Women aged 40 and above are less commonly seen on trampolines due to various factors such as hormonal changes, decreased muscle strength, and pelvic floor issues resulting from pregnancy and childbirth. These challenges often lead to urinary incontinence, affecting around 4.2 million women in the UK.
Research indicates that many women give up physical activities they enjoy before turning 40 due to bladder leaks. Emily Clarkson, a journalist and daughter of Jeremy Clarkson, recently shared a personal experience of having to make an unexpected restroom stop during a run after childbirth. Powerlifter Emily Westray has also spoken openly about experiencing urinary leakage during gym workouts.
Contrary to common belief, bladder weakness is not limited to older women or mothers. Even young and healthy individuals like a 28-year-old may face urinary incontinence, especially during activities like powerlifting that exert pressure on the core and pelvic floor. Open discussions about pelvic health are crucial to raise awareness and promote proper management strategies like Kegel exercises.
Preventable pelvic floor issues, including bladder leaks, should not hinder women from engaging in physical training. Despite its prevalence, there is a lack of adequate support in gyms for women facing these challenges. TENA, a bladder care brand, is advocating for major gyms in the UK to prioritize pelvic floor health by incorporating education on pelvic floor exercises and creating inclusive gym environments.
TENA has penned an open letter to leading gym chains like PureGym, JD Gyms, and Virgin Active, urging them to enhance support for pelvic floor health. The initiative aims to empower women in sports by addressing the issue of bladder leaks through education and practical measures within gym facilities.
Despite the effectiveness of pelvic floor training, awareness and assistance for women dealing with urinary incontinence remain insufficient. Jennifer Grayson, Brand Manager at TENA Women, emphasized the importance of gyms taking proactive steps to ensure women feel confident, supported, and able to pursue their fitness goals without limitations.
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