6 Exercises to Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor

Published on February 28 by Anna

The pelvic floor, a group of muscles at the base of your pelvis, plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including bladder and bowel control, sexual health, and core stability. However, these muscles can weaken due to childbirth, aging, or certain medical conditions. Thankfully, simple yet effective exercises can strengthen your pelvic floor, leading to improved health and confidence.

1. Kegel Exercises:

The classic Kegel exercise involves contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. To find the correct muscles, imagine you are trying to stop the flow of urine midstream. Squeeze the muscles tightly for 3-5 seconds, then relax for 5-10 seconds. Repeat this 10-15 times, aiming for 3 sets daily.

2. Bridge:

Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips off the ground, squeezing your glutes and engaging your core. Hold for 3-5 seconds, then slowly lower back down. Repeat 10-15 times, aiming for 3 sets daily.

3. Clamshell:

Lie on your side with knees bent and stacked on top of each other. Lift your top knee slightly off the ground, keeping your hips stacked and core engaged. Hold for 3-5 seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat 10-15 times per side, aiming for 3 sets daily.

4. Bird-Dog:

Start on all fours with hands shoulder-width apart and knees hip-width apart. Extend one arm and the opposite leg simultaneously, keeping your back flat and core engaged. Hold for 3-5 seconds, then switch sides. Repeat 10-12 times on each side.

5. Squats:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and toes slightly pointed outwards. Lower your body as if you are sitting in a chair, keeping your back straight and core engaged. Push through your heels to return to the starting position. Repeat 10-15 times, aiming for 3 sets daily.

6. Dead Bug:

Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Extend one arm straight up towards the ceiling and the opposite leg straight out, keeping your lower back pressed against the floor. Slowly lower your arm and leg back down, then repeat with the other side. Do 10-12 repetitions on each side.

Additional Tips:

• Consistency is key: Perform these exercises regularly for optimal results.
• Focus on quality over quantity: Proper form is crucial to ensure you are targeting the correct muscles.
• Consult a healthcare professional: If you have any concerns or pre-existing medical conditions, consult your doctor or a pelvic floor therapist before starting these exercises.

By incorporating these exercises into your routine and prioritizing pelvic floor health, you can improve your overall well-being, prevent potential problems, and gain confidence in various aspects of your life. Remember, consistency and proper form are key to maximizing the benefits of these exercises.