Discover the amazing benefits of Reverse kegel exercises, an often overlooked but highly beneficial technique for better pelvic floor health. Learn the how-to's, benefits, and realistic applications of Reverse Kegels in your daily life, for both men and women alike. Let's dive in and uncover the facts about this powerful exercise.
What are Reverse Kegels?
Reverse Kegels are the opposite of traditional kegel exercises, which involve contracting and tightening the pelvic floor muscles. Instead, Reverse Kegels focus on relaxing and lengthening these muscles, promoting better overall pelvic floor health. They can help alleviate issues related to overactive or too-tight pelvic floor muscles, such as pelvic pain, incontinence, and even sexual dysfunction.
Benefits of Reverse Kegels for Men and Women
- Relieve pelvic pain: Overactive pelvic floor muscles can cause discomfort and pain. Reverse Kegels help to relax these muscles, reducing pain.
- Improve bladder control: A balanced pelvic floor helps maintain proper bladder function, preventing urinary incontinence and urgency.
- Enhance sexual performance: Relaxing the pelvic floor muscles can lead to improved sexual function and pleasure for both men and women.
- Support pregnancy and childbirth: For women, practicing Reverse Kegels can help prepare the body for childbirth by promoting relaxation and flexibility in the pelvic floor muscles.
How to Perform Reverse Kegels
Before you start practicing Reverse Kegels, it's essential to locate and identify your pelvic floor muscles. To do this, try stopping the flow of urine midstream or contracting the muscles that prevent you from passing gas. Once you've identified these muscles, follow these steps:
- Find a comfortable position - either sitting, standing, or lying down.
- Take a deep breath and, as you exhale, gently relax your pelvic floor muscles, allowing them to lengthen and expand.
- Hold this relaxed state for 3-5 seconds, then slowly contract your pelvic floor muscles back to their resting state.
- Repeat this process 10-15 times, working up to 2-3 times a day.
Remember, do not strain or push too hard when practicing Reverse Kegels. The goal is to cultivate relaxation and gentle expansion of the pelvic floor muscles rather than forced contraction.
Reverse Kegel Example:
Meet Sarah, a mother of two who has recently finished her pregnancy journey. Throughout her pregnancy, Sarah was diligent about performing her regular kegel exercises, strengthening her pelvic floor muscles in preparation for childbirth. However, after the birth of her second child, she noticed symptoms of an overactive pelvic floor, including pain and incontinence.
Sarah sought the advice of her pelvic floor therapist, who introduced her to Reverse Kegels. She began practicing the exercise regularly and gradually noticed improvements in her symptoms as her pelvic floor muscles found a better balance between strength and relaxation. Sarah now incorporates both traditional Kegels and Reverse Kegels into her pelvic floor routine to maintain optimal pelvic floor health.
Congratulations, you've now learned the fundamentals of Reverse kegel exercises and their incredible benefits for both men and women! Practicing these exercises will help you find balance, relaxation, and better control over your pelvic floor health. Don't forget to share this informative article with friends and family to help them unlock the power of Reverse Kegels too. And while you're at it, continue to explore our Pelvic Floor Therapy blog for more guides, tips, and techniques to optimize your pelvic floor health and overall well-being.