Pelvic Floor Pilates

Why Pelvic Floor Health Matters

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that sit like a hammock at the base of your pelvis. They support your bladder, bowel, and uterus, and play a crucial role in core stability, continence, sexual function, and posture.

When these muscles weaken or become dysfunctional, the effects can be life-altering: stress incontinence (leaking when you cough, sneeze, or exercise), urgency, pelvic organ prolapse, lower back pain, and reduced sexual sensation.

It’s incredibly common – affecting up to 1 in 3 women at some point in their lives – but it’s rarely talked about. Many people simply put up with symptoms, not realising that targeted exercise can make a significant difference.

Who Experiences Pelvic Floor Issues?

After childbirth Pregnancy and birth stretch and weaken the pelvic floor. Recovery doesn’t always happen naturally – targeted rehabilitation makes a real difference. See our pregnancy & postnatal page.

During and after menopause Declining oestrogen levels weaken pelvic floor muscles and reduce tissue elasticity. This is when many women first notice symptoms. See our menopause page.

After gynaecological surgery Hysterectomy, prolapse repair, or other procedures can affect pelvic floor function. Careful, progressive rehabilitation helps restore strength and confidence.

High-impact exercise Runners, jumpers, and CrossFit enthusiasts can develop pelvic floor issues from repeated impact. Pilates offers a way to rebuild without the stress.

How Reformer Pilates Helps Your Pelvic Floor

The Reformer is one of the most effective tools for pelvic floor rehabilitation because it provides spring-based resistance in supported positions. You can work lying down, reducing gravity’s effect on already-weakened muscles, while the springs provide progressive resistance as you strengthen.

Your instructor teaches you proper pelvic floor activation cues – not just “squeeze” but how to engage, release, coordinate with breathing, and integrate with your deep core muscles. The pelvic floor doesn’t work in isolation – it’s part of your deep core system (diaphragm, transversus abdominis, multifidus, and pelvic floor all working together).

With just 4 people per class and the option of completely private 1:1 sessions, you can work on your pelvic floor in a discreet, comfortable environment. Our APPI-qualified instructors have specialist pelvic floor training and understand the sensitivity of these issues.