I first learned about kegels in middle school health class, when any talk about vaginas caused both intrigue and giggles. My girlfriends and I thought it was hilarious to look at one another and say, "I'm doing one right now," then burst into laughter. But no information from middle school can run it's course without being involved in a few rumors, and kegels are no different. Even as an adult, you may believe some myths about kegels that you never realized had no substance to back them up. It's time to set the record straight and understand just how powerful doing kegels can be.
Simply put, kegel exercise strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which has more benefits than you may realize, according to Mayo Clinic Additionally, there are many factors can weaken your pelvic floor muscles, including pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, aging, excessive straining from constipation or chronic coughing, and being overweight," so keeping those muscles strong will help you avoid unwanted symptoms such as incontinence. This valuable set of muscles is one you want to keep toned up and understand in whole.
To understand why it's so important to give your pelvic floor a workout, check out these seven myths about kegels that you don't need to believe anymore.
Myth #1: Only Women Can (And Should) Do Kegels
These little squeezes aren't just for the ladies, men can get in on the kegel action too. As Mayo Clinic pointed out, kegels have benefits for men, such as strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and bowel and affect sexual function.
Myth #2: They're Easy To Do
According to the website for Pelvic Floor First, "the pelvic floor muscles are complicated muscles which are hard to isolate." Meaning it's not as easy to do as some people may believe.
Myth #3: Kegels Don't Do Anything
It's hard to imagine strengthening a muscle you can't see, but that doesn't mean there are worthless. As Healthline pointed out, both men and women can benefit from regularly doing kegel exercises to make their pelvic floor stronger.
Myth #4: There's Only One Way To Do A Kegel
Just like most other exercises, you can put a spin on kegels to mix up the way it's done. Take a look at these nine different way to do kegels, that Cosmopolitan magazine recommended and you'll never be bored of your pelvic floor workout.
Myth #5: Women Only Need Them After Birth
True, your muscles will go through a workout when you deliver a baby, but that recovery isn't the only time women should focus on kegels. As the website for Everyday Health reported, "as we age, our muscles tend to loose tone and become weaker, and the vaginal muscles are not exempt." So keeping the pelvic floor strong is always in season.
Myth #6: Kegels Only Help With Bladder Issues
Although kegels do pack quite a punch in the bladder department, that isn't their only superpower. According to the American Pregnancy Association's website, kegels can help pregnant women minimize hemorrhoids.
Myth #7: They're Purely For Health
This muscle strengthener isn't just all work, there's some play involved too. As Women's Health magazine pointed out, doing consistent kegels can help you have better orgasms.
