We spend a lot of time talking about building stronger glutes, lifting heavier weights, and improving cardiovascular fitness. But one of the most important muscle systems in the body is often overlooked: the core and pelvic floor.
That’s exactly what led me to discover hypopressives.
Expanding Horizons
As a coach, I’ve worked with everyone from competitive athletes to postpartum moms. No matter their goals, I kept seeing the same patterns: weak core function, poor posture, back discomfort, pelvic floor issues, and women who exercised consistently but still felt something was missing.
I wanted something that addressed the root of the problem, not just the symptoms. That search led me to pursue advanced training in hypopressives through Hypopressives Canada, giving me another tool to help clients build a stronger foundation from the inside out.
At first, I assumed hypopressives were just stomach vacuums, but I quickly learned they’re much more. Hypopressives combine posture, breathing, and a specific breath-hold technique known as an apnea to help manage pressure through the core. This encourages your diaphragm, deep core, and pelvic floor to work together naturally rather than simply pulling the stomach inward.
Unlike many traditional core exercises that focus on bracing, hypopressives emphasize posture, breathing, and pressure management. The goal is to help the deep core and pelvic floor function as a coordinated system. Think of it as retraining your core to work the way it was designed to.
Small Effort, Big Payoff
The benefits extend far beyond aesthetics. Whether you’re an athlete looking for better core control, a woman recovering after pregnancy, or someone who simply wants to move and feel better, hypopressives can be a valuable addition to your routine.
Research suggests hypopressives may improve posture, breathing mechanics, balance, core control, and pelvic floor function. Many people also report less back discomfort, greater body awareness, and improved movement quality. Athletes often feel more stable during lifting, while women recovering after pregnancy commonly incorporate hypopressives into their recovery once cleared by their healthcare provider.
And to be honest, hypopressives have changed how I coach. Instead of simply telling clients to “brace their core,” I can help them build a stronger foundation that carries over into every workout and everyday movement. Just remember that they don’t replace strength training—they help you work better in everything else you do.
After all, sometimes the strongest body isn’t built by doing more. Sometimes it’s built by building strength from the inside out.
Try It: Venus Posture
Before your next workout, take two minutes to practice this posture and breathing sequence.
1 Stand with your feet hip-width apart and knees slightly bent. Keep your gaze forward.
2 Grow tall through the top of your head, gently open your chest, and let your arms float slightly away from your sides so your upper back feels lightly engaged.
3 Take three slow breaths. Inhale through your nose, letting your ribs expand out to the sides. Exhale fully while staying tall.
4 After your last exhale, close your airway as if you’re holding your breath, then gently mimic an inhale without allowing any air in. You should feel your rib cage lift and your abdomen draw inward naturally.
5 Hold for five to 10 seconds, then relax and return to normal breathing. Repeat three to five times.
