Common Mistakes to Avoid When Doing Pelvic Floor Exercises

November 30, 2023

4 mins

Pelvic floor exercises are important for men as they help to strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, rectum, and sexual organs. By doing these exercises regularly, men can improve urinary and bowel control, enhance sexual function, and prevent issues such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. These exercises are crucial for maintaining pelvic health and overall well-being in men.

Doing pelvic floor exercises correctly is extremely important. It can be tough to target the right muscles, and if you're not doing it right, you might not see any benefits. 

Fortunately, we’ve got seven common mistakes you should avoid when doing pelvic floor exercises and tips on how to execute them correctly. We'll show you the proper technique and help you engage those pelvic floor muscles like a pro. When you do it right, you'll maximize the benefits and improve your pelvic health.

Online primary care, right from home.

Speak to board-certified doctors and nurses across the screen.

Get Started

Mistake 1: Incorrect Posture and Technique

Maintaining proper form during pelvic floor exercises is important to ensure that you are effectively targeting the correct muscles and maximizing the benefits of the exercises. Proper form also helps prevent injury and ensures that you are engaging the pelvic floor muscles correctly.

Common mistakes in posture and technique during pelvic floor exercises include:

Holding your breath: Many people tend to hold their breath while performing pelvic floor exercises. This can increase intra-abdominal pressure and make it harder to properly engage the pelvic floor muscles.

Incorrect muscle engagement: It is common for individuals to mistakenly contract other muscles, such as the buttocks or abdominal muscles, instead of the pelvic floor muscles. This can reduce the effectiveness of the exercises.

Pushing down or straining: Some individuals may inadvertently push down or strain while trying to engage the pelvic floor muscles. This can increase pressure on the pelvic floor and potentially worsen existing issues.

Poor body alignment: Incorrect body alignment – such as slouching or arching the back – can affect the effectiveness of the exercises and potentially strain other areas of the body.

Here are some tips for maintaining correct posture during pelvic floor exercises:

Sit or stand tall: Keep your spine in a neutral position, avoiding slouching or arching your back. This ensures proper alignment and engagement of the pelvic floor muscles.

Relax your body: Take deep breaths and relax your body while performing pelvic floor exercises. Avoid any unnecessary tension in your muscles, particularly in your buttocks, thighs, or abdomen.

Focus on the pelvic floor muscles: Be mindful of contracting only the pelvic floor muscles without engaging other muscle groups. Imagine lifting and squeezing the muscles from inside the pelvis, rather than pushing or straining.

Breathe properly: Remember to breathe freely during the exercises. Inhale deeply as you relax your pelvic floor muscles and exhale as you engage and lift them. Avoid holding your breath, as this can interfere with proper engagement.

Mistake 2: Overexertion and Excessive Force

Overexertion during pelvic floor exercises can lead to potential risks and complications. Pushing the muscles too hard or using excessive force can strain the pelvic floor and surrounding structures, causing discomfort, pain, or further weakening of the muscles. It is important to approach these exercises with caution and listen to your body's limits.

There are several signs to look out for that may indicate you are overdoing pelvic floor exercises:

Pain or discomfort: If you experience pain or discomfort during or after pelvic floor exercises, it may be a sign that you are exerting too much force or straining the muscles.

Increased urinary urgency or frequency: Overexertion can lead to increased urinary urgency or frequency, where you feel the need to urinate more frequently than usual or have a sudden urge to urinate.

Difficulty emptying the bladder: Excessive force can interfere with the normal function of the bladder, causing difficulty in fully emptying it.

Muscle fatigue or weakness: If you notice muscle fatigue or weakness in the pelvic floor muscles during or after exercising, it may indicate that you have pushed them too hard.

Here are some guidelines to ensure appropriate force and intensity during pelvic floor exercises:

Start gradually: Begin with gentle contractions and gradually increase the intensity and duration as your muscles become stronger. It's important to give your muscles time to adapt and avoid overexertion.

