How Fit Is Your Pelvic Floor?

It's the one workout even fitbies frequently neglect. Here's how to whip those often-forgotten muscles into shape.

- Hannah Ebelthite

So you’re committed to fitness – but when was the last time you gave your pelvic floor a dedicated workout? Whether you’re child-free, pregnant, have been through multiple labours or had C sections; whether you have symptoms such as stress incontinence or occasional leakage, or you feel fine, your PF (pelvic floor) could still do with some TLC.

Why shouldn’t you overlook it? Because a healthy pelvic floor can not only reduce symptoms, it can improve your sex life and sporting performance. It’s also the key to better core strength and posture. In fact, everyone can benefit from a strong PF. But smug gym bunnies be warned – you could be at most risk of pelvic floor weakness…

What is it exactly?

‘When we talk about your pelvic floor, we mean a group of muscles that stretches from your pubic bone at the front to your tailbone at the back, forming a “platform” between your legs,’ says physiotherapist Elizabeth Ebelthite, of Marple Physio in Stockport (marplephysio.com). ‘Its job is to support your pelvic organs, bowel, uterus and bladder. When the PF muscles are weak – something that can happen as a result of pregnancy, childbirth, intense exercise, or even being overweight – the consequences can range from back ache to the odd leak to bladder and/or bowel incontinence, or even pelvic organ (uterus, vagina, bowel or bladder) prolapse.’

Strengthening your PF, on the other hand, can have a positive impact on posture, core stability, ease of movement and sexual sensation (the muscles also wrap around the clitoris) as well as the more obvious role of keeping urine in, she says.