What activities can I still do while I strengthen up my pelvic area? Are swimming and OK to do?
Cycling and swimming are absolutely perfect! I like cycling because it forces you to hinge at the hips and extend/lift your chest, which draws all of your fascia and connective tissue up (this brings our pelvic organs to an elevated position as well). And swimming is a great exercise because it is non-impact and emphasizes extension (I have a blog entry specifically on swimming!).
So go for it! Your desire to be more active will only help your pelvic floor strength as long as you are conscious of your posture and are consistent with doing core stabilization exercises that are found on the Hab It DVD. One more note – if you like to walk or run, it is okay to work these activities into your week as well. Build your time/distance slowly and your body will adapt to the stresses that you place on it.
Most of what I read here seems to be geared towards post partum prolapse happening with younger people. I am 65, have a cystocele and rectocele, stage 1-2. I have been told that Kegels do NOT help, esp with rectoceles. PLEASE advise me as I am thinking of purchasing your DVD. Thank you, Sierra
I’m 61 and discovered Cyctocele and rectocele a year ago. Have been doing Tasha’s kegels (they DO help!) and Hab-it DVD as well as using estrogen cream and taking vitamin D3. My 2-3 is now 1-2. My Dr. told me kegels would not help. Not true. The tone and strength of my entire pelvic floor is much improved and even when I overdo things and have a bad day or two I now know what to do to recover. I’ll admit that the kegels have had little direct effect on the rectocele, but the overall improved muscle tone and body awareness are key to controlling and managing the condition.
Sierra,
I say with confidence that the information on the Hab It dvd WILL make a difference. A difference in your knowledge about your body, a difference in your posture, a difference in recognizing how all the muscles of your pelvic basket work together and assist one another, and a difference in knowing how to contract those muscles both individually and as a group. I encourage you to not only get the dvd and begin a consistent exercise program, but to also read through past blogs to assist your understanding of how you can better support your body.
-Tasha
Dear Tasha & Desertdweller: Thank you both so much for answering my inquiry. I do not get online much, so I am just now reading these. I bought the Hab It DVD, Tasha, and I am jaw-dropped at your wonderful educational segments, and at these exercises. I have just begun them today. I am so happy that I ordered it, and I thank you both so much for helping me with the above blogs. I will keep you posted as I continue to do the exercises. I will also visit the site more often, and also read past blogs, as you suggest, Tasha. Thank you, Sierra
So happy to help Sierra. Continue to ask questions and share as you build strength. It will not only help you but will also help so many other women.
-Tasha
Thank you, Tasha. I will keep exercising and keep blogging. smile. Sierra
I haven’t been on here for awhile because I got a tummy virus/bug and was super ill for 8 days. I am just feeling ‘normal’ again. I haven’t been able to do the DVD, but I plan to start again today or tomorrow. Everything stops when becoming ill. I am happy for this site, and for the DVD. Sierra