What's the Deal with Kegels and Should We Be Doing them RN?

Should we be doing Kegels right now? Quick answer: Yes.

These exercises train and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Many things can weaken these muscles and there are myriad motivators for working them out, some sexy, some not-so-sexy – all important.

Sexy reasons for doing Kegels:

• PCs are the muscles that contract when you climax; strengthening these muscles can result in a more intense orgasm.
• Strengthening your PC muscles can also allow for a tighter “grip” during sex, which will enhance pleasure for all parties.

Not-so-sexy reasons for doing Kegels:

• The pelvic floor muscles support your urethra, bladder, uterus, and rectum.
• These exercises can improve and maintain bowel and bladder functions (i.e.: help you avoid incontinence).

How to do Kegels:

• You know the muscles that contract when you need to pee, but you have to hold it? These are the PC muscles – the ones you’ll be training and strengthening. Try stopping your urination mid-stream. Got it? Congrats! You’ve found the right pelvic floor muscles for the journey ahead!
• There are various types of Kegel exercises from quick bursts of muscle contractions while lying down, to adding this PC muscle training to other exercises in your workout regime. There are even special devices designed to aid in your quest.
• While tightening the muscles is very important here, it is equally important to focus on the muscle release – the goal, after all, is muscle flexibility!
• Experts suggest doing these exercises multiple times a week for best results with at least three sets of 10 repetitions a day.

More advice on strengthening your pelvic floor:

The Buff Muff: Tips on Strengthening your Pelvic Floor