Core stability and intra-abdominal pressure

I use this analogy all the time in clinic to help patients understand the importance of managing their pressure to help improve core/pelvic floor symptoms. Pelvic floor symptoms such as prolapse and incontinence tend to be worse in high pressure situations, when the crisp packet (the core) is overwhelmed.

Breathing is an easy way to reduce pressure. If we exhale rather than hold our breath on exertion, there is less pressure being held "in the crisp packet" that has to be managed by the core muscles. If you have symptoms on a particular activity - such as running/HIIT or cross fit, see your local women's health physio. They will be able to modify your activity to better manage the pressure you are producing with that activity.