What are Kegels?
The kegel exercise is the brainchild of a Southern University of California gynecologist, Dr. Arnold Kegel. In 1948, he developed the exercise to help women control postpartum urinary incontinence. Kegel exercises are designed to activate the pelvic floor, which is a group of muscles that support the rectum, the vagina and the urethra.
Finding the Pelvic Floor Muscles
When you urinate, stop the flow midstream and then relax and allow it to continue. While this is a good way to locate the muscles, it should not be practiced on a regular basis; continually stopping the urine flow may lead to a urinary tract infection. Instead, contract the muscles by imagining that you are stopping the urine flow. Or imagine the pelvic floor has a hammock that you draw up and then release.
Kegels and Sexual Pleasure
If done regularly, kegel exercises can effectively control urinary incontinence. But the effect is subtle, and it may take a while to notice a change. In contrast, there are sexual benefits to kegels, especially if they are performed while having intercourse.
Kegels for Posture and Balance
The interest in core and stability training has sparked an interest in kegel exercise. Since the pelvic floor muscles support your internal organs, they also aid in proper postural alignment and balance. Thus, kegel exercises are used in conjunction with Pilates and balance exercises. Again, the affects may be subtle, but with practice, kegels will improve your ability to activate your deep core muscles while enhancing your posture and dynamic balance.
