Pelvic floor training

[Mildred313]

Has anyone got any experience of the MuTu or Holistic Core Restore fitness programmes? A friend of mine has recommended the HCR for strengthening the pelvic floor using dynamic functional exercises rather than just basic pelvic floor reps. It sounds really interesting but also rather expensive 😬 I’ve seen MuTu come up in google searches at half the price but I can’t find any comparison reviews online.
I’m having some leaking issues and I don’t want to just settle for wearing pads. I’m hoping to do a lot of skipping to get CV fit while stuck at home with the kids so I’m thinking strengthening my PF has to be my first step. Are either of these programmes worth investing in??

If you have pelvic floor issues then do not do skipping! You need to avoid high impact exercises like skipping, jumping, star jumps, burpees. Also be careful with planks, push ups, crunches, heavy weights. All put a lot of pressure on your pv. I would look for a decent physio or Pilates Instructer. Not some bloke down the gym but someone who has an understanding of pelvic floor issues and can tailor the exercises accordingly for you.

Go to your GP and have a chat. Ours has a self-referral service for pelvic floor problems, you have to go to a group session first where they talk you through the exercises etc. but if they aren't successful you can just call them directly and the physio will see you separately.

Thanks, I’ve completed a self referral to the physio today so hopefully I’ll get an appointment within the next few months. @PigeonofDoom do you happen to know the reasoning behind avoiding high impact activities? Is it because putting pressure on a week PF will guarantee wetting myself, or because it will actually have a detrimental effect on the muscles? If I can work on my PF whilst wearing pads for a while for CV then I’m happy to do that if there’s no detrimental effect. I’ve got a mountain biking event in 4 months which I want to get a lot fitter for. Only problem is my hubby is away during the week so I can’t get out on my bike to train. Skipping seems like a good cv exercise that will help with toning biking muscles - hence my keenness to start skipping!!

It’s the effect on your muscles, ligaments and the organs they are supporting- you put a lot of strain on them. I have had treatment for a prolapse and you are told to avoid high impact exercise. If you’re wetting yourself whilst doing it it’s an indication that it’s not good! Your physio might be able to get you a silicone support you can insert when doing high impact exercise. Until then, could you get a turbo trainer? Cycling is just the ticket!

Thanks for the voice of experience @PigeonofDoom. I guess patience is going to have to be my virtue 😏. Unfortunately a turbo trainer isn’t an option, it would have been a perfect solution.

Look up NHS pelvic floor exercises to get started on right away.