pelvic floor muscles
My clients strengthen their pelvic floor with every exercise they do. I encourage all my clients to tighten those muscles that stop them from going to the bathroom (both #1 & #2), whether they’re squatting, jumping, doing pushups, walking or anything else. This teaches better awareness that these muscles exist as well as providing stability throughout their body by engaging their entire core. It also teaches the person to keep those ‘bathroom muscles’ engaged in any position, as most people have an easier time tightening them while sitting as opposed to standing, etc. Apply the same principles to the pelvic floor that you would use with any other muscle group- use progressive overload to increase the muscle’s tone and strength.
Most women that have been pregnant have learned about Kegels, and a lot of men can benefit from them as well. Kegels basically ask that you tighten your ‘bathroom muscles’ for longer and longer periods of time, from 5 seconds to 10 to 30 and beyond, and then using various tempos (elevator up, elevator down, elevator to 2nd floor, etc.).
I’ve had success with many post-reproductive women, elderly and other clients that have improved their quality of life by strengthening the pelvic floor. Many people don’t realize the importance of a strong pelvic floor until they start having problems (like incontinence or other issues). As with any other body part, preventative maintainence should be practiced even if the pelvic floor seems to be strong enough. It can be really encouraging to know that many pelvic floor issues are correctable without surgery by using those muscles, although only your doctor can tell you what your body will need.