Finagle the Kegel
The kegel exercise...quite possibly one of my favorite topics to discuss!
There is a lot of confusion about the kegel exercise - the how, the why, the when.
Many times women who are struggling with pelvic floor issues are told, “just keep doing your kegels.” This advice may be appropriate, but only if she understands exactly what the kegel exercise is and what it is not.
The kegel exercise can be an effective tool to help strengthen the pelvic floor; however, it can be detrimental if done incorrectly and if it is prescribed to the wrong client.
Before I prescribe kegel, or any pelvic floor exercises to a client, I ask:
Can you feel a squeeze in your pelvic region?
Can you feel a squeeze and lift?
How long can you hold the contraction after you have lifted?
Can you feel your buns and abs trying to help engage those muscles?
Can you slowly release those muscles back to a relaxed position?
Can you hold your kegel with daily activities (standing, climbing stairs, lifting)?
Are you connecting your breath with your kegel?
Is there pain when you attempt to kegel?
Are you currently trying all of this as you are reading these questions?
…My guess is yes. ☺
The answer to these questions can indicate whether a woman truly has pelvic floor weakness or if her problems are occurring because muscles are too tight. Both can be treated at InspireLife!