The Core Program: 15 Minutes a Day That Can Change Your Life
by Peggy W. Brill, P.T.

Bantam Books, 2003, 238 pages (text and photos) $10.47 at Amazon.com

Reviewed by WriteOP
MSWorld Book Reviewer

Exercise. We know it is important but where do we begin?

My recommendation for women is "The Core Program" by Peggy Brill.

My neurologist told me years ago to keep moving. Moving can be a problem with MS but if you want to strengthen your core, arms and legs, Brill shows with clear photographs and written descriptions how to do just that.

The program is divided into three levels: The Core Foundation, The Intermediate Core, and the Ultimate Core. I have not been disappointed following Brill's recommendations. All movements are floor exercises.

I was attracted to this book because the author is a physical therapist. After beginning the exercises, I read further and learned Brill was diagnosed with Grave's Disease, hyperthyroidism, at age 15. Drugs did not help improve the quality of her life, surgery to remove the thyroid was not a good option from her standpoint, and she and her mother explored natural alternatives to control her thyroid and have a healthy lifestyle.

Exercise was key to good health. This journey eventually led to Brill becoming a physical therapist. She specializes in musculo-skeletal issues of women. The book includes physical "tests" to find your "hot spots" (I had several) which need work, the three levels of the program, weight training/resistance training suggestions, questions and answers, recommended reading and more.

Personally, I use the exercises almost daily to stay flexible, encourage deep breathing, to strengthen my body, and increase my energy. Some exercises are similar to yoga.

Some of Brill's words will give you a sense of her commitment to good health which fits into MSWorld's theme of "Wellness is a state of mind":

"It 'drives me crazy' whenever I hear anyone who has simply resigned herself to poor health, whether on account of illness or injury, or as part of the inevitable process of aging. If you empower yourself with the knowledge to make wise choices about how you live, then there is nothing inevitable about pain and dysfunction. That is why I urge all of my patients to educate themselves about their bodies, to take advantage of the unprecedented wealth of information now available to help them maintain lifelong health and wellbeing."

Wellbeing is something we all desire and this book will provide you with a sensible exercise program and information to understand your body and how it works better. This is a positive move toward managing our MS.

An interesting note: Brill is the "model" in the photos and she was five months pregnant at the time!



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