Hypopressive gymnastics is a type of gymnastics that is finding more and more followers, especially followers. It focuses on abdominal work, with the main goal of reducing the waist as we expected in the previous post. In the next lines, we will delve into its characteristics, advantages and equipment required to put it into practice.
What is hypopressive gymnastics and what are its benefits
Hypopressive gymnastics affects the abdominal area using apnea breathing technique. Thus, this involves opening the ribs during breathing to create hypopression in the abdomen and pelvic cavity, which must persist for several seconds. This induces the sucking movement of the viscera and, performed at the frequency and repetitions indicated by the experts, causes the muscles in the area to “reconfigure”, reducing volume and lethargy.
Therefore, one of its main advantages is aesthetics, as it helps to achieve a flatter belly. In fact, it is an increasingly common method for women in the postpartum period, as it involves restoring the pelvic floor, returning it to parameters before delivery.
According to some studies, this kind of pelvic floor rehabilitation can also relieve urinary incontinence in women. This, in turn, will help prevent urinary infections caused by this particular urinary incontinence. Pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation can also help improve sexual relationships.
In addition to these aesthetic benefits, various expert physical therapists point to other benefits for our body, such as improved back health. This is due to the fact that in certain exercises, the intervertebral discs are slightly stretched.
However, it must be clearly stated that not everyone can engage in hypopressive gymnastics. For example, and understandably pregnant women should refrain from doing these exercises. The same is true for people with hypertension, as apnea can be completely counterproductive. In the latter case, it is recommended that you consult with a specialist doctor whether to do these exercises or not.
What do you need to do these exercises?
To practice hypopressive gymnastics, you don’t need a lot of space or a lot of tools. You can do this perfectly at home or in consultation with your specialized physiotherapist.
Many exercises are done on the floor, so it is very important to have a good mat to make your posture more comfortable. In other cases, the exercise is performed on a stretcher, especially if it requires the intervention of a physiotherapist or monitor. However, not all exercises are performed in a horizontal position, while others are performed while standing, for which no special furniture element is required.
In terms of accessories, some exercises are performed with elastic bands, although it is common practice to do them without additional equipment, simply by changing posture and maintaining exhalation apnea.
Therefore, the clothes for this gym don’t have to be special either. Most of the garments used in fitness are compatible, but with one important caveat: you must use garments that leave your belly in the air without putting external pressure on it. Therefore, women usually wear tops, while men usually leave their torso naked.