The Pelvic Floor

The pelvic floor is part of your core, which includes your abdominal muscles, back muscles and the muscles around the pelvis. The pelvic floor, itself, is a group of muscles in the bottom of the core and pelvis. These muscles attach from the pubic bone to the tailbone which support the organs in your pelvis like a hammock. A common visualization for the pelvic floor is the bottom of a grocery bag, carrying your groceries (your groceries being your bladder, uterus (women), prostate (men), and rectum.

Needless to say, the pelvic floor is a crucial part of human anatomy.

We tend to focus a lot of attention on improving muscle tone throughout our body. We do exercises with emphasis on our arms, legs, glutes, and abs, yet neglect an equally important but invisible area—the pelvic floor. It’s not until there is an injury or issue that we realize the significance of our pelvic floor.

There is no reason not to strengthen your pelvic floor.

When the pelvic floor muscles become weakened, due to childbirth or injury, you can lose bladder and/or bowel control. An impaired pelvic floor can also lead to constant pain in the pelvic area, pelvic organ prolapse (dropping of bladder), urine leakage, sudden feeling of urgency, painful periods, lower back pain and pain during intercourse.

Are Pelvic Floor Exercises the same as Kegels?

Yes and No. Kegels are a contraction of the pelvic floor muscles. Basically, squeezing the muscles in. Proper pelvic floor exercises are more in-depth and effective than kegels.

Many women think that if they do their kegels, they are improving their pelvic floor.

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. You need to spend an appropriate amount of time working on your kegels, while doing them the right way (think “up” more than “in”) while focusing your mind on the movement. Squeezing while scrolling through social media won't do much for your pelvic floor.

The good news is: Practicing pelvic floor exercises and Pilates coupled with metal health work will help heal and improve your overall well-being. Whether you are pregnant, postpartum, recovering from childbirth (at any age), or just searching for pain relief, strengthening your pelvic floor and along with your relationship to your body will allow you to gain the confidence to perform daily activities.