How to do kegel exercises

Kegel exercises are done by squeezing the muscles in the pelvic floor and holding for short periods of time. To begin you need to:

·         Find the right muscles. One way to isolate the right muscle is by trying to stop the flow of urine the next time you go to the bathroom. The muscle you use to do that is the muscle you should engage while doing a Kegel. Another way to test is to put your finger into your vagina and try to squeeze it. Don’t be afraid to ask your gynecologist for help if you’re having a hard time finding the right muscle. The key is to isolate these pelvic floor muscles and use them alone. It’s easy to squeeze the muscles in the buttocks and abdomen at the same time, so pay attention to your body and make sure you’re working the right muscle.

·         Start slow and build up. If you’re new to Kegel exercise, start slow. Squeeze your pelvic muscle and hold for two to four seconds, then relax. Try to repeat 5 to 10 times. As this exercise gets easier, you can hold for longer periods of time and do increased repetitions.

·         Do your Kegels regularly: Once you have the technique down, you can do Kegel exercises any time and any place that you like. For instance, you could do a set every time you check your e-mail, or when you’re waiting for the bus, or stuck in traffic.