Every part of your body needs exercise: the brain, heart, and even the pubococcygeus muscles (PC). These prehistoric sounding PC muscles are a big deal. They control the flow of urine and semen, the stiffness of your penis during an erection, tightness of your vagina, and aid in childbirth. So you can see why you might want to spend a little more time doing Kegels and a little less time doing squats.
As with any exercise, technique is crucial. So make sure you’re working the correct muscles. In order to find your PC muscles, try the following techniques:
- Option A: Stop the flow of urine the next time you go to the bathroom.
- Option B: Insert your finger into your vagina, or anus if you’re a man, it will tighten when you contract the right muscles.
So now that you’ve earned your gold star for the day, what do you do? Well I’ll tell you what not to do. Don’t go buying one of those fancy schmancy kegel exercise devices from an infomercial, after a late night drinking binge. They’re right up there with those abdominal thingamabobs. Everything you need is right between your legs.
The nice thing about Kegels is that they can be done anywhere, anytime, anyplace. Who says there’s nothing to do at work? Ready, set, go:
- Squeeze your PC muscles as hard as you can and hold for three-five seconds. Release and relax for the same amount of time. As you get stronger, increase.
- Repeat the contract and relax cycle ten times.
- Over the course of the day, do three to four repetitions of the set.
- Make sure you’re not using any other muscles. Thighs, buttocks, and abdominals have a tendency to overcompensate for weak PC muscles.
- Don’t overdo it! It’s important to build up slowly and listen to your body. If you experience pain or discomfort, you’re pushing yourself too hard. I understand the rush and all, but keep the prize in mind.
