Callanetics Fit Forever

The author of Callanetics presents a program that is specifically tailored to the needs of women over forty, offering clear, easy-to-follow instructions with accompanying photographs as well as additional guidelines for special conditions.

Callan, deviser of the nonimpact exercise program named after her, here addresses women older than 40. In the first section, she explains Callanetics principles, then addresses such middle-age concerns as diet, nutrition, menopause, and stress. Her basic tenet that exercise is necessary to a healthy lifestyle she supports with various examples. In the final section she includes illustrated directions for a series of stretches to be followed by specific one-hour workout routines that combine low-impact aerobics with a series of small muscle stretches and contractions. Pinckney's reassuring tone and commonsense guidelines should strike a chord in her intended audience, especially if they're familiar with her other books. Sue-Ellen Beauregard