If I ever get the chance to meet Peggy Brill, I plan to shower her with gifts. See, I have a “hereditary” tendency toward slouching…my family just loves to keep their shoulders and neck in tense, uncomfortable positions. Hard to be happy like that, I’m afraid - not only does it lead to that neckless sort of look, it restricts your breathing, affects circulation, and limits your range and fluidity of movement (read: you walk around like an angry robot).

I picked up Brill’s The Core Program: Fifteen Minutes a Day That Can Change Your Lifefrom the library last fall when I was shopping around for some new Pilates inspiration (my budget and I refuse to pay $100 an hour to use the studios around here), certain that I’d see some rehashed poses and abbreviated movements. Not so. Every word of this book is fresh, new, and effective.

For the beginning user, Brill’s tone is welcoming and her instructions are simple, clear, and appropriately detailed. For the experienced exerciser, you’ll be glad to see that her programs really do fit into the time limits that she promises, and the movements are familiar and well-sequenced without a single wasted moment. Both categories will benefit from the most important fact: this book works.

The sequences are easy to learn and remember (so you’ll actually do them), the effort level is minimal for the return, and the results…oh, the results! Improved spinal flexibility means that not only does everything work better internally, you look so much better - taller, more toned, and…dare I say it…slimmer. Slouching, wearing high heels, sleeping in awkward positions, and many other facts of daily life translate into alignment that can make you look old, stressed out, or (worst of all) like you have a gut, all because of how you carry yourself. I could see a difference in the way my clothes fit after just two weeks, and (though it wasn’t my goal) I have definitely lost a few pounds from using my body in more relaxed and efficient ways. Brill’s methods teach you how to use your powerhouse muscles the right way, which improves everything from common aches and pains to sleep, aging resistance, and your energy level.

Brill’s physical therapy background shines in this book - no movement faux pas, nothing that endangers your health instead of improving it, and a lot of debunking of some common exercise myths (including some great reasons for women never to do crunches again - incontinence, anyone?). There’s no discussion of carbs, cardio, or kickboxing - just some great movements and advice for any woman who wants to feel look and feel strong, relaxed, and resilient without hiring a full-time masseuse or moving to an island paradise.

I loved this book enough that I bought copies for myself, my sisters, my mother, and several friends. I think it’s a great, caring gift - who doesn’t want their friends and family to look and feel great? My new neck and I consider this book (and the 10-15 minutes I put in every morning) one of the best investments I’ve made in the past year.

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