Avoid straining: Do not push or strain excessively during pelvic floor exercises. Remember that the goal is to engage and strengthen the muscles, not to force them.

Pay attention to feedback from your body: Listen to your body and pay attention to any discomfort or pain. If you experience any signs of overexertion, take a break and reduce the intensity of the exercises. It's important to find a balance that challenges your muscles without causing strain or discomfort.

Mistake 3: Neglecting Rest and Recovery

Rest days are essential for allowing your body – including the pelvic floor muscles – to recover and repair. Just like any other muscle in the body, the pelvic floor muscles need time to rest and rebuild after exercise. Rest days also help prevent overtraining, which can lead to muscle fatigue, decreased performance, and an increased risk of injury.

Neglecting rest and recovery can have several risks:

Muscle fatigue and decreased function: Without proper rest, the pelvic floor muscles can become fatigued, resulting in decreased muscle tone and strength. This can hinder the effectiveness of your pelvic floor exercises and potentially worsen existing issues.

Increased risk of injury: Overtraining and inadequate recovery increase the risk of injury to the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures. Pushing the muscles too hard without allowing for adequate rest can lead to strain, pain, and other complications.

Decreased motivation and enjoyment: Constantly pushing yourself without giving your body time to rest can lead to physical and mental burnout. This can decrease motivation and enjoyment of the exercises, making it more challenging to maintain a regular routine.

Here are some suggestions for incorporating rest periods into your pelvic floor exercise routine:

Schedule regular rest days: Plan specific days in your exercise routine dedicated solely to rest and recovery. This allows your pelvic floor muscles time to recuperate and rebuild.

Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body feels and adjust your exercise routine accordingly. If you feel fatigued or notice any discomfort or pain, it may be a sign that you need to take a break and allow for adequate rest.

Alternate intensity: Instead of performing intense pelvic floor exercises every day, consider alternating between high-intensity and low-intensity exercises. This allows for active recovery and gives your muscles a chance to recover while still engaging in gentle movements.

Focus on overall wellness: Remember that rest and recovery involve more than just taking a break from exercising. Engage in activities that promote overall wellness, such as getting enough sleep, practicing relaxation techniques, and nourishing your body with a balanced diet.

Mistake 4: Lack of Consistency

Consistent pelvic floor exercise practice is essential for reaping the full benefits of these exercises. Regular and consistent practice allows the pelvic floor muscles to strengthen and maintain their tone over time. Consistency also helps prevent issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and sexual health problems.

There can be several reasons for inconsistent behavior when it comes to pelvic floor exercises. Some common reasons include lack of motivation, forgetfulness, competing priorities, or not seeing immediate results. To overcome these barriers, consider the following strategies:

Set goals: Set clear and achievable goals for your pelvic floor exercise routine. Having specific goals can help keep you motivated and focused on the long-term benefits.

Create reminders: Use reminders such as alarms, calendar notifications, or smartphone apps to remind yourself to perform your exercises. This can help combat forgetfulness and ensure that you are consistent with your routine.

Prioritize self-care: Recognize the importance of pelvic floor health and prioritize it as a part of your overall self-care routine. By realizing the benefits and impact on your overall well-being, you may be more motivated to make pelvic floor exercises a regular practice.

Find accountability partners: Engage a friend, partner, or fitness professional who can hold you accountable and provide support in maintaining consistency. This can be done through regular check-ins, shared exercise routines, or even participating in pelvic floor exercise classes together.

Here are some recommendations for establishing a regular exercise routine for your pelvic floor:

Start small and gradually increase: Begin with a manageable and realistic exercise routine, and gradually increase the frequency and duration of your exercises as your muscles strengthen. This helps prevent burnout or feeling overwhelmed by starting with too much too soon.

Schedule dedicated exercise time: Set aside specific times in your daily or weekly schedule for pelvic floor exercises. Treat these times as non-negotiable appointments with yourself. Consistency is key, so prioritize these exercise sessions.

