What is a Reverse Kegel, Know the Benefits and Precautions

A reverse Kegel is a type of simple stretching exercise that helps the pelvic floor muscles relax. ^{(1, 2)} Practicing reverse Kegel helps relieve pelvic pain and tension while also increasing flexibility. Reverse Kegels are the exact opposite of traditional Kegels. The focus of reverse Kegels is on releasing and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, while traditional Kegels focus on the contraction and release of the pelvic region. Both types of Kegels help increase the balance of your pelvic floor.^{(3, 4, 5)}

Both reverse and traditional Kegels are known for their potential positive impact on your sex life. These exercises are believed to also increase libido and allow people to experience stronger orgasms. Reverse Kegels, especially, are said to help make sex more enjoyable for women who have dyspareunia, a medical term used to describe painful intercourse.^{(6, 7)}

Reverse Kegels are also said to be beneficial for women during childbirth. This is because the exercise teaches women how to let go of the pelvic floor, which is helpful during childbirth.

Reverse Kegels can help elongate the pelvic muscles and also improve muscle control in both men and women. This can help alleviate many conditions that are related to pelvic tension, such as constipation and muscular imbalance. It can also help enhance lower back strength, bladder control and give better hip stability.^{(9, 10)}

Many people get confused about which muscles they need to target while doing any type of Kegels. It is important to locate and identify the right muscles before you try out a reverse Kegel. For most people, dropping the pelvic floor is likely to feel similar to the release you feel when you have a bowel movement, or urinate. Due to this, it is very important that you empty your bowels and bladder before you attempt the reverse Kegel. This will let you practice this exercise without the fear of having an accident.⁽¹¹⁾

When you are ready, focus on releasing the same muscles while you inhale. As you take in oxygen, your diaphragm and pelvic floor muscles will lower.

Even though men and women practice the exercise differently, the main foundation of reverse Kegel remains the same for both genders. The purpose is to lengthen the muscles between the tailbone and pubic bone.

Women can do a reverse Kegel while standing, sitting, or lying down on their back. Keep your knees bent. Once you are in position, take a deep breath in and bring your awareness to your pelvic floor. Relax the pelvic muscles first and then drop down as you inhale.

You can also use a mirror to check the movement of the exercise. You will find that your anus will release as the space between the vagina and the anus moves down. At the same time, you should feel the space between the tailbone and the pubic bone expanding.

Hold this reverse Kegel for five seconds and then release it again for the same amount of time. You can do two to three sets of ten reverse Kegels throughout the day.

Once you have mastered the process, you can move on to holding and releasing the pelvic floor for longer periods of time.⁽¹²⁾

The important thing here is to ensure that you keep breathing while doing these exercises. It is necessary to breathe all the way into your stomach while inhaling. Do not only breathe into the chest. If you are having a difficult time doing this, try to keep your belly relaxed. It will help.

Men can practice doing reverse Kegels while standing, sitting, or while lying down on their back with their knees bent. Once in this position, contract the muscles as though you are trying to pee faster or just urinate. This will relax the perineal muscle and move the pressure away from the prostate.

As you release the muscles of the anus, feel the perineal body move downward. Now lift up your testicles and panic a little bit while contracting the front penile muscles. You should feel more space being made between your tailbone and pubic bone.

Men should hold the reverse Kegel for five seconds and release it for the same time. Continue to do two to three sets of ten reverse Kegels during the day. After mastering the technique, you can increase the time of holding and releasing the muscles.

As with women, it is important for men also to keep breathing while doing these reverse Kegel exercises. Breathe all the way into the stomach while inhaling instead of breathing into the chest.

It is important to remember that you should only practice reverse Kegels when you have an empty bladder. Do not overdo the exercise and overwork your muscles, especially when you are starting out. Also, make sure you are not straining or pushing. Never attempt these exercises while practicing other core exercises.

Immediately stop doing reverse Kegels if they cause any type of pain or discomfort. This is usually a sign that you are not doing the exercise properly.

You should never forget to keep breathing properly. If you are not breathing and instead hold your breath, it will end up creating more tension in the body. It is always helpful to speak with your doctor or a fitness instructor about how to learn and master this technique before you go ahead with it.

References:

Also Read:

• How to Do Kegels|Types of Kegel Exercises for Men & Women & Its Benefits
• Benefits & Comfortable Wear For Kegel Exercises