My Patient’s Honest Experience with Low Pressure Fitness | Q&A
An Introduction from Jenna, doctor of Physical Therapy and Specialist in Low Pressure FitnessI have been practicing Low Pressure Fitness for over six years, and yet, I continue to have difficulty fully articulating its benefits. When I read this testimonial from my client Colleen, who happens to be an extraordinarily talented writer, I was delighted that she managed to put into words so many of the feelings about Low Pressure Fitness that I often fail to communicate. Her words are a beautifully presented representation of the benefits of Low Pressure Fitness hypopressive exercise. My hope in sharing it, in entirety, is that you can sense the depth of healing that this practice can facilitate.
Colleen’s Experience with Low Pressure Fitness
Her TestimonialJenna, DPT: When you began Low Pressure Fitness what was your goal? Describe how that goal was met.
Colleen: I came to LPF with back, hip, and pelvic pain, unable to sit up or roll over well because I was so disconnected from my core muscles, bladder prolapse, constipation and digestive sluggishness and pain, scar tissue from birth trauma and stitches, and a lot of anxiety about my pelvic floor and general ability to function comfortably. I'd already tried many other approaches: more traditional pelvic floor PT, several different yoga approaches, the Fajardo Movement Method, isometric contraction exercise, acupuncture, vaginal steaming, and more. I wanted to feel better, but I didn't really believe healing was possible for me. I was wrong. LPF has relieved my symptoms in every area and then some.
Jenna, DPT: What surprised you about LPF? What did you grow to love about the practice?
Colleen: Most of the other pelvic health approaches I tried focused on lifting and squeezing, and the others focused on letting go and relaxing. It was incredibly confusing and frustrating. I didn't understand my body or why it wasn't responding to these methods. In LPF, I was surprised to find that we can let go of the either/or -- that we can strengthen, tone, and relax tension all in one, and that we do so simply through the intentional use of our breathing, which has the added benefit of being super relaxing and calming.
I love that I can do a longer, deeper practice when I have the time or a few short poses when my life is really hectic but I still want to keep my practice up. I love that I don't have to divide my priorities with LPF -- the practice helps my digestion, helps me get restful sleep, helps my pelvic floor heal, helps my posture in everything I do, and helps me feel calm and relaxed. My two year old also loves to practice alongside me. I love that it felt really easy to start; that helped me get over my doubts and resistance to trying another approach. I also love that my relationship with it is constantly growing and changing as my body grows and changes and strengthens. I get to keep learning and discovering more about the practice and my body.
Jenna, DPT: What would you say if you were trying to convince your best friend to try Low Pressure Fitness?
Colleen: I tell anyone who will listen: Jenna is your person and LPF is your practice. While I am sure other approaches are right for some people, and we all need to find what works for us, I know so many people (regardless of whether they've had babies or not, and no matter their gender) who've felt like they just can't find the healing and relief they're looking for, who have a couple of different concerns that feel related but no one can explain how -- like pain or tension in their pelvic floor or back, as well as digestive issues and anxiety, depression, and fatigue. If that sounds like you, try LPF. It's a practice that can help you connect the dots of your emotions, mood, digestion, pelvic pain, and so much more. It's deceptively simple, but it's also a miracle. You don't have to strain so hard to "strengthen" your core -- you can breathe your way into feeling better.
Jenna, DPT: How has Low Pressure Fitness changed your perception of abdominal training?
Colleen: Completely. I wish I'd done it before my pregnancy and all throughout. I wish I'd never done a Kegel in my whole life. LPF is life-changing.
Jenna, DPT: Anything else that you would like people to know:
Colleen: I think you are the best :) Thank you for changing my life. Thank you for giving me my body back. Thank you for helping me feel like a whole person again.
GETTING STARTED WITH LOW PRESSURE FITNESS HYPOPRESSIVES
A big thank you to Colleen for her clear and kind words. I certainly know I resonated with the feelings she conveyed.
If you also resonated with her experience, and are interested in gleaning the benefits that Low Pressure Fitness has to offer, I have the following options available to get started:
HYPOPRESSIVE EXERCISE ONLINE CLASSES
I teach several live classes a week. I highly recommend that you start with an “Intro to LPF: Breath” class if you are able!
HYPOPRESSIVE ONLINE COURSES
If live classes simply are not in the cards for you during this season, I have 2 different online courses that contain everything that you need to implement Low Pressure Fitness hypopressive exercise:
Core Shift is my original course that walks you through the practice step by step.
IGNITE is a 30 day challenge program.
Honestly both courses are great and which one you choose is a matter of preference.
THE HYPOPRESSIVE PROJECT ONLINE MEMBERSHIP
If you would like access to everything including all courses and live classes, I highly recommend The Hypopressive Project All Access Membership. I created this membership to be the ultimate, accessible resource to help you get started and grow your hypopressive exercise practice. I would be honored if you would join me there!
For the latest Low Pressure Fitness news, updates, and tips, sign up for my newsletter here!
I hope to see you in class soon!
