Why strengthening your pelvic floor is vital for women

A foundation of health and strength

The pelvic floor—a complex network of muscles, ligaments, and fascia—serves as the foundation of your core, supporting your pelvic organs and playing a key role in bladder, bowel, and sexual health. Despite its importance, pelvic floor health is often overlooked, with many women only seeking solutions after experiencing symptoms of dysfunction.

Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) are more common than you might think. Studies indicate that 40% of women worldwide experience at least one type of pelvic floor issue, such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or prolapse, with many facing multiple conditions. Whether you’re planning for pregnancy, navigating postpartum recovery, or simply aiming to strengthen your body, prioritizing pelvic floor health is essential.

What is pelvic floor dysfunction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction encompasses a range of conditions, including:

  • Urinary incontinence: The involuntary loss of bladder control, affecting over half of women in some studies.
  • Pelvic organ prolapse: A descent of the uterus or other pelvic organs, reported by 10-14% of women but present in up to 50% when examined.
  • Fecal incontinence: Difficulty controlling bowel movements, affecting about 10% of women.
  • Chronic pelvic pain: Experienced by 18-31% of women in studies.

Risk factors for these conditions include age, a high body mass index (BMI), menopause, multiple vaginal births, and instrumental births. While these conditions are widespread, they are often underdiagnosed, leaving many women to silently endure symptoms that impact their physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Why strengthen your pelvic floor?

Addressing pelvic floor health proactively offers numerous benefits:

  1. Support during life transitions: Pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause significantly strain the pelvic floor. Building strength can help prevent conditions like prolapse or persistent pain during these stages.
  2. Improved sexual health: A strong pelvic floor enhances sexual function by supporting better muscle tone and increased sensation.
  3. Core stability and balance: The pelvic floor works in tandem with your core muscles, improving posture and reducing the risk of injuries.
  4. Regain control: Strengthening the pelvic floor can prevent or alleviate urinary and fecal incontinence, empowering you to feel more confident in your daily activities.
  5. Prevention of future issues: Addressing modifiable factors, like BMI and muscle tone, can significantly reduce your risk of pelvic floor disorders later in life.

How Barre Groove supports pelvic floor health

  • Natural muscle engagement: Rebounding exercises naturally activate the pelvic floor, improving strength without added strain.
  • Safe for all stages: Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or years past childbirth, our workouts are designed to accommodate all fitness levels.
  • Cardio meets core: Our unique combination of cardio and strength training maximizes efficiency, helping you target the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles in just 45 minutes.

Take the first step

Your pelvic floor is a cornerstone of your overall health and well-being. Whether you’re recovering from childbirth, preparing for menopause, or simply looking to enhance your fitness, it’s never too early—or too late—to prioritize its strength.

At Barre Groove, we’re here to guide you with workouts that empower, energize, and deliver results. Join us for a class today and discover the difference a strong pelvic floor can make in your life.

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