Hypopressives Exercises

Some of the symptoms of a dysfunctional pelvic floor are: –

Spinal/back, hip, abdominal and pelvic pain

Incontinence; urinary, stress, urge and faecal; an involuntary leak no matter how small, the desperate urge to go and not being able to control your bladder, getting up in the night to go to the loo, leaking as you sneeze, cough, run and more..

Sexual dysfunction; pain during intercourse, lack of blood flow to the area and reduced desire

Poor breathing or shallow breathing

Diastatis Recti – this is the condition that mainly affects women post-natal

Hernia

Not to mention the mental affects that any of the above symptoms have on us

Some of the causes of this system not working properly are: –

Preganancy – carrying a child during pregnancy increases greatly the pressure downwards on the pelvic floor – as does childbirth itself

Activity levels – where activity levels are high; a sports enthusiast or an athlete is likely to have weaker pelvic floor muscles due to the activity load on the pelvic area; ie running, jumping, trampolining..

Heavy lifting – the downward pressure on the pelvic floor through lifting over time will weaken it

Poor posture

Pelvic surgery such as hysterectomy or prostate

Hormonal changes – for example during the stages of menopause

Obesity – carrying too much body weight will cause downward pressure on the pelvic floor

Emotional stress

The great thing about the human body is its ability to heal itself; and for any healing to take place in the body, its important to consider all aspects of our health including our mental wellbeing, nutrition, hydration, sleep and the right kind of exercise.

The Hypopressives technique was primarily introduced across Europe some 30 years ago, to post-natal mums to help them to restore, strengthen and regain proper function of their pelvic floor health after childbirth. However this technique is being more widely used now, helping both women and men to restore their core strength and pelvic health.

The technique works with one of the body’s natural systems which includes the diaphragm, (our breathing muscle) the deep abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor – collectively called the core

Hypopressives means “low pressure” and is a simple concept but a precise technique.

The technique combines a small number of postures with breathwork, and when practised daily, for around 10-15 minutes, will enhance posture, create a stronger and better functioning pelvic floor, it will help to release and decompress the spine, create strength in the shoulders and back and you may see a reduction in your waist size too

The significance of breathing

The Hypopressives technique provides a comprehensive understanding of the crucial role of breathing and its impact on the entire body, particularly the pelvic floor system. Focused breathing techniques enable relaxation and strengthening of the pelvic floor system. When these techniques are combined with the precise postures that we use in Hypopressives Exercises, they become highly effective and transformative, reducing or halting symptoms, and in turn, strengthening the body as a whole.

Hypopressives Exercises extend beyond traditional Kegel exercises by focusing on the entire system associated with the pelvic floor. This holistic approach is why the method truly works.

The percentages below, show some of the results of a recent survey of my clients, who have completed their Beginners Course; some are now taking L2 & 3 Classes to continue to develop.