Pelvic floor health is a topic that's often overlooked, yet it's a vital aspect of our overall wellness. Our pelvic floor muscles play key roles in urinary function, bowel movements, sexual health, and for women, childbirth. This complex network of muscles, ligaments, and tissues needs regular exercise to stay strong and function optimally. That's where Pilates comes into play.
In the world of fitness, Pilates stands out for its ability to target the deeper, often neglected muscles, including the pelvic floor. By focusing on core strength, balance, flexibility, and body awareness, Pilates is an effective way to support and improve pelvic floor health.
Understanding Your Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor acts as a "hammock" of muscles spanning across the base of your pelvis, supporting your internal organs, including the bladder, bowel, and uterus (in women). A strong pelvic floor aids in preventing urinary and fecal incontinence, improves sexual health, and stabilizes the pelvis and lower back.
Pilates and Pelvic Floor Strength
Pilates is renowned for its focus on the 'powerhouse' of the body - a group of muscles that includes the abdominals, lower back, hips, and the pelvic floor. A 2018 study in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that a 12-week Pilates training program significantly increased pelvic floor muscle strength in women [1].
The control, precision, and emphasis on breath control in Pilates, encourages the activation and strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles. As you progress in your Pilates practice, you learn to engage your pelvic floor muscles alongside the rest of your core, enhancing overall stability and strength.
For anyone seeking to improve their pelvic floor health, Pilates provides a safe, effective, and accessible method of exercise. As always, consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if you're dealing with specific pelvic floor health issues.
At West Hollywood Pilates, our knowledgeable and skilled instructors are ready to guide you on your journey to improved pelvic floor health. Come join us and experience the transformative power of Pilates.
References
1. Culligan, P. J., Scherer, J., Dyer, K., Priestley, J. L., Guingon-White, G., Delvecchio, D., & Vangeli, M. (2018). A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Pelvic Floor Muscle Training to a Pilates Exercise Program for Improving Pelvic Muscle Strength. International Urogynecology Journal, 29(4), 577–584. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-017-3468-5](https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-017-3468-5)
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