About Hypopressives
What are Hypopressives?
Despite being a relatively recent introduction to the UK, Hypopressives have been used in various parts of European since the 1980’s, being achievable for people of any age, size, shape or ability.
Hypopressive Exercise is a gentle whole body technique that combines rhythmical breathing, postural holds & relaxation
Combining these elements strengthens pelvic floor and core muscles to become reflexive, responsive, and resilient.
How do Hypopressives Work?
Hypopressives use a combination of:
• Specific postures
• Slow breathing
• Gentle breath holds (apnoea)
• Ribcage expansion
This creates a natural lift inside the body, reducing pressure in the abdomen and allowing the pelvic floor and organs to respond reflexively.
There is:
• No impact
• No straining
• No forced squeezing
Instead, the body learns to lift, support, and stabilise automatically.
This makes hypopressives ideal for women with:
• Prolapse
• Incontinence
• Overactive pelvic floor
• Pain
• Menopausal changes
• Or anyone who feels disconnected from their core.
Why Hypopressives Are Different
Most exercise focuses on:
• Pushing harder
• Holding tighter
• Doing more
Hypopressives focus on:
• Decompression instead of pressure
• Reflex activation instead of force
• Support instead of strain
• Calm instead of stress
They strengthen the body without overwhelming it.
Is This Right for You?
Hypopressives may be especially helpful if you:
• Are in perimenopause or menopause
• Have had babies and never fully felt “right” again
• Experience leaks, heaviness or prolapse
• Feel anxious, tense, or disconnected from your body
• Want strength without high-impact exercise
• Want to age well, not just cope
A Gentle, Powerful Way Back to Yourself
At Hypopressives North Wales, this work is about more than muscles.
It’s about:
• Feeling safe in your body
• Trusting your strength again
• Letting go of tension
• And rebuilding support from the inside out
Strong. Supported. Calm. Connected.
That’s what hypopressives offer.
Hypopressives v's Kegals?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends pelvic floor training and lifestyle guidance as the primary strategies for pelvic organ prolapse, bladder, and bowel control issues. Core strengthening is similarly advised for managing back and pelvic pain.
Research shows that when done accurately, core and pelvic floor training can effectively prevent, alleviate, and even resolve these challenges.
Hypopressives are increasingly recognised as a reliable method for achieving these outcomes, supported by growing research evidence. Traditional exercises (kegels) are performed incorrectly by around 75% of us and fail to address the entire system, potentially leading to more problems .
Hypopressives Exercise stands out;
- automatically engages 70-80% of our core and pelvic floor muscles.
- works even if you struggle to locate your pelvic floor.
- involves complete movements of action and relaxation.
- is gentle and reduces risk of overload.
- reprograms the entire core, integrating myofascial chains, respiratory, and nervous systems.
Can everyone do Hypopressives?
Hypopressives exercise is not vigorous and you do not require any previous level of fitness or exercise experience to enjoy it, however one element, the Hypopressive apnoea (breath-hold with vacuum) should not be practised by individuals who are pregnant, or those dealing with;
- active cancer
- cardio-respiratory disease
- uncontrolled blood pressure
- acute inflammatory gut disorders like Crohn’s Disease
- recent abdominal surgery.
This is because, when practising the Hypopressive apnoea technique, the body experiences decreased internal pressures, creating a unique ‘vacuum effect’. While this component may not be suitable for individuals with the above specific conditions, it will not hinder your enjoyment of other aspects of the exercise.