Bodykind Pelvic Floor Toner > Reviews (2)

I am the first to write about the Pelvic Floor Toner, so I will start by saying that this review is of a sensitive nature and is aimed at women (sorry guys!). I think that from all of the reviews I have written so far, this has to be the most important as it deals with an issue that so many women are too embarrassed to talk about.

When I was pregnant everyone kept on telling me to do my Pelvic Floor exercises - to do this you squeeze your muscles together as if you are trying to stop yourself from weeing. I did these regularly and also did them after the birth of my Son. Up until I was 8 months pregnant I was going to the gym 3-4 times a week and although I did my pelvic floor exercises I took it for granted that I had no problems 'down there' so to speak. So, when my Son turned one year's old I decided to start exercising to tone up, this involved some light jogging and using a mini trampoline. This is when I realised that my pelvic floor was very weak.

If you find that you wee a little (or a lot) when you laugh, sneeze and/or exercising then it may be a sign that you need to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. In hindsight, I should have realised that my pelvic floor muscles were weak as when I was trying to pull them in it felt like I wasn't doing anything.

It sounds embarrassing, but I was unable to jog/run unless I was wearing a sanitary pad and I quickly realised that I had no control over my pelvic floor, which results in incontinence. This made me feel very down and I stopped exercising as I was conscious that I wasn't able to control my pelvic floor. I hadn't really noticed that it was a big problem until I started jogging. I spoke to the Health Visitor and it was recommended that I try a Pelvic Floor Toner. I did a little research on the internet and found the Bodykind Pelvic Floor Toner. It cost £31.00 and I purchased it from Bodykind through Ebay. I also researched electronic pelvic floor toners but they cost in excess of £100 for the good ones, so decided on a cheaper manual one.

The Pelvic Floor Toner is a progressive resistance exerciser which is used to increase your pelvic floor muscle tone (otherwise known as Kegel exercises). A healthy pelvic floor is important at all stages of life as exercising your pelvic floor will help to strengthen the muscles that support the Vagina (yes, I said the 'V' word - phew! Glad that's over and done with!), urethra, bladder, uterus and rectum. This could also alleviate urinary incontinence, support child birth, discourage pelvic floor disease and menstrual problems and improve your sexual enjoyment and responsiveness.

I was a little daunted when I first used the Pelvic Floor Toner as the toner looks big. I was also expecting it to be very uncomfortable to use but it wasn't. The toner comes with a number of tension springs; these allow you to use the toner at a comfortable setting so that you can build up the muscles over time. The first spring is easy and the second spring can be used once you build up resistance.

The biggest secret to be able to use the toner is to relax and I find it more comfortable to use after a bath.

The Pelvic Floor Toner is inserted into your vagina and it is recommended that you start with the least amount of tension until you have got used to the technique. Therefore you start with Spring One. This may seem an obvious statement but it needs to be used whilst you are lying down on your back and should be used with a water-soluble lubricant to make it easier to insert.

It is hard to explain what it feels like to use the toner, but you will know if you are not using it correctly as you won't feel any tension in the springs. Having said that, if you have very weak pelvic floor muscles, it may take a while until you start to feel the toner opening and closing. As your muscle tone improves it is easier to know when you are doing the exercises properly.

It's best to start with 3 sets of 30 repetitions or a total of 90 reps or 90 closings. I do it in sets otherwise I lose count of how many I have done. The toner won't improve things overnight, like most things it takes time and practice. It is recommended that it is used everyday, but if you can't use it everyday it needs to be used a minimum of 3 times a week. Using the toner less than this does nothing for your pelvic floor. As I have been using the toner for over 6 months I use it a few times a week.

Removing the Pelvic Floor Toner is very easy and comfortable. Naturally for hygiene reasons it needs to be washed after every use with soap and water and can also be placed in a dishwasher. The Pelvic Floor Toner is made from medical grade ABS plastic with an AMC/Sil anti-microbial additive. As mentioned above, it should only be used with a water-soluble lubricant and should never be used with Vaseline or any other oil based products. The springs are made of stainless steel so shouldn't rust or corrode (well let's hope not).

It's worth noting that the Pelvic Floor Toner should not be used during pregnancy or if you have a history of genitor-urinary tract infections or had any genitor-urinary tract surgery and can only be used 8-12 weeks after birth.

To me, the Bodykind Pelvic Floor Toner has changed my life. I know it sounds a cliché, but I now have control over my Pelvic Floor Muscles and am able to exercise without the need to wear a sanitary pad. I know that my pelvic floor muscles can never return to what they were before I gave birth, but I no longer feel embarrassed by it as it is a very common condition, especially as women get older and after childbirth. Some people need to get professional help from GP/Hospital and pelvic floor toners (whether manual or electronic) can help to strengthen your muscles. I have benefited a lot from using this product therefore I have to give it 5 stars.

For more information, please visit: www.bodykind.co.uk

Thanks for reading xx
© sweetdaisy 2010