Question for "over 40" moms who run

[kelownagirl]

Thanks ladies. I've tried to do Kegels on and off since I had kids but I had not heard of the balls in my sheltered life. (Now if I could just summon up the courage to buy some. )

[Tuckervill]

A friend of mine actually went to physical therapy for this. They hooked her up to a biofeedback machine and she learned to work different parts and do the Kegels in different ways.

Karen

[Pika]

Hi Kelownagirl:
You have already received some great advice but I will add in my 2c worth.
I treat ladies for this all the time and there are many products out there other than the balls that you may find better- weighted cones are easy to use and come in a variety of resistances.(don't need to buy them from a sexshop either) Also I agree with Wahine that to be sure you are contracting the right muscles you can try to stop your urine mid stream urine flow BUT I caution you strongly against doing this repeatedly. Do it once to get the feeling then just imagine you are actually doing it.( Your bladder will thank-you).
In your city there are highly trained physios who treat this all the time- they can use biofeedback to help you learn the right muscles to tighten and give you other exercises. pm me and I can give you the name if you are interested. It is really worth it to get specific guidance as most often people have learned different compensations. Women do NOT have to live with this- it is NOT just a part of aging. ( don't let your dr tell you it is!) and you CAN improve with the right exercises - though surgery is still appropriate for some.

[Wahine]

I treat ladies for this all the time and there are many products out there other than the balls that you may find better- weighted cones are easy to use and come in a variety of resistances.(don't need to buy them from a sexshop either) Also I agree with Wahine that to be sure you are contracting the right muscles you can try to stop your urine mid stream urine flow BUT I caution you strongly against doing this repeatedly. Do it once to get the feeling then just imagine you are actually doing it.( Your bladder will thank-you).

Thanks Pika, it's been a loooooonnnnngggg time since I did any course work on this. I'm glad you chimed in and cleared things up.