The Pelvic Floor and the PELVIC FLOOR WORKOUT DVD with FLEXI-BAR

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1 The Pelvic Floor and the PELVIC FLOOR WORKOUT DVD with FLEXI-BAR The pelvic floor is intimately involved in all forms of movement and exercise Pelvic floor disorders have a huge negative impact on patients - physically, psychologically and socially. Even though the prevalence of these conditions is high, many people are reluctant to approach a doctor for treatment. Problems such as faecal and urinary incontinence, constipation and rectal prolapse cause embarrassment and patients feel there is a stigma attached to their problem so they don t seek help and therefore go untreated. It is imperative to understand that the symptoms patients experience are just that symptoms which CAN be treated. Patients are often unaware that there are millions of other sufferers out there. Because they think they are alone in this, they suffer in silence often living a life of isolation - anxious, with low self-esteem and little or no social life. So what is the pelvic floor? The pelvic floor muscles are the foundation for the core of the body. They help stabilize the pelvis, and they support the organs of the lower abdominal cavity, like the bladder and uterus. The pelvic floor muscles, along with the deep muscles of the back and abdomen, form the group of muscles we work when we focus on developing core strength. The Pelvic floor is a network of muscles, ligaments and tissues that act as a hammock to support the organs of the pelvis: the uterus, bladder and rectum. If the system becomes weak, is torn, stretched, damaged, or diseased, the pelvic organs, may shift, bulge and push outward or against each other. As a result, women may suffer from urinary or faecal incontinence or obstruction, constipation, vaginal prolapse, rectal prolapse, vaginal pain, endometriosis, sexual dysfunction and other problems.

2 Understanding the Pelvic Floor Why must we keep the pelvic floor strong? Pelvic floor muscles need regular exercise (like other muscles of body) to retain good muscle tone. If they are not exercised enough they may become strained, stretched and weak and will no longer work effectively. The pelvic floor plays an important role in maintaining urinary and faecal continence. A weak pelvic floor may not provide sufficient support for this process, resulting in leaking of urine on coughing, sneezing, laughing, straining or playing sport. This is known as Stress Incontinence. In some cases, there could also be leakage of faeces, and/or an inability to control the passing of gas from the rectum. Urge incontinence is the loss of urine with an urgent need to pass urine and may also be associated with a weak pelvic floor. In addition, if the pelvic floor muscles are weak, and not working in concert with the muscles of the abdomen and back, structural imbalances that lead to abdominal and back pain, as well as patterns of compensation throughout the body, can occur. Today s rise in obesity and pelvic surgery (e.g. prostatectomies, hysterectomies) has the same weakening effect on pelvic floor muscles and that is why there is a greater need for the use of physiotherapeutic exercise to maintain a healthy pelvic floor. Why do the pelvic floor muscles weaken? Pelvic floor muscles may be weakened by: a) Pregnancy and childbirth b) Continual straining to open the bowels (constipation) c) Persistent heavy lifting d) High impact sporting activities (road running and weight training) e) A chronic cough (e.g. asthma, chronic bronchitis or smoker's cough) f) Obesity g) Inactivity / lack of general fitness h) Changes in hormone levels at menopause i) Pelvic Surgery j) Sports such as bicycling, racing, horseback riding, or water skiing