Make it enjoyable: Find ways to make your pelvic floor exercises enjoyable. Incorporate activities that you enjoy or try different variations of pelvic floor exercises to keep things interesting. This can help improve your motivation and consistency.

Be flexible and adaptable: Recognize that life can sometimes get in the way of your exercise routine. If you miss a session or have to adjust your schedule, don't be discouraged. Accept that setbacks happen and focus on getting back on track rather than dwelling on missed sessions.

Mistake 5: Focusing Only on One Type of Exercise

There are different types of pelvic floor exercises that target the pelvic floor muscles in varying ways. These include Kegel exercises, pelvic floor relaxation exercises, and functional exercises that involve incorporating the pelvic floor muscles into movement patterns. Each type of exercise has its own benefits and focuses on different aspects of pelvic floor health and function.

Incorporating various types of pelvic floor exercises into your routine offers several benefits. It helps ensure that all aspects of pelvic floor health, such as strength, flexibility, coordination, and relaxation, are addressed. 

Diversifying your exercises also challenges the muscles in different ways, promoting overall muscle balance and reducing the risk of overuse or imbalances. Furthermore, it can make your routine more interesting and engaging, improving adherence and long-term consistency.

Here are some suggestions for diversifying your pelvic floor exercise routine:

Kegel exercises: These exercises involve contracting and holding the pelvic floor muscles. Vary the duration and intensity of the contractions to challenge the muscles in different ways.

Pelvic floor relaxation exercises: These exercises focus on consciously relaxing and releasing the pelvic floor muscles. Practice deep breathing and consciously releasing tension in the pelvic floor muscles to promote relaxation and flexibility.

Functional exercises: Incorporate the pelvic floor muscles into functional movements such as squats, lunges, or bridges. Engaging the pelvic floor muscles during these movements helps strengthen them in a practical and functional way.

Yoga or Pilates: Participate in yoga or Pilates classes that include poses or exercises specifically targeting the pelvic floor muscles. These practices often emphasize core strength and stabilization, which includes the pelvic floor muscles.

By diversifying your pelvic floor exercise routine, you can ensure that all aspects of pelvic floor health are addressed, promote muscle balance, and make your routine more enjoyable and effective in the long run.

Mistake 6: Unrealistic Expectations

Managing expectations is important when it comes to pelvic floor exercises. It's essential to understand that results may vary from person to person, and it takes time and consistent effort to see significant improvements in pelvic floor strength and function. Unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration, discouragement, and even giving up on the exercises altogether.

Setting realistic goals and timelines is crucial for maintaining motivation and staying on track. Start by setting achievable goals based on your current abilities and gradually increase the difficulty or intensity as you progress. Remember that progress is individual and can vary. Avoid comparing your journey to others and focus on your own progress and improvements.

Celebrating progress, no matter how small, is essential for maintaining motivation and staying positive. Acknowledge and celebrate even the slightest improvements or milestones in your pelvic floor health. This could be recognizing increased control over your pelvic floor muscles, decreased frequency of urinary leakage, or improved sexual function. Be proud of your efforts and the progress you have made, no matter how small it may seem.

Remember that pelvic floor exercises are a long-term commitment, and it's important to be patient, kind to yourself, and celebrate each step forward. With consistent effort and realistic expectations, you can gradually improve your pelvic floor health and overall well-being.

Mistake 7: Not Seeking Professional Guidance

Seeking professional guidance for pelvic floor exercises can be incredibly valuable. Healthcare providers and pelvic floor therapists have the knowledge and expertise to assess your specific needs, provide personalized advice, and guide you through proper technique and progression. They can address any concerns or specific conditions you may have and tailor an exercise program to suit your individual needs.

Not seeking professional guidance for pelvic floor exercises may pose risks. Without proper guidance, you may unintentionally perform exercises incorrectly, use incorrect techniques, or apply excessive force, leading to potential strain, discomfort, or worsening of existing pelvic floor issues. Additionally, certain conditions or underlying factors may require specific modifications or precautions in your exercise routine, which a professional can help identify.