Quick Benefits of Kegel Exercise For Women

Discreet, easy, and free, Kegel is a woman’s best friend. Kegel is a pelvic floor exercise that is done by contracting and releasing some of the pelvic floor muscles. These muscles support the bladder, rectum, small intestine and the uterus- some of the most used organs during pregnancy and childbirth. Quite often, urinary or fecal incontinence can arise as a result of childbirth for example and you find yourself leaking a few drops while sneezing or before you can rush to the toilet. Kegel helps tone this muscles and prevent incontinence. Even if you are not pregnant or haven’t recently had a baby, or you have no problems of bladder incontinence, you should still make Kegel exercise a regular part of your exercise routine, to help tone your pelvic muscles. To perform Kegel, you need to identify the necessary muscles. Try urinating, then stop halfway. If you are able to hold the urine halfway, you have found the muscles. Slowly release the muscles and repeat the process, gradually increasing the frequency to at least five times per session. Do not however use Kegel to hold in urine when you have the urge to pee, it could lead to urinary tract infection. Aim to perform at least two to three sets of Kegel per day. This shouldn’t be a problem, as the muscles you are toning are invisible, and the exercise too cannot be viewed by another person. You can perform Kegel anywhere- on your commute to work, in line at the grocery store, during classes, or at your desk. Once you get a hang of the exercise, performing Kegel will become second nature to you. Kegel exercise is also said to increase sexual pleasure and orgasming in women. As you are toning the pelvic floor muscles, you are strengthening the muscles that contract during orgasms, and setting your body up to achieving more satisfactory sexual experiences. Make Kegel exercises a regular part of your day, and in a few months of constant practice, you are bound to feel the changes to your pelvic floor muscles.   About the author: Amina Salau is a writer and editor running The Illuminated Pen. You can find her online at www.theilluminatedpen.com and on Twitter (@_Aminah)