Pelvic Floor Myths Busted: What Everyone Should Know

When people hear the words pelvic floor, they often assume it's only something women need to think about after having children. According to Debbie Johnson, founder of Pilates in Bridgwater, that's one of the biggest misconceptions she hears.

With decades of experience teaching functional Pilates, Debbie has helped people of all ages improve strength, confidence and movement by focusing on the body's true foundation – the pelvic floor.

Here, she busts some of the most common myths and explains why looking after your pelvic floor is important for everyone.

Myth 1: Pelvic floor exercises are only for women

One of the biggest myths Debbie regularly hears is that pelvic floor training is exclusively for women.

The reality is that everyone has a pelvic floor.

For men, these muscles play an important role in prostate health, bladder control, sexual function and supporting the lower back. Joseph Pilates himself developed his method around strengthening the body's deep internal support system for both men and women.

A healthy pelvic floor benefits everyone, regardless of age or gender.

Myth 2: If you have problems, just do more Kegels

Many people believe that squeezing the pelvic floor harder is always the answer.

Debbie explains that this simply isn't true.

Muscles that remain constantly switched on can become overactive, tight and dysfunctional. This can actually increase discomfort and create further problems rather than solving them.

A healthy pelvic floor needs balance.

It should be strong enough to support your body but also flexible enough to completely relax when needed. That's why Debbie's functional Pilates approach focuses on movement, breathing, coordination and full range of motion rather than endless squeezing.

Myth 3: Bladder leaks are just part of getting older

Many people accept leaking as an unavoidable part of ageing.

Debbie disagrees.

While urinary leakage is certainly common, it should never simply be accepted as "normal."

Like any other muscle group, the pelvic floor can be strengthened, retrained and improved at almost any stage of life.

This is one of the reasons many of Debbie's clients have stayed with her for years. Maintaining pelvic floor strength allows them to continue walking, exercising, laughing, lifting and enjoying everyday life with confidence.

Myth 4: You only need to think about your pelvic floor after pregnancy

Pregnancy can certainly place extra demands on the pelvic floor, but it's far from the only cause of dysfunction.

High-impact exercise, running, heavy lifting with poor technique, persistent coughing, chronic stress and even holding your breath during daily activities can all affect how these muscles work.

The pelvic floor forms part of your body's deep core system. Ideally, it activates automatically before you move your arms or legs, providing stability and support without you even thinking about it.

Myth 5: Pilates is just about getting a flat stomach

Pilates is often misunderstood as simply an abdominal workout.

Debbie's teaching goes far beyond chasing a six-pack.

Traditional abdominal exercises, particularly repeated crunches, can place excessive downward pressure on the pelvic floor if performed incorrectly.

Her functional Pilates classes combine the precision of Classical Pilates with the latest understanding of modern movement science. Every exercise is designed to strengthen the body from the inside out, creating an "internal lift" that supports the entire core, not just the visible muscles.

The Power of Breath

One of Debbie's favourite teaching points surprises many new clients.

"The best way to wake up your pelvic floor isn't by gripping your glutes," Debbie explains.

"It's through your breath. Your diaphragm and pelvic floor move together like a piston. If you aren't breathing properly, you aren't fully activating your pelvic floor."

Learning how to breathe effectively can transform how your core functions and improve posture, stability, movement and confidence in everyday life.

Discover the Difference Functional Pilates Can Make

Whether you're recovering after pregnancy, experiencing bladder leaks, wanting to improve your core strength, or simply looking after your long-term health, understanding your pelvic floor is one of the best investments you can make.

Debbie Johnson's specialist Functional Pilates classes provide expert guidance in a welcoming and supportive environment, helping clients move with greater strength, confidence and ease.