The Core Programme

'Fifteen minutes exercise a day that can change your life' is the subtitle of this remarkable book, written as part of a commitment the author made to change women's lives after the untimely death of her mother. Brill is confident and forthright in her approach to the point that one can only marvel at her commitment and sincerity. With such a worthy starting point, this book differs from other exercise and lifestyle books by concentrating on simple, easily achievable changes rather than repetitive movements and exercise regimes. It also, unashamedly, targets women. There is a hint early on that everyone can benefit from following the programme, but it soon becomes clear that Brill's primary function in life is to help improve the lifestyle of womankind - and those of us who have long suspected that abdominal exercises only seem to help develop a male stomach will be delighted that someone has the nerve to say it! Brill takes the reader through the 'core goals' in the first chapter in order to introduce reasons for embarking on her courses of action. Her objective - 'teach yourself to feel better' - is simply and clearly stated, and the rest of the book enlarges on this and gives straightforward ways to achieve it. There is nothing fancy in the photography either - the impression given is that more money was spent on the research side than on the marketing side, and to some extent this is rather comforting. Of course, as with all such books the proof is in the doing. Thankfully we need only 15 minutes per day to find out whether or not Brill is right! (Kirkus UK)