Pelvic Floor - Is lifting weights safe?
Please remember the advice we give is general and not meant to be used as a substitute for professional medical or health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you want specific advice then please seek help from your doctor or local physio. As outlined in the video we highly recommend seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist if you experience pelvic floor symptoms.
You may be concerned about the safety of lifting weights and resistance training on your pelvic floor, or you may experience pelvic floor related conditions such as
pelvic pain,
stress incontinence (leaking with physical activity or movement) or
pelvic organ prolapse (often associated with bulging/heaviness in the pelvic area). Whilst lifting weights can sometimes bring on symptoms, it’s important to recognise that it’s likely the magnitude of the exercise (i.e. the weight, range of motion etc) exceeding the current tolerance level of your pelvic floor muscles, and not resistance training itself that is the issue. Everyone benefits from resistance training so we want to help you modify exercise so that you are comfortable and can continue!
The videos below outline:
- Current evidence on safety and efficacy of weight training on pelvic floor health
- Modifications for your exercises to better suit your circumstance
- Processes to help you make decisions when exercising with pelvic floor issues
Is lifting weight safe for your pelvic floor?
What is the pelvic floor and how can we strengthen it?
Summary
As outlined in the video, we highly recommend seeing a pelvic health physiotherapist if you experience pelvic floor symptoms.