How to do Kegel Exercises

You may have been doing Kegel exercises while pregnant to ready yourself for childbirth. These same exercises are effective exercise after pregnancy, as well.

They are also the same exercises often recommended for someone who has a chronic cough, or who is overweight, as both of these conditions tend to place excessive pressure on the Kegel muscles. Since these muscles tend to weaken with age it is useful for anyone to exercise them routinely.

Muscle Strengthening Help with Kegel Exercises

The pelvic floor muscles, also called the Kegel muscles, form a "sling" which supports your uterus, bladder and kidneys. With childbirth these muscles weaken and are best strengthened through exercise.

By keeping your pelvic floor muscles toned you may decrease your risk for incontinence and similar problems as you get older. The trick is doing them properly.

How do you find the Kegel muscles?

They are the pelvic floor muscles which contract when you stop urinating, and when weakened cause incontinence in many postnatal women. Contracting these muscles often throughout the day, perhaps doing several repetitions of 10-15 contractions each time, can have a significant benefit. For optimal benefit of Kegel exercises try doing them in varying positions, while lying down, sitting and standing.

Kegel Exercise Questions

Talk with your doctor...

Your doctor can help you further with instructions for Kegel exercises and other post pregnancy exercise that are suitable for you.

It is important to include your doctor in your post pregnancy exercise plan, as only they can best evaluate your condition and what physical activity will work for you without being harmful.