Inspiring Confidence: Pelvic Floor Fitness For Your Clients

Most personal trainers avoid talking about pelvic floor fitness. It feels awkward. Clients get embarrassed. And frankly, many trainers don’t know enough about it.

But here’s the reality. Nearly 1 in 3 women experience pelvic floor dysfunction. That’s your clients. Your friends. Your family members.

And men aren’t immune either. Prostate issues. Heavy lifting. Age. All of these affect male pelvic floor health too.

As a fitness professional, you have the power to change lives. Not just by helping people lose weight or build muscle. But by giving them back their confidence and quality of life.

What Is The Pelvic Floor

Think of your pelvic floor as a hammock of muscles. It stretches from your pubic bone to your tailbone. From one sitting bone to the other.

These muscles support your bladder, bowel, and uterus (in women). They help control when you go to the bathroom. They play a role in sexual function. And they’re crucial for core stability.

When these muscles are weak or tight, problems start. Leaking urine when you cough or sneeze. Urgency that comes out of nowhere. Pain during exercise or intimacy.

Your clients might not tell you about these issues. But they’re dealing with them. And they’re probably avoiding certain exercises because of them.

Why Traditional Fitness Misses The Mark

Most fitness programs ignore the pelvic floor completely. Or they make it worse with inappropriate exercises.

High impact activities. Heavy lifting with poor breathing patterns. Intense core work that increases pressure downward.

These can all stress an already weakened pelvic floor. Your client might be getting stronger everywhere else. But their pelvic floor symptoms are getting worse.

That’s why they stop coming to classes. Why they avoid jumping exercises. Why they seem less confident during workouts.

Signs Your Clients Need Pelvic Floor Help

They avoid trampolines or jumping exercises. They always use the bathroom before working out. They wear dark colored leggings to every session.

They hold their breath during heavy lifts. They complain of lower back pain that doesn’t respond to typical treatments. They seem anxious about certain movements.

These are all red flags. Your client might be struggling with pelvic floor dysfunction. And they’re probably too embarrassed to bring it up.

How To Approach The Topic

Don’t wait for them to mention it. Most people won’t. Start the conversation yourself. But do it professionally and sensitively.

“I notice you avoid jumping exercises. Is there a reason for that?”

“Some of my clients find certain movements uncomfortable. How do you feel during high impact activities?”

“Pelvic floor health is important for everyone. Have you ever had any concerns in that area?”

Make it normal. Make it part of your standard assessment. Just like asking about previous injuries or health conditions.

Basic Pelvic Floor Education

Teach your clients where these muscles are. How they work. Why they matter for overall fitness and health.

Use simple language. Avoid medical jargon. Make it relatable to their daily life and fitness goals.

Explain that pelvic floor muscles are like any other muscles. They can be weak. They can be tight. They need the right balance of strength and flexibility.

Safe Exercise Modifications

Breathing Patterns

Teach proper breathing first. Many people hold their breath during exercise. This increases pressure on the pelvic floor.

Exhale on exertion. Breathe out when you lift the weight. When you jump. When you do a sit up.

This simple change can make a huge difference for someone with pelvic floor issues.

Core Training Modifications

Traditional crunches and sit ups can make pelvic floor problems worse. They increase downward pressure.

Focus on functional core exercises instead. Planks with proper breathing. Dead bugs. Bird dogs. These strengthen the core without stressing the pelvic floor.

High Impact Alternatives

Replace jumping jacks with step touches. Swap burpees for modified versions. Offer low impact options for every high impact exercise.

Your client can still get a great workout. They just need different movements that don’t stress their pelvic floor.

Working With Healthcare Providers

Know your scope of practice. You’re not diagnosing or treating pelvic floor dysfunction. But you can recognize when someone needs professional help.

Build relationships with pelvic floor physiotherapists in your area. Have referral sources ready. Make it easy for clients to get the help they need.

A female personal trainer might find it easier to discuss these topics with female clients. But male trainers can absolutely have these conversations too. It’s about professionalism and creating a safe space.

Creating An Inclusive Environment

Make your gym or training space pelvic floor friendly. Have tissues available. Keep the bathroom close by. Don’t make a big deal if someone needs to step out during a workout.

Offer modifications for every exercise. Don’t single people out. Make it normal to have different options for different bodies and needs.

Whether you’re working as a gym personal trainer or providing online personal training, these principles apply.

Specialized Training Considerations

If you work with specific populations, pelvic floor considerations become even more important.

Pregnant and postpartum women need specialized attention. An NDIS personal trainer working with clients who have disabilities might encounter pelvic floor issues related to their conditions.

Even a boxing personal trainer needs to understand how high impact activities affect the pelvic floor. Especially for female boxers.

Location Specific Considerations

Training in different Melbourne locations might present unique challenges. Beach workouts in St Kilda mean limited bathroom access.

Park sessions in Williamstown require planning for client comfort and privacy.

Indoor training in South Melbourne gyms offers more control over the environment.

Building Client Confidence

When you address pelvic floor health openly and professionally, you give clients permission to talk about it. You normalize their experience. You show them they’re not alone.

This builds incredible trust and loyalty. Clients will stick with a trainer who understands their whole body. Who doesn’t make them feel embarrassed about their challenges.

You become more than just a personal trainer. You become someone who truly cares about their wellbeing and quality of life.

The Ripple Effect

When you help one client with pelvic floor issues, word spreads. They tell their friends. They recommend you to others with similar challenges.

You become known as the trainer who “gets it.” Who creates a safe space for everyone. Who has the knowledge and sensitivity to help with these issues.

This sets you apart in a crowded fitness market. It builds a reputation based on genuine care and expertise.

Continuing Education

Pelvic floor fitness is a specialized area. Consider taking courses or workshops to deepen your knowledge. Partner with healthcare providers to learn more.

The more you know, the better you can serve your clients. And the more confident you’ll feel having these important conversations.

Your clients are counting on you to help them feel strong and confident in their bodies. That includes addressing the parts of fitness that others ignore.

When you do this well, you don’t just transform bodies. You transform lives.

Sources: Knowledge base on writing style and fitness network information