Discover the benefits of Pilates for a strong and healthy pelvic floor
Good morning everyone!
I'm Carlotta Gagna, founder of Traininpink, and today I want to talk to you about a topic that concerns every woman's wellbeing: pelvic floor health.
Very often, however, we ignore this fundamental part of our body, but keeping it strong and functional can improve quality of life, prevent discomfort, and increase our overall sense of wellbeing.
One of the best disciplines to take care of it? Pilates!
What is the pelvic floor and why is it so important?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues that form a sort of "hammock" in the lower part of the pelvis, supporting vital organs such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum.
This structure performs several essential functions, including:
- Ensuring the proper functioning of the bladder and intestine.
- Supporting the posture and balance of the body.
- Promoting control during physical activity and daily movements.
When the pelvic floor is healthy, we feel more confident in our movements and prevent issues such as urinary leakage, sensations of heaviness, or pelvic pain.
However, various factors such as pregnancy, ageing, or a sedentary lifestyle can weaken it, making it important to take care of it with targeted and consistent exercises.
For this reason, it is important to adopt some good habits to improve the support of the pelvic muscles, even if one is in perfect health.
On the contrary, however, it is essential to never ignore signs of discomfort or persistent symptoms (even if apparently mild), consulting a specialist if necessary.
How to recognise the signs of a weak or contracted pelvic floor
The pelvic floor can find itself in two opposite conditions that compromise its functionality, and recognising the signs is essential in order to intervene promptly.
The pelvic floor can find itself in two opposite conditions that compromise its functionality, and recognising the signs is essential in order to intervene promptly.
Hypotonia of the pelvic floor
A condition that presents itself with a weakening of the muscles, which lose tone and strength, compromising the support of the internal organs.
- Urinary leakage during physical exertion, such as coughing or sporting activity;
- Sensation of "heaviness" or prolapse in the pelvic area;
- Reduced sensitivity or pleasure during sexual intercourse.
Hypertonia of the pelvic floor
A condition that manifests itself in the presence of excessive contraction of the muscles, which remain rigid and unable to relax.
Symptoms:
- Chronic pelvic pain or discomfort;
- Difficulty or pain during urination, defecation, or sexual intercourse;
- Sensation of constant tension in the pelvic area.
Identifying these signs is the first step towards improving wellbeing, with the help of specialists and targeted practices such as Pilates.
It is a reality that, unfortunately, is still talked about far too little, but which has an enormous impact on the quality of life of many women.
How does Pilates act on the pelvic floor?
Pilates is one of the most effective activities for protecting and strengthening the pelvic floor, thanks to its targeted and gentle approach that integrates breathing, control, and body awareness.
This discipline does not limit itself to strengthening the muscles, but works on the entire postural system, promoting a harmonious balance between strength and flexibility.
Through fluid and progressive movements, Pilates can:
- Improve pelvic mobility: it relieves stiffness and promotes freer and more natural movements, helping to reduce accumulated tension;
- Strengthen the supporting muscles: it works on the abdominals, glutes, and pelvic floor, creating a stable base to support the internal organs and promote a balanced posture;
- Integrate breathing with movement: it stimulates the pelvic floor to relax and activate in a fluid and spontaneous way, following the natural rhythm of breathing;
- Better manage internal pressure: it teaches how to distribute loads during physical exertion, avoiding unnecessarily stressing the pelvic floor.
One of the distinctive aspects of Pilates is its ability to adapt to different physical needs: whether one wishes to prevent certain discomforts, recover after childbirth, or improve core control, this discipline, with the possibility of adapting exercises to individual needs, offers a progressive and safe path, adaptable to all ages and training levels.
Conclusion
Keeping the pelvic floor strong and healthy should no longer be a taboo; on the contrary, we should all pay greater attention to this fundamental part of our body.
Because, even if we do not always realise it, this inevitably affects the overall quality of life of us women.
Taking care of one's body is a journey of awareness and listening, and the first step is always to inform oneself, in order to be able to make more conscious daily choices.
Try Traininpink free for 7 days and discover how small gestures can transform your wellbeing.
A big hug and until next time!
Carlotta