Life in all its glory takes its toll on our bodies because of what we do for work, for women through pregnancy and all the other work and play activities that we choose
Some of the wear and tear that we bear can prevent us from exercising, enjoying the stuff that we love and even our everyday things like running for a bus or even sneezing!
The media and others would have us believe that symptoms of a pelvic floor that isn’t functioning at is optimum, is just part of the ageing process, but the fact is that just because its common, it doesn’t mean to say that its normal, or can’t be improved
What are Hypopressives Exercises?
A series of specific postures and Hypopressives a specific breathing technique, that when combined, make up a short routine that is really easy to fit around your day – around 10 minutes! Hypopressives Exercises are core, pelvic floor and postural training for the here, the now and the future
Who can benefit from Hypopressives Exercises?
Absolutely everyone, man or woman, can benefit from Hypopressives Exercises.
Hypopressives exercises focus on retraining the core muscles as they were designed to work and these exercises can be especially beneficial for people in the following groups, or for the prevention of the following symptoms:-
** pelvic floor disorder such as incontinence and sexual dysfunction of any kind
** those who would like to strengthen their core including the pelvic floor, without putting any unwanted problematic pressure on the pelvic floor
** women wanting to prepare their bodies for pregnancy or those wanting to recover their pelvic floor after childbirth
** those wanting to reduce their waist size, improve their posture by strengthening their back, shoulder and arm muscles, flatten the abdominals, improve circulation and athletic performance
The other great benefit is the introduction and focus on lateral breathing, which is vital for us to breathe better, to use our lung capacity to its fullest and for the relaxation and wellbeing that you receive from a breathwork practice
Why are Hypopressives exercises different to most traditional core and pelvic floor exercises?
The term HYPO means low pressure.
Most traditional forms of core exercise are HYPER-pressive meaning that they increase the pressure in our bodies and can be more problematic or be ineffective.
Hypopressives Exercises work to decrease the pressure in our intra-abdominal area. Its this area that houses the diaphragm (our breathing muscle) the deep abdominals, the deep spinal tissues and the pelvic floor. By releasing pressure in this area, we can begin to retrain the muscles to work better.
How can I learn Hypopressives Exercises?
Hypopressives exercises cannot be learned from a video due to its simple but technical nature. It’s important to learn from a professional and qualified instructor. Once learned it is possible to use video content to guide you.
As you begin to learn, we advise that you practice 10-15 minutes daily to build a habit and to reap the benefits. Regularity and consistency is key.
To learn the technique and to master the breathing takes one hour of 1-1 training weekly over 4 weeks, plus your own practice at home for around 10-15 minutes daily – and going forwards.
You don’t need any special equipment but you will need enough space on the floor to lie down comfortably.
Where did Hypopressives Exercises originate?
Hypopressives Exercises were originally developed in Spain by Marcel Caufriez as a breathing technique that was. and still is used in a clinical setting to help post-natal women recover from pelvic floor dysfunction including incontinence and pelvic floor organ prolapse (or the movement/weakening of the pelvic floor).
Hypopressives Exercises have since evolved and been developed into a program that helps to prevent and restore pelvic health along with the other benefits and preventions already mentioned. This technique is now used by men and women of all ages for all number of reasons.
Hypopressives contra-indications: Hypopressives Exercises during pregnancy are modified with the exclusion of the apnea or vacuum breath and some of the postures are adapted too.
And exercises can be modified if you have hypertension, an inguinal or umbilical hernia or a heart condition.
Do they really work?
Yes! Please read some of our testimonials on our Hypopressives pages on this site.
I have been offered surgery..
Hypopressives exercise teachers have worked with many people who have been told that serious and risky surgical procedures are their only option – yet learning and doing the Hypopressives exercises have seen their prolapse and other problems improved or eliminated. The medical profession should be in full support of non-invasive methods such as Hypopressives being tried prior to non-emergency medical procedures. You are entitled to postpone surgery until you have tried alternatives first.
