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-to-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.