This is a good book to help one maintain overall physical fitness. Beyond that, though, I found that the exercises outlined here were very helpful in dealing with my lower back pain. I suppose that having my muscles in better shape helps my body resist when my back wants to be "out." More, if my back acts up and I do these exercises, I often feel much better afterward, as though things have gone back into place. (I'm not recommending this for everyone; consult your doctor. But in my case it helps.)

My chiropractor helped me trace my back pain to my job, where I tended to pick up stacks that were too big for me and then twist around (oops!) while holding them. I'm training myself to simply not move so fast, pick up so much, or try so hard when at work. It sounds bad but if there is too much to do there is too much to do and it's not my fault if I can't do it all without hurting myself.

Anyway, so taking better care of my body at work has helped greatly, a discreet brace helps in case I stop thinking and pick up too much, and I keep at these exercises to better protect myself from accidental strain. They also serve as a kind of stretch before work, which can't hurt.

Even if I can't do all the reps -- and often, I only do 3-5 reps of the routines -- it still helps. I'm about twice the age of the target group, by the way; you definitely don't need to be a teen to benefit from this book. Highly recommended.

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