Most people have this question when they try to do the Kegel exercise (Kegels) – just how do I know if I’m doing it right?
Kegel exercise can be extremely elusive and difficult to do it right because it involves internal muscles which we can’t see, but very beneficial when done correctly.
Read our definitive guide by qualified Women’s Health Physiotherapists on the Do’s and Don’ts and find out if you are doing it right below:
What to do?
To begin this exercise, you first have to make sure that you know which muscle to contract.
- Think of the inner movement you would use to control the passing of gas or to hold back bowel movement.
- Now, squeeze the ring of muscles around your vagina and rectum as you would in those situations. These are your pelvic floor muscles.
- Hold for 5 seconds, then release for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times.
This forms the basics of your Kegel exercise routine.
What NOT to do?
Pelvic Floor Exercise a.k.a Kegel exercise can be quite tricky to get right. That’s why it is equally important that we know what we should not be doing when we attempt Kegels.
The feeling of contracting the pelvic floor can be quite faint to the untrained person and you might be engaging other muscles instead of your pelvic floor. Here are some common mistakes that people make when doing pelvic floor exercise that you should avoid.
1. Do NOT squeeze your buttocks or thighs.
If you feel your buttocks or thighs tensing up, consciously release the tension.
Your glutes (buttocks) and thighs should be relaxed when training your pelvic floor.
2. Do NOT suck in your tummy
Your tummy / abdominal area should be relaxed throughout.
Rest your hands on your belly, if you feel abdomen going inwards, relax your abdomen and contract only your pelvic floor.
3. Do NOT hold your breath
Make sure to maintain a steady and calm breathing pace.
If you find yourself holding your breath when training your pelvic floor, try to work towards breathing smoothly.
How should it feel like?
When you do it correctly, you should feel a tightening or upward pulling in your vagina. Additionally, you might feel a slight tingling sensation.
If you feel a downward push, STOP immediately as you may be straining and causing harm to your pelvic floor.
If you feel unsure, don’t worry. Pelvic floor exercises can sometimes be a little confusing.
Still feeling lost?
It happens. Kegels is definitely not easy to do without initial guidance.
Join KegelX™ – the first-ever group class designed to help you do Kegels correctly with the guidance of certified Women’s Health Physiotherapists as your clinically qualified Instructor.
Come and experience your first KegelX™ class today! Eliminate the guesswork on how to do Kegel exercise correctly once and for all.
For class schedule, contact us via FB message or WhatsApp/Call 011-5938 5962.