A Woman's Book of Balance

Book excerpt: HEALTH Author of A Woman's Book of Strength and A Woman's Book of Power, Andes here presents creative solutions to beating exercise boredom. First, she gives her interpretations of dance movements borrowed from the Temple Dance form of ancient India, T'ai Chi, and other martial arts to create a unique and challenging workout. Subsequent chapters outline routines for building strength and balance using low-tech equipment along with basic yoga postures. Photos demonstrate clearly all the moves and poses discussed. These exercises can be used to cross-train or can be blended with one another to achieve better balance, movement, poise, and strength. Some routines address special health conditions, and Andes also includes chapters on aging, hormones, and diet. Her book takes a holistic approach to women's physical fitness and strongly advocates finding enjoyment in one's choice of exercise routines for maximum vitality and psychological benefits. Recommended for all public libraries. Deborah Anne Broocker, Georgia Perimeter Coll., Dunwoody; 224 pg.-