eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Do Kegel exercises (for women)

Member
By WesleyJ
User-Submitted Article
(22 Ratings)
stretching before doing her kegels
stretching before doing her kegels

The Kegel exercise is named after Dr Arnold Kegel. The exercise consist of contracting and relaxing muscles which form an important part of the pelvic floor. Here is a breakdown of how to do this exercise.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Time to concentrate
  • Anyplace you feel comfortable
  • A little energy
  1. Step 1

    What are Kegels?

    Kegel exercises are one of the best ways to strengthen pelvic muscles naturally. It has many benefits for women with no negative side effects. All you need is a little time and concentration. It can also be done anywhere (I'll explain in the later steps)

  2. Step 2

    Locate your pelvic muscles (aka PC muscles)

    To find your pelvic muscles, first lie on your back. Squeeze the muscles around the vagina and anus. These are the same muscles you use to hold in urine and feces. It's just using those muscles except without the task connected with it.

    Tip: Imagine that muscle like a fist. Just as you clench your fist, clench those muscles.
    Note: This muscle is also known as the PC muscle (Pubococcygeus muscle)

  3. Step 3

    Training your pelvic muscles. Part one. 3-5 times a day.

    In the first part of the workout, do 3-6 sets of 25 repetitions. These repetitions should be short (1 sec hold).

    Tips to remember:
    a repetition = clench muscles, release muscle (that's ONE, not two)
    a set = a certain amount of repetitions, such as 3 sets of 25 repetitions is 25 reps, short rest, then 25 reps, short rest, and final 15 reps (in this case you've done 75 total repetitions over the 3 set length)

    You can do more sets if you feel able enough. When you believe you can easily do 6 sets of 25 reps, continue to the next step.

  4. Step 4

    Training your pelvic muscles. Part two. 2-4 times a day

    In the second part of the workout, do 3-6 sets of 12-15 repetitions. Work your way up to 25 repetitions. These repetitions should be LONGER (10-12 second holds a piece)

    It's okay if you can't accomplish all of the sets in one sitting. Your body is amazing! With practice, you will reach your goal. All you have to do is be persistent and believe in yourself.
    When you've master this step, continue to the next step.

  5. Step 5

    Fun time training. Part three. As much as you want (without getting tired), whenever you want.

    CONGRATULATIONS! You've completed the first two parts of the workout with flying colors. Now's the fun part. Stop counting and making it a chore. You're a master now. So mix it up. What do I mean?
    Do some short 1 sec reps, do some 10 sec reps, or even try to do some 30 sec reps, the choice is yours. Just practice.
    The fun part is: you've accomplished the fundamentals. The process of tightening these muscles has become second-nature.

  6. Step 6

    Do these exercises ANYWHERE, EVERYWHERE

    These exercises always are beneficial. Since no one can see you do them, and you don't need a specific amount of space, do them EVERYWHERE. Do it when you're waiting to pick up the kids. Do it when you're running errands. You can even do them when you're watching TV.

    Best part is: You're getting stronger, and no one has to even see you work those muscles out. Now let's look at the great benefits.

  7. Step 7
    page protected by copyscape
    page protected by copyscape

    Benefits of Great Kegel workouts

    Your hard work will lead to
    - stronger muscles (less chance of "accidents")
    - support for your organs will be better, especially the ones close to the pelvis
    - Stronger back and stomach
    - Increased sexuality
    - Stronger Orgasms
    - Better Sexual Experience
    - Better self-image

Tips & Warnings
  • Breathe properly when doing these exercises
  • Do these exercises during sex for an interesting new experience. May become very enjoyable
  • Kegel can be done by both men and women
  • If you have problems or concerns with pelvic muscles, do these exercises first before ever considering medicine or surgery to correct ailments.

Comments  

| View All 7 Comments

shyfun said

Flag This Comment

on 5/6/2009 This is an excellent article; I linked it.

Susang6 said

Flag This Comment

on 10/25/2008 very interesting, and written like an expert!

bar10dr98 said

Flag This Comment

on 10/24/2008 Great advice, thanks!

Flag This Comment

on 10/24/2008 Very important info.

StacyP said

Flag This Comment

on 10/24/2008 Very detailed info. Awesome article!

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Get Free Sports & Fitness Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Sports and Fitness
eHow_eHow Sports and Fitness