us out of the nursing homes in our old age. And for anyone in one now, it could help get you out.
  
  
  
• Thank God my sister gave me this book!
  By A1BN1XFFF27O0R on 2006-04-11
  My sister gave me this book a couple of years ago after she had had success with it. My body was "asking" for exercise, but the best I could do for it was read about exercising.
  
  Well, I turned 50 and my body started to have one ache after another. My shoulder hurt for over a year. I figured it was chronic bursitus, but really didn't want to get a cortisone shot! Also, my lower back has a compressed disc and it hurts from time to time, especially if I do any repetitive lifting.
  
  I finally decided to try the exercises in this book. The best part for me is you start the exercises by laying down! One of my biggest obstacles to exercise is overcoming inertia, but I can easily talk myself into laying down to start exercising, though!
  
  I began to notice a difference in my back pain within the first week and after a month of using these exercises, my shoulder is now pain-free and getting stronger. I actually look forward to doing these exercises everyday. The stretching of my lower back feels wonderful!! They only take me 15 minutes in the morning (once I learned how to do them) and they have made a world of difference in the quality of my life day to day.
  
  Finally ... for the first time in a long time - after riding my horse on Sunday, my back did not hurt one bit. Yeah!!!!
  
  I highly recommend this book and these exercises for anyone who hates to exercise, but needs to!
  
  
  
  
• Great book for the novice and backache sufferer
  By A3MJGNHR46OAYK on 2003-09-04
  At the age of 33 and finding out I have osteoarthritis in my lower back, I decided I had better seriously get down to a regular exercise regimen.

  I had been to a physical therapist and received some information on exercises to strengthen my lower back muscles, but to tell you the truth, the exercises just didn't seem to be doing a lot. I kept having "episodes" of extreme lower back pain that put me out for one to three days. These episodes generally occurred every 2 to 3 months, and I was getting really tired of it!

  I bought this book on a whim... the description intriged me... 15 minutes a day sounded wonderful, since I have a toddler and barely have 15 minutes to myself every day. And the fact that it's geared towards a woman's body and that anyone can do the exercies made it even more intriguing. I have never been one to exercise regularly, so if I was to really do these exercises the book was going to have to be easy.

  Well, 2 months later, I am very happy I purchased this book. I have been doing the exercises religiously (at least 5 times per week, if not 7) and I have noticed a much greater flexibility in my body. I have just progressed to the intermediate level and can't wait to move on to the ultimate core. I am pregnant with my second child (entering the 2nd trimester), and am feeling great. I was very concerned about my osteoarthritis when I became pregnant, but now I feel confident that I have a good foundation with which to build on. I only hope that I can continue to do these exercises while pregnant, because I have not yet found a good pregnancy book that would be good for strengthening back muscles that doesn't have you lying on your back! I wish Peggy Brill would write one!
  
  

• You have to start somewhere
  By A280PONM9YUPIZ on 2006-11-09
  You may wonder why I am writing a review for a women's physical exercise-therapy book, being as I am a man. It's for my wife, of course.
  
  My wife is getting on in years. She has never exercised or done anything athletic. Now that she has acquired some (quiet a few) physical complaints -- it hurts to raise her arm, her knee is stiff when she walks, etc. -- she realizes she has to do something because it is getting worse, fast. She asked for my help (after years of my telling her she has to do some kind of exercise or she will wither away).
  
  I didn't want to drag her to the gym with me because I thought that would be overkill for the physical condition she is in. Instead, I started taking books out of the library. After a dozen or so books I chose "The Core Program" by Peggy Brill, PT. I didn't choose it because it was a women's book. It was, in my opinion, the best book for the circumstances. Like many books of its type, it gives a lot of useful information. But the information in this book seemed to be directed more toward my wife's condition than most of the other books I read. Also, the starting program was easier and geared more toward what I thought she needed.
  
  I bought the book, gave my wife the Hot Spot test, and started her on the program.
  
  The exercises were not as easy as they looked. My wife looked like a fledging new born bird learning to fly when she first started the Core exercises. But she did learn. After four weeks she could almost do all the exercises on her own. After six weeks she was doing them pretty good and had cut her time from forty-five minutes to seventeen minutes. I gave her another Hot Spot test. She showed improvement and she is now well into the second phase of the program. She is doing well; she is sticking to the program and I have no doubt she will continue to show improvement.
  
  There is one area that I will take off one half a star. I applaud Ms. Brill in knowing that additional strength training is needed beyond the Core Program (Chapter Ten). But I can not support using machines for strength exercises, except in particular situations. And I will never understand why people pay money to exercise in a gym and then sit in a comfortable machine that only exercises a few muscles (among other negative aspects that using machines have). An example: Hip Adduction and Abduction (pages 226 & 227). My advice: do what I do. Buy a decent ankle cuff. They are available on the internet for $10 to $20. All gyms have pulley systems. Use the lower pulley for your Adduction and Abduction exercises.
  
