What are hypopressives and how do they support core strength training?
Hypopressives are a series of exercises, postures and breathing techniques designed to strengthen your pelvic floor, your core and improve your posture.
The exercises are brought into a short, flowing routine that’s easy to fit into your day.
From back pain to a hernia, or a weak pelvic floor, our bodies take the wear and tear of a busy life. A build-up of injury and imbalance can hold you back from exercising, having fun with your family, or even doing everyday things like running for a bus or catching your child when they fall.
Hypopressives offer a solution!
Would hypopressives work for me?
Chances are, yes! Everybody can benefit from hypopressives because they are all about retraining your core muscles to work as they were designed to. However, they can be particularly helpful to people in the following groups:
Those suffering from a pelvic floor disorder such as incontinence, sexual dysfunction or prolapse, or those wanting to prevent any of these from happening.
If you are looking to strengthen your core, without causing unwanted and problematic pressure to your pelvic floor.
Women who want to prepare their bodies for pregnancy or recover pelvic floor strength after giving birth.
Anyone looking to decrease their waist size, improve posture, flatten your abdominals, improve circulation or improve athletic performance.
How do hypopressives differ from other exercises?
The term ‘HYPOpressive’ refers to decrease or reduction in pressure, whereas most traditional exercises, including abdominal exercises are HYPERpressive – they increase internal pressure in our bodies.
The thing about pressure though is that it will find your weakest spot. That’s why pressure caused from injury, too much training, or having a baby can lead to urinary incontinence, hernias and even pelvic organ prolapse. And often traditional exercise techniques cannot help because they rely on conscious muscle contraction.
The core is designed to work at a subconscious level, so it can be effective throughout daily life, not just when you are exercising. It needs to kick into action if you have to suddenly run for a bus, or swoop in to pick up your child when they fall over. It needs to work without you thinking about it.
Hypopressive exercises reduce internal pressure in the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic areas of the body. They re-programme your core muscles, which are vital to managing pressure both consciously and subconsciously, and they increase the resting tone and involuntary function of those muscles.
In other words, the core, including the pelvic floor, starts to work again as it was designed to – without you having to think about it.
Who are hypopressives not suitable for?
Hypopressives need to be modified if you are pregnant. You should not practice if you suffer from hypertension or have an inguinal or umbilical hernia. We may still be able to help you though, so do speak to us if you have questions.
How can I learn hypopressives?
It’s important to learn from a qualified hypopressives instructor. On average it takes roughly 6 hours of 1-1 training to learn the level 1 routine and master the breathing, Ideally, lessons would be spread out 1 week apart.
Here at our Cambridgeshire clinic,, Claire Forrester offers hypopressives training. Why not get in touch to find out how it can support you?