Rating: 
Summary: Great book for the novice and backache sufferer
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Finally - an answer to my back pain!
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: I never thought exercise could make such a difference.
Review: 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!
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Physiology and Core Benefits
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Physiology and Core Benefits
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Still using the program after one year
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: For all those people who thought they could never exercise
Review: 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!
Rating: 
Summary: Over 15 Minutes and No Relief
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Over 15 Minutes and No Relief
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Finally an exercise program that delivers what it promises
Review: 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.
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