  Another good book I ran across is "Frame Work" by Nicholas A. DiNubile, M.D. This book was a little advanced and went beyond what my wife needed to get started. But should you run across this book in your local library or book store, take a look on pages 121, 128, and 215. This will give you an idea of the variety of exercises you can do with an ankle cuff and pulley, which will exercise more muscle groups than sitting in a machine.
  
  Ms. Brill has written a book that I think can be useful to women of all ages. I certainly recommend this book and program for any woman that has been sedentary for a long length of time. And for young women who think they are in good condition; maybe you are and maybe you aren't but, it never hurts to gain a little additional knowledge about your body or, too soon to start a program to take care of it.
  
  This may sound corny but while reading the book, I could not help but feel that Ms. Brill wrote this book with a great deal of compassion.
  
  
  
• May The Angels Be With You by Gary Quinn
  By AYOKCN5HU99N1 on 2001-09-21
  This is a wonderful book full of great stories and information to truly enrich your life. Anyone who reads it will feel surer of their furure and purpose in life and will know without a doubt that they are never without help just for the asking. A truly uplifting experience written by a person who is obviously highly developed spiritually. This is a must for everyone on this planet to read.
  
  
• Finally - an answer to my back pain!
  By A1D4FMGILE7385 on 2004-01-11
  I am a 25-year-old female who has suffered with back pain for almost 8 years now. I was diagnosed with mild scoliosis in high school, and a car accident around the same time threw my back muscles entirely out of whack. Add to that a sedentary desk job and poor posture, and you can only imagine the kind of hell I've experienced.

  I've tried chiropractors, physical therapy, yoga, pilates, general stretching, etc. Name it, and I've probably done it. Nothing seemed to work long-term, though, and the time commitments were and are just too much for me (I'm a grad student and work full time).

  However, my new year's resolution was to finally do something about the pain. I picked up this book after searching "scoliosis" on Amazon, and so far I've been VERY impressed. Although it's only been a week, I can already feel my abdominals strengthen and my back relax significantly. And it only takes 15 minutes a day!

  There is no cure for my condition - this is something I have to deal with and treat day-by-day. In the book, Peggy explains how to do it correctly and efficiently, while realizing that no two women are built alike. These exercises really are for anyone - large or small. You WILL see results if you follow the instructions and do the program at least five times a week (that's only an hour and 15 minutes total!). At first, it may seem overwhelming (the book is wordy and you may have to refer back to it during the first week), but I'm glad I'm sticking with it! At this rate, I'll be completely pain-free in another two or three weeks. Many thanks to Peggy for writing a book for REAL women!
  
  

• Over 15 Minutes and No Relief
  By A2ICOW9YIVGPTQ on 2004-02-23
  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.
  
  
• buy it
  By on 2002-09-02
  If the book attracts you at all, buy it. I have used it for over 6 weeks and have been amazed at the results. I spend more than 15 minutes/day on it, though. Usually I average about 20-30 depending on what else I do. Yet, the program is the "core" of what I do. I am now looking for a supplemental book since doing any series of the same exercises over and over again can get boring. Even so, I intend to return to these same exercises again and again.
  
  
• Excellent Physiology and Core Benefits
  By A2PRXU7PO3PPYY on 2003-05-29
  I am a very active 40ish woman with some physical problems, particularly a contracted hip muscle. I can't walk much without pain, so I swim laps and do other exercises. Convinced that core strengthening would help me, I bought this book. Brill outlines the benefits of PT (physical therapy) from an anatomic and physiologic perspective, which I appreciated because I am changing my career to medicine. The exercises themselves are sound and helpful. I wish she had suggested more modifications for different physical problems; I also wish she sold a VHS or DVD version. She does give some bad advice about pain in a place or two, where she assures the reader "it will get better as you practice," when in fact some things, like sacral spine stiffness, are serious warnings to be attended. Nonetheless, her advice and the program itself are excellent and helpful. I imagine if I continue it (I have only been doing it for a week) I could write an entirely different review, telling of its benefits to me. I hope to do so. I also hope the book helps you.
  
  
• Good but I could use a companion video to help me!
  By AOK9I2EDJCCRB on 2005-08-10
  After having two children and spending three months during one of my pregnancies on strict bedrest, my muscles were weakened in my torso. My posture was horrendous, and I was starting to have pain in my knees after sleeping all night. I would occasionally have lower back pains that I had never had before either. So I started looking for something reasonable to help me strengthen my "core" in hopes I would feel more flexible and stronger.
  
  I bought this book about a year ago, and I was diligent in using it the first few weeks. I've used it off and on, but it never "stuck". The problem for me was one of discipline PLUS I found this book inconvenient and hard to follow while trying to execute the exercises. The information in it is so very detailed that I kept fearing I was doing an exercise wrong only to end up spending an hour doing exercises and re-reading, re-reading, re-reading the details/fine print. What was supposed to take only about 15 minutes took up way too much time. Someone more knowledgeable about physical therapy would appreciate this book a bit more because they know the "lingo" and understand the mechanics better than I do.
  
  It would be GREAT if this book had a companion video! I would rate the program 5 stars then, but as it is, it's too wieldy to use for the person looking for something straightforward and effective.
  
  Still, worth checking into!
  
  

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