If you’re a guy, you might want to skip this article. You’ve been warned! LOL
So this situation is really not new to me, but the subject was brought up last night at our Fit Club and I am compelled to write about it, for my fellow sisters!
I’m talking about peeing yourself during a workout! Guys, I warned you! Yes, this is something the majority of us goes through! For me it didn’t start happening until after my hysterectomy, but for many women it starts shortly after giving birth to their first child. It can happen when you sneeze, cough, laugh, exercise or other movements that increase intra-abdominal pressure.
For me (and apparently, many of you after last night) jumping jacks and scissor legs are my nemeses!!
So what can we do about it? Well, there are a few options. The most common advice is Kegels. What is a Kegel, you ask? Guys, second warning here. We’ve got a great article about Strength Training that might interest you. Or skip to the bottom of the page for a Guy’s article from Mike Rowe.
According to WebMD; Kegel exercises, also called pelvic floor exercises, help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder, uterus and bowels. By strengthening these muscles, you can reduce or prevent leakage problems.
One of the best ways to do a Kegel is practice stopping the flow when you’re peeing! Really!! Once you get the feel of the exercise, you can do sets of them throughout the day. Like when you get in the car to pick up the kids, grocery shop, whatever. Go ahead and try one right now… seriously, no one will know. I have done Kegels till i’m blue in the face, but unfortunately, they haven’t helped me much.
Other women will tell you that bladder sling surgery was the best thing they ever did. Personally, I’ve already had one surgery down there and a little pee doesn’t bother me enough to do it again.
So, practical solutions…?
Here are a few tips that I use that seem to work pretty good and make the best of the situation.
When working out in public, WEAR BLACK PANTS/SHORTS! Black hides the wet spots. I am NOT kidding you. LOL
Keep a Freshener in your gym bag– I have a homemade aromatherapy spray that I use that not only neutralizes odors, but is a sanitizer and freshener. Give yourself a good dousing afterwords to ward off any “scent” you may emit. I’m talking about sweat, right 😉
Empty your bladder right before your workout-lean forward, chest to thighs to squeeze out those last few drops.
Wear a pad-Uhg! Yes, I know it’s no fun, but I’d rather wear a pad then have it trickle! Poise hourglass seem to work pretty good, but this will be a personal trial and error test for you.
Wear a tampon-Bigger Uhg! Some say this extra pressure on the bladder completely stops the flow. I haven’t tried this yet, but next week I will!
Stay hydrated-are you kidding me? This seems counter-intuitive, doesn’t it? In fact, when someone is dehydrated the urine becomes more concentrated, which irritates the bladder. Keep that pee clear, ladies!
Coffee is a diuretic (makes you pee)- avoid it at least an hour before a workout.
Always have an extra towel in your car to cover your car seats.
Learn to laugh about it! It is very likely that the person standing next to you has done the exact same thing! You are a woman, Own it Proudly!!
Ladies, are you a pee-er? What do you do about it?
Guys, if you finished this article, I’m impressed. Here’s one you might like from Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs that talks about an unfortunate bowel situation while running on the Golden Gate Bridge.
Great article Jen! And soooo very true. I’m good in the morning but if I try to exercise in the afternoon, all bets are off. 😉
Thanks for being real, open, and honest! Helps to know we’re not alone.
Thanks Mel, doesn’t matter what time it is for me. If there are jumping jacks involved, forget about it!! 🙂
This was such a great article – entertaining and informative!!
I am currently doing Insanity and I always have to take a potty break after the warm up before all the jumping starts 🙂
Thank you Jenny. I never really thought that much about it until I had people start asking me questions. I guessed it was time to “Put it out there”! LOL
Laughing my ass off here Jen…. I am SO glad I’m not the only one!! haha! It definitely is the jumping that does me in…LOL
For sure, Amy! Glad you liked it 🙂
I’m just glad you didn’t suggest doing kegal’s during the routine. I don’t have the coordination to move my arms & legs in sync as it is!
Ha! You did great Liz! Thanks for coming!
A tampon DOES WORK!
I am hearing about Kegel exercising more and more. In fact a friend of mine has been trying to do it in order to avoid having surgery. Unfortunately she has lost the battle and is now awaiting her surgery date. She explained to me the hardest thing is to be able to focus on the muscles to use in each exercise in order to strengthen the muscles surrounding her organs.
Everyone thinks that working the core is all about a six pack, but not so. A strong core will keep us all in place and help us to avoid the above mentioned condition.
You are absolutely right Julia!