Why is it so important to choose a personal trainer who is conscious of your pelvic floor?

It is important because your pelvic floor can have either a positive or a negative reaction to your workouts depending on the exercises you perform and how you execute them. Your personal trainer will be on charge of these crucial details.

When you chose a personal trainer whose workout is agreeable to your pelvic floor you will not only enjoy the far-reaching benefits of exercise, but exercise becomes a great contributor for creating strength in your pelvis.

If your pelvic floor is not in agreement with the workout however, bladder control issues and prolapse (or the vaginal descent of the pelvic organs) can be initiated or aggravated.

It is a reasonable expectation to exercise AND have your undies dry AND your pelvic organs remain inside your body.

You want a personal trainer who is fully equipped to ensure that these expectations are realised.

Does she/he care? 

First, look for evidence that she or he is seeking to determine your risk of pelvic floor dysfunction during your pre-exercise consultation. Being at risk would point to a more cautionary approach of building your sessions gradually, ensuring that your pelvic floor is keeping up rather than taking a full, head-first dive into blood, sweat and tears.

You can sense if the trainer is measuring your risk by the questions you are being asked during your initial chat.

You may not be asked all of the following questions, but you should feel confident by the end of your consultation with your potential trainer that she or he has generally established your most suitable starting point in your exercise plan which factors in your pelvic floor too.

• Are you pregnant?
• Are you breastfeeding?
• Have you given birth in the last year?
• Are you a mother?
• How many children do you have?
• Have you had twins, babies over 4kg, forceps/vacuum delivery, 3rd/4th degree perineal tearing, episiotomy, avulsion of your pelvic floor muscles.
• Do you have any abdominal separation?
• What was your age when you had your first child?
• Are you menopausal or postmenopausal?
• Are you presently experiencing any pelvic floor dysfunction (bladder/bowel control issues or prolapse)?
• Do you have any pelvic tumours (e.g.: cysts/fibroids)?
• Have you had a hysterectomy?
• Have you had pelvic floor repair surgery?
• Do you have asthma or hay fever?
• Does your job involve repetitive heavy lifting?
• Do you have a history of athletic performance?
• Do you have a history of constipation?
• Do you experience any pain in your pelvic floor, spasm, throbbing, difficulty emptying your bladder/bowels or inserting a tampon?

Is she/he qualified enough to train you?

Before you hire a personal trainer it is also a good idea to ask if she or he has completed any courses which are specific to women’s fitness.

You can get stronger in your pelvic floor for your workouts

If your pelvic floor is making you drop out of exercise or if you lose bladder or bowel control during your workouts join my Ultimate Pelvic Floor Exercises and Strategies Course and put a stop to it. Missing out on the precious benefits of exercise because of pelvic floor weakness is unfair and unacceptable.