Hypopressives for Pelvic Floor Health: Can They Help with Leaks?

by Helen Rankin April 9, 2025

Hypopressives for Pelvic Floor Health: Can They Help with Leaks?

If you’re experiencing bladder leaks, you’re not alone — and you’re definitely not without options. You might have already heard about Kegel exercises and pelvic floor trainers (like our Secret Whispers Kegel Weight Kit!) as a go-to for strengthening your pelvic floor muscles, correcting prolapse and incontinence. But there’s another technique gaining attention: hypopressives.

We were actually inspired to write this after seeing a brilliant reel from Tova Leigh (yes, the Tova Leigh — and yes, she mentions Cheeky Pants too!).

In the comments, someone mentioned hypopressives for pelvic floor leaks and urinary incontinence, and we knew we had to dig deeper. Because these exercises are seriously worth knowing about.

So what exactly are hypopressives? And can they really help with incontinence symptoms and pelvic floor dysfunction? Let’s explore.

What Are Hypopressives?

Hypopressives, or hypopressive exercises, are a type of low-pressure fitness training. They involve specific postures and breathing techniques to reduce intra-abdominal pressure.

Unlike high-impact exercises that can strain your pelvic floor, hypopressives work to lift and strengthen the pelvic floor by engaging deep core muscles through a series of slow, mindful movements.

Originally developed for post natal recovery and pelvic floor issues, hypopressives are now recognised as a powerful tool for anyone wanting to improve symptoms of pelvic floor function, core strength and posture.

How Do Hypopressives Help With Bladder Leaks?

Let’s be clear: bladder leaks happen when the pelvic floor muscles are too weak (or too tight) to support the bladder properly. This can happen due to childbirth, hormonal changes, ageing, high-impact sports, or even chronic coughing.

Hypopressives can help in a few important ways:

Strengthening Deep Core and Pelvic Floor Muscles

Unlike traditional exercises that focus on surface muscles, hypopressives target the deeper stabilising muscles, including the diaphragm, transversus abdominis, and pelvic floor. This layered support helps strengthen and tone to create better bladder control over time.

Reducing Intra-Abdominal Pressure

High pressure in the abdomen (think: straining, heavy lifting, even constipation) pushes down on the bladder. Hypopressives focus on pressure management, teaching your body to naturally 'lift' rather than 'bear down', which can reduce leaks.

Improving Posture

Believe it or not, posture plays a huge role in pelvic health. Slouching can compress your bladder and pelvic area. Hypopressives encourage upright alignment, giving your pelvic floor muscles better conditions to function properly.

Helping with Prolapse Symptoms

For those dealing with pelvic organ prolapse (pop) and incontinence, hypopressives can offer relief by encouraging upward support of the pelvic organs.

Help Correct Diastasis Recti

Hypopressives bring the transformative power needed to regain your core strength and function, playing a crucial role in alleviating Diastasis Recti symptoms.

Are Hypopressives Right for Everyone?

While hypopressives can benefit many people, they’re especially useful for adding strength and tone to:

Postnatal recovery
Menopausal women
Anyone experiencing stress incontinence
People with mild pelvic organ prolapse
Athletes or those doing high-impact sports

Effectiveness of hypopressive exercises requires proper technique. It’s a good idea to learn from a qualified instructor, either in person or through reputable online courses.

Complementing Hypopressives With Other Pelvic Floor Care

At Secret Whispers, we always encourage a holistic approach to pelvic health. Hypopressives are fantastic, but they work even better alongside other tools:

Kegel Weight Training and pelvic floor exercises to add resistance and build strength.
Good toileting habits to avoid unnecessary straining.
Breathwork and relaxation to release tension in overactive muscles.
Reusable incontinence pads or pants for peace of mind while you build strength.

The goal is confidence, freedom, and a life without leaks — and hypopressives can absolutely be part of that journey.

Final Thoughts: Your Pelvic Floor Deserves Care

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to pelvic floor health, but hypopressives offer a powerful, non-invasive way to regain control and reduce leaks. With commitment and the right guidance, you can strengthen and support your pelvic floor — and feel more confident every day.

Your body deserves it!

P.S. If you’re ready to explore pelvic floor muscle training, why not start with our trusted Secret Whispers Kegel Weight Kit? Pairing Kegels with hypopressives can give you double the benefit for lasting results.

💙 Start today with Secret Whispers 6 step programme below and give your body the support it needs from the inside out.

If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help every step of the way.

For more tips, check out these related blog posts:

➡️ Fancy a FREEBIE? Download our FREE guide The easy way to get a stronger pelvic floor

About the Author: Secret Whispers was founded by Julie Colan, a passionate mum and health advocate who saw the need for effective pelvic floor solutions. Now, Helen Rankin, the founder of Cheeky Wipes and Cheeky Pants—known for her award-winning work in sustainable product development—has taken the helm at Secret Whispers. Helen is committed to advancing the company’s mission, believing that women shouldn’t have to accept incontinence as a given. With the innovative Secret Whispers Kegel weights, she aims to offer every woman an effective, reusable solution for pelvic floor health. Try them and take control of your wellness journey today!

Hypopressives for Pelvic Floor Health: Can They Help with Leaks?