3 Why should women do pelvic floor exercises? When the pelvic floor muscle weakens, a number of things can happen. A woman may develop urinary or stool incontinence, that is, an inability to control the bladder or bowel. A weak pelvic floor muscle can also lead to poor muscle action during labour and delivery among many other unpleasant implications Sexual dysfunction is also associated with a weakened pelvic floor. Sex for women may be less enjoyable after childbirth as it may lead to weak, loose muscles, decreased nerve supply or conduction. In addition, weakness may allow prolapse of the internal organs ("falling out" feeling): a)the uterus may move downwards through the vagina (prolapse), or b)the bladder may bulge into the front wall of the vagina (cystocele), or c)the rectum may bulge into the back wall of the vagina (rectocele). Healthy back and pelvic floor muscles to assist in labour and delivery. Promotes good posture. Why should men do pelvic floor exercises? Having strong pelvic floor muscles is important for men too. Women have been encouraged to exercise their pelvic floor muscle for decades, but now we understand that it is just as vital for men, and especially for men with specific health issues. Recent research suggests that pelvic floor exercises are highly effective in helping men who have problems developing and sustaining an erection. On top of this, experts believe the exercises can also help improve the quality of orgasm the Impotence Association says the workout may 'increase awareness of sexual sensations and enhance enjoyment'. The exercises strengthen the muscles around the penis, improve the blood supply in the pelvis and thus 'enhance orgasmic sensations by strengthening the pelvic muscles that produce ejaculation by their contraction'. Research has found that: Strong pelvic floor muscles can overcome erectile dysfunction (University of Bristol study, 2004) Pelvic floor exercise can "increase awareness of sexual sensations and enhance enjoyment" (Impotence Association, UK) Pelvic floor exercises can bring a dramatic improvement for men who experience dribbling after urinating (University of Bristol study, 2005) Pelvic floor exercises are strongly recommended for men following a prostatectomy. Research has shown that pelvic floor strengthening can improve sexual function and overcome urinary incontinence. (Moore and others, 2008)

4 The FLEXI-SPORTS Solution The Pelvic Floor and muscles of the core are notoriously hard to engage and stimulate. Although there are currently a number of treatments and therapies for these embarrassing afflictions, ie: Kegels, Weighted Cones and NMS, with varying levels of success and certainly not free of the embarrassing interactions during administration of treatments. It is therefore necessary to find a therapy that is highly effective and time efficient whilst at the same time being gentle, discreet and self-administered. FLEXI-SPORTS develops intelligent training tools and concepts for Fitness, Wellness, Health and Well-being. We are proud to introduce to you the PELVIC FLOOR WORKOUT DVD, clinically proven to stimulate, train and strengthen the Pelvic Floor and surrounding core muscles. The DVD and FLEXI-BAR can be purchased at allowing you to work out in the comfort and privacy of your own home! This PELVIC FLOOR WORKOUT DVD is aimed at everyone (whether male or female) who wants to preventatively or therapeutically exercise their pelvic floor a core muscle group that is often ignored, to our detriment! Scientifically researched, designed and manufactured in Germany from physiotherapeutic aids for serious back and shoulder problems, the FLEXI-BAR gently, yet effectively engages and retrains the core and pelvic floor muscles through vibration training. The Workout in this DVD has been proven to have a positive impact on the following: The pelvic floor after pregnancy Erectile dysfunction Stress and Urge incontinence ( weak bladder ) and its embarrassing complications Body composition Men s and women s sex lives Core strength Some of the painful symptoms caused by Endometriosis

5 The FLEXI-BAR is a multifunctional, 3D training and therapeutic device, which delivers a total body workout, whilst achieving long lasting improvements in overall physical condition. With origins in physiotherapy, the FLEXI-BAR is a highly effective tool for targeted preventative training and enhanced injury rehabilitation. In just 20 to 30 minutes, 2 or 3 times a week! After training with the FLEXI-BAR even once, you will feel just how effective FLEXI-SPORTS tools are. The FLEXI-BAR is the ideal holistic tool for both young and old users who seek to swiftly achieve their goals. Benefits of FLEXI-BAR training: Accelerated Fat Burner Core Strength Training Improved Stability Strengthens Connective Tissue and Muscles Improved Inter and Intra-muscular Coordination Optimisation of Muscle Recruitment Improves Posture Relieves Chronic Back, Shoulder, Neck and Muscular Pain Improved Circulation, Breathing and Thinking Accelerated Joint and Muscle Mobility and Muscle Growth Preventative and Physiotherapeutic Effects Reduced Training Times Visual Feedback whilst Training Effective Therapy ADHD, Scoliosis, Osteoporosis, Arthritis, and Diabetes type 2, among many other conditions Other Titles in the FLEXI-BAR DVD Series are: