Pelvic floor exercise, or Kegel exercise (//, //), consists of repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles that form part of the pelvic floor, now sometimes colloquially referred to as the "Kegel muscles". Several tools exist to help with these exercises, although various studies debate the relative effectiveness of different tools versus traditional exercises.[1][2] Exercises are usually done to reduce urinary incontinence,[3] reduce urinary incontinence after childbirth,[4] and reduce premature ejaculatory occurrences in men,[5] as well as to increase the size and intensity of erections.[6] They were first described in 1948 by Arnold Kegel.

The aim of Kegel exercises is to improve muscle tone by strengthening the pubococcygeus muscles of the pelvic floor. Kegel is a popular prescribed exercise for pregnant women to prepare the pelvic floor for physiological stresses of the later stages of pregnancy and childbirth. Kegel exercises are said to be good for treating vaginal prolapse[7] and preventing uterine prolapse[8] in women and for treating prostate pain and swelling resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis in men. Kegel exercises may be beneficial in treating urinary incontinence in both men and women.[3] Kegel exercises may also increase sexual gratification, allowing women to complete pompoir and aid in reducing premature ejaculation[5] in men. The many actions performed by Kegel muscles include holding in urine and avoiding defecation. Reproducing this type of muscle action can strengthen the Kegel muscles. The action of slowing or stopping the flow of urine may be used as a test of correct pelvic floor exercise technique [9] but should not be practiced as a regular exercise to avoid urinary retention.

It is now known that the components of levator ani (the pelvic diaphragm), namely pubococcygeus, puborectalis and ileococcygeus, contract and relax as one muscle. Hence, pelvic floor exercises involve the entire levator ani rather than pubococcygeus alone. Pelvic floor exercises may be of benefit in cases of fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse conditions e.g. rectal prolapse.[10]

A pelvic toning device (generically referred to as a Kegel exerciser,[11] pelvic floor toner, pelvic floor muscle toner or pelvic toner) is a medical or pseudo-medical device designed to help women exercise their pelvic floor muscle and improve the muscle tone of the pubococcygeal or vaginal muscle.

The original pelvic toning device was the perineometer, invented by Arnold Kegel to facilitate the measurement of the strength of the pubococcygeus muscle when it was resting and being actively squeezed - sometimes referred to as the Kegel tone.

His device was a combination of rubber balloons and tubes that measured pressure using a column of water. It was neither easy to use nor portable.

During the latter part of the 20th century, a number of medical and pseudo-medical devices were developed and launched onto the market. Some of these are used in a clinical setting, but most are designed for women to use in the privacy of their own home.

Pelvic toning devices fall into a number of different types:

Regular Kegel exercises should achieve tangible results (such as less frequent urine leakage) within about 8 to 12 weeks. For some women, the improvement could be dramatic.[12] Unfortunately there are a number of products on the market that have no impact at all on the pubococcygeus muscle. If the PC muscle is not engaged then it is impossible to improve the muscle tone or strengthen the muscle. Devices that are used externally, for example between the thighs, may exercise the adductor muscle but do nothing for the pelvic floor.

Clinical research published in the British Medical Journal [1] compared pelvic floor exercises, vaginal weights and electro-stimulation in a randomised trial. The research recommended that pelvic floor exercise should be the first choice of treatment for genuine stress incontinence because simple exercises proved to be far more effective than electro-stimulation or vaginal cones.

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Kegel exercise - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thai Chi

Relaxing Thai at Wafi 12Reviews

From Time Out Dubai Eating Out 2008

Eating al fresco on Thai Chis candlelit terrace alongside bubbling water features is a very soothing experience. But the limited choice of starters and main courses on the menu is slightly disappointing.

Theres nothing worse than a restaurant that tries to be a jack of all trades and a master of none. And thats the mistake that Thai Chi makes.

It offers both Chinese and Thai cuisine but doesnt excel at either. Neither does it offer a wide enough choice of dishes. This is made up for, however, by the great surroundings and friendly service.

On chilly evenings, the very attentive staff are even on hand to offer pashminas to ward off the Dubai winter. Main courses of sweet and sour chicken and Thai red chicken curry come in generous portions and are very tasty, but connoisseurs of Chinese or Thai food probably wouldnt come here to sample their favorite dishes.

However, those who want to dine out in pleasant surroundings with friendly staff and reasonable prices are well served at Thai Chi.

Time Out reviews restaurants anonymously and pays for meals. Of course, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or independence of user reviews.

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Thai Chi in Wafi, Oud Metha, Dubai - Restaurant Reviews ...

Relax with Christmas Eve yoga, massage

BRADENTON -- If the bustle of the holidays has you a little on edge, a Christmas Eve class at Gallen Massage and Yoga may be just the thing for moving toward serenity.

The class will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the yoga studio, 2722 Manatee Ave. W., Suite 1, Bradenton.

Christmas music will be playing as students are guided through relaxing yoga poses and breathing exercises to calm the body.

And there's a bonus: massage with essential oils during the class.

Kathleen Gallen, owner of the massage and yoga studio, is a massage therapist and will be giving massages for deeper relaxation. A second massage therapist will be working with her so that everyone gets a turn.

"It's the first time we've done this class and we're excited," said Gallen.

Cost is $20. Make a reservation because space in limited. Call 941-713-1637 or visit http://www.gallenmassage.com.

More yoga for the holidays

SARASOTA -- The holiday yoga tradition continues at Yoga from the Heart, 2010 Pine Terrace, Sarasota. The yoga studio will be hosting a class from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Christmas morning and a New Year's Day class from 10 a.m. to noon.

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Relax with Christmas Eve yoga, massage in Bradenton

West Babylon, New York (PRWEB) December 23, 2013

Yoga Darshana, a West Babylon, NY-based yoga center offering various yoga classes, special events and teacher training, is excited by the increased interest in becoming yoga instructors on the part of their students and is proud to offer training to those seeking to transition to a leadership role.

As a broader cross-section of the populace look for alternatives to the more traditional forms of exercise, yoga has seen an explosion in interest because of the combination of low-impact movements with potential increases in flexibility and fitness as well as the mental benefits offered. As more people come to study yoga and understand all of the variations and disciplines, interest in becoming a teacher is piqued as well. This has caused many yoga academies and schools adding teacher training to their class offerings with pleasing results.

Taking a yoga teacher training program will not only give the student an opportunity to deepen their own practice and learn much about themselves, it will also give them the confidence, skills and understanding to be able to teach yoga in large groups or to an individual, said Matthew Pecorella, President of Yoga Darshana Center. Students will also learn more about the subtle aspects of yoga that are not always mentioned such as the sacred texts. These ancient teachings offer in-depth wisdom that teaches us how to live a life that's free from anxiety and fear and awaken to our true nature.

The teacher training program at Yoga Darshana Center includes many different types of yoga such as vinyasa flow yoga, Hatha yoga, Iyengar yoga, restorative yoga, chair yoga and meditation. For those who are starting on the path to become an instructor, a 200 hour Yoga Teaching Certification is offered at Yoga Darshana Center. Other course studies include Continuing Education for current teachers as well as a Reiki Attunement & training program. Pecorella added that students who attend also develop a strong sense of community with the other trainees.

Since Yoga Darshanas inception in 2001, thousands of people have been helped; have become stronger, healthier, increased flexibility both physically and emotionally. People suffering from injuries, asthma, and osteoporosis, as well as emotional disturbances including anxiety, depression and PTSD, have been helped. A noncommercial center with a warm, peaceful and friendly environment, this safe and nurturing atmosphere allows students to feel at home and relax as they are. Through various means, sometimes using chairs, blocks, straps, sandbags or other props, yoga is made accessible for all regardless of body size, flexibility, injuries, limitations or age. Darshana believes that yoga should be accessible and affordable for everyone and tailors Yoga to the specific needs and lifestyles of each individual. Yoga Darshana is located in West Babylon, New York and can be contacted by phone at 631-893-1146 or online at http://www.yogadarshanacenter.com.

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Teaching Opportunities Opens New Doors for Yoga Enthusiasts

Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) December 24, 2013

YogaVibes, a leading distributor of online yoga classes, is excited to launch a new series of Anusara-inspired yoga videos with Sarah Faircloth, an established yoga teacher with over a decade of teaching experience.

Sarah is known for her fun and innovative approach to the practice. She elegantly weaves challenging, empowering, playful, and innovative asana with an expertise in the flowing wisdom and subtleties of yoga philosophy, inspiring each student to embody the exquisite teachings of yoga.

Her newest online yoga teachings present a comprehensive alignment-based series designed to take students through the basics of the Level 2 Syllabus of the Anusara Yoga style.

"I started teaching a series of classes to cover the principles of Anusara Yoga a couple years ago," says Sarah. "Since then, I have left the Anusara school. My style now is more eclectic with simpler alignment cues. However, I still feel that these 5 principles are one valid way of lining up the body. They can help students get a little deeper into poses. I'm excited to share the completion of this project with Yogavibes students."

YogaVibes is equally as excited to showcase these classes in a virtual yoga realm!

Why YogaVibes?

"I chose to partner with YogaVibes because they are bringing yoga into people's homes and hotel rooms in a way that gives students a feeling of connection to a real live class. There are many reasons why someone would be taking a class online. I like being able to reach students who may not otherwise make it to a yoga class. Having a plethora of classes taught by a diverse group of teachers, filmed in various studios, is a recipe for a virtual yoga tour of the country."

For a virtual Anusara yoga experience, embark upon the full range of intermediate level Anursara poses. Though challenging, Sarahs accessible teaching style and step-by-step instructions will make this series - broken into 8 classes - approachable and doable.

Start out the series with a Lotus-themed flow. Tune in as Sarah clearly instructs Lotus Pose in many different positions (standing, sitting, hand balancing, etc.). (78 mins.)

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Yogavibes Launches An Anusara-Inspired Yoga Series With Sarah Faircloth