Pelvic muscle strengthening exercises Information Kegel exercises were originally developed as a method of controlling incontinence in women following childbirth. The success of Kegel exercises depends on proper technique and adherence to a regular exercise program. Some people have difficulty identifying and isolating the muscles of the pelvic floor. Care must be taken to learn to contract the correct muscles. Typically, most people contract the abdominal or thigh muscles, while not even working the pelvic floor muscles.
Several techniques exist to help the incontinent person identify the correct muscles.
One approach is to sit on the toilet and start to urinate. Try to stop the flow of urine midstream by contracting your pelvic floor muscles. Repeat this action several times until you become familiar with the feel of contracting the correct group of muscles. Do not contract your abdominal, thigh, or buttox muscles while performing the exercise. You should then try to tighten the muscles around your finger as if holding back urine.