Jumping Rope & Pelvic Floor: Strengthening or Weakening?

Question
Hi Helene,

I am 18 month postpartum.  Does jumping rope regularly weaken the pelvic floor muscles or does it actually strengthen the pelvic floor muscles by constantly challenging the muscles to be pulled in and up?  I am worried that jumping rope can cause urinary stress incontinence on the long run.  What do you think?  Thank you very much for your time and help.  

Answer
By eighteen months pp, your connective tissues are no long influenced by pregnancy hormones, and so you do not have to worry about laxity and/or instability. As to your pelvic floor muscles, if your deep core muscles activate properly during exercise, then yes, your pelvic floor muscles will be engaged, at least to a small extent. I doubt that jumping rope would cause any more difficulty than other high impact aerobic exercise.

On the other hand, I don't think that jumping rope will have a strong positive impact on the musculature either. So if you have not yet fully reconditioned your pelvic floor, keep on doing lots of Kegels, as well as conscientiously contracting the muscles as you engage your core muscles before activities like lifting and carrying.

Some women unintentionally push down as they engage their abs, and this poor habit can weaken pelvic floor muscles and contribute to USI. In terms of exercise, activities like heavy weight lifting, clean and jerk, dead lifts, etc. put the most pressure on pelvic floor muscles.