Noticing leakage? What you need to know about doing 'yoga' for your pelvic floor

Looking for a long-term solution to leakage when you run or jump? Then try hypopressives, a flowing routine designed to re-programme your core muscles and increase their resting tone

AND HOLD: The hypopressive breathing technique generates a noticeable abdominal draw-in of the entire abdominal wall and expansion of the rib cage. Picture: iStock 

Building stronger glutes and biceps, quads and core are what we think about when we hit the gym. But what about the muscles of the pelvic floor? Essential for our wellbeing, these undervalued muscles stretch from the pubic bone at the front to the tailbone at the back and act as part of a 'hammock' comprising ligaments and fascia that support the bladder and bowel within the pelvis and the spine. 

Women are more likely to experience pelvic floor issues due to the stresses and strains of pregnancy and childbirth, while menopause means they are prone to noticing tell-tale signs of weakness. That leakage when you cough or jump? It’s often a sign your pelvic muscles need